STAR TRENDS

Hollywood wears the color purple

Purple reign

By Danielle Dubin
PEOPLE

R&B singer Mya smartly flirts with shades of violet. To see more Star Trends visit PEOPLE.COM

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(PEOPLE) -- Once reserved for the monarchy, the color purple -- in shades ranging from eggplant and amethyst to lilac and mauve -- is a current favorite of Hollywood royalty.

Celebrities like Madonna and Ming-Na are picking grape for a bunch of reasons.

"It makes me feel feminine and sexy," says singer Mya, while actress Jennifer Esposito likes "the way it complements my skin tone."

In modern or vintage styles, this warm hue can look fresh well into the cooler months.

If you're a shrinking violet, focus on just one piece in purple before going head to toe.

Don't worry -- no one will mistake you for Barney.

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