Black, thy name is purple.

The color of royalty and enchantment is the "it" color for fall and winter. Its many shades and hues are showing up in fashion apparel, accessories, cosmetics and personal-care products -- all reflecting the range of purple seen in the great outdoors.

Very little purple actually appears in nature. But when it does, it inspires designers, from amethyst, grape and plum to lilac, wisteria, orchid and pansy. Depending upon the shade, purple can be formal (eggplant), feminine (lavender), or warm and cozy (violet).

Purple pops as "the most enigmatic of all colors," combining "the excitement of red and the tranquility of blue," says color expert Leatrice Eiseman. Purple has "an aura of mystery and intrigue," she says, adding that people who love purple tend to be unconventional, highly creative, generous, charming, witty, vain, moody.

Maureen Staley has stocked her Shadyside specialty store, The Picket Fence, with all sorts of purple pieces this season: a sweater dress by M. Rena, stretchy tops by Susana Monaco, clutch bags by Lauren Merkin, and knit hats by local artists Lajelle and Giant Dwarf.

"People want to see color," says Ms. Staley. "They're not necessarily into all the browns and blacks. Purple is a nice fall color. And it's a jewel tone, so it has a richness about it."