Literary notes about puce (AI summary)
In literature, puce often emerges as a distinctive, somewhat ambiguous hue that lends a refined yet understated character to fabrics and apparel. Authors have used it to evoke both elegance and a hint of decay, as when a character dons a "puce‐coloured taffety riding-coat" [1] or when remnants of a "puce coat" linger in sentimental rings [2]. Modern texts, too, find merit in the unusual color—Joyce famously having a character request "puce gloves" [3]—thereby ensuring puce remains a subtle marker of style and nuance. Overall, puce serves not merely as a color but as a literary device that enriches descriptions by balancing vitality with a wistful, muted charm.