It’s easy to assume that curating a wardrobe that screams “money” requires you to spend a ton, but that’s far from the truth. Some of the most sophisticated people know it’s not about wearing specific labels. It’s all about sartorial perspective, creative styling, and neutral shades. Of course, finding your distinct point of view and learning how to be creative with how you style clothing are skills that take time to cultivate. Thankfully, there’s one other shortcut to looking sophisticated: opting for neutral shades. Stylish women can attest that nothing can elevate everyday staples faster than a refined color palette, and gray has become the hue of choice to attain that goal. If you’ve kept up with recent color trends, it should be no surprise that this seemingly dull color has become exciting again.
With dove, slate, and charcoal variations surfacing in the runway collections of Prada, Ferragamo, and Bottega Veneta, gray is slowly becoming the new neutral of choice. Don’t be fooled; it’s not just luxury houses that have given this shade new life. From Paris to Copenhagen to Milan, there’s been no shortage of examples of how the style set uses color to curate a wardrobe that screams wealth. One must also remember that more consideration goes into curating a chic outfit than just wearing this color—chief among them is styling. Before you freak out, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to figuring out how to wear gray. Ahead, you’ll find 14 gray outfit ideas, styling tips, and shopping recommendations. Even if you have a tight budget, these tips will make you look like a trust-fund baby in no time.
WEAR: Silver Earrings + White T-Shirt + Gray Cardigan + Black Studded Belt + Gray Knit Skirt + Red Knee-High Boots + Silver Bangles
Styling Notes: One of the easiest ways to wear all gray is through a knit set, specifically a cardigan styled with a matching maxi skirt. If you’re worried about being washed out in a head-to-toe gray outfit, consider incorporating colorful accessories, such as red boots and a black belt.
Massimo Dutti
Pleated Midi Skirt
Steve Madden
Lucid Burgundy Boots
WEAR: Gray Wool Coat + Gray Turtleneck + Gray Trousers + Brown Slingback Heels + Brown Handbag + Sunglasses
Styling Notes: Another way to make the concept of wearing all gray a little less dreary is to play with texture. Don’t be afraid to mix separates made from different textiles—e.g., a ribbed sweater with a cashmere overcoat and wool trousers. If that doesn’t break up the look enough, you can add one contrasting neutral color through accessories similar to the chocolate-brown bag and slingback heels shown above.
Argent
Sleeveless Turtleneck in Stretch Wool
Madewell
The Harlow Superwide-Leg Trouser
Coach
Empire Carryall Bag 34
WEAR: Silver Earrings + Gray Cape + Gray Knit Top + Gray Knit Pants + Silver Bangle + Black Ballet Flats + Black Handbag
COS
Double-Faced Wool Hybrid Cape
Ben-Amun
Silver-Tone Cuff
Naadam
Signature Cashmere Paperbag Wide Leg Pants
WEAR: Brown Eyeglasses + Silver Earrings + White Turtleneck + Gray Blazer + Gray Midi Skirt + Black Knee-High Boots + Black Leather Gloves + Leopard-Print Bag
Styling Notes: With social media making specific fashion aesthetics such as office siren and geek chic trends again, there’s no better time to embrace a gray suiting moment. You can make it feel more trend-forward by swapping gray trousers for a tailored skirt and finishing off your look with a white turtleneck, nerdy glasses, and a printed bowler bag.
Miu Miu
Miu Regard Oval Blue Light Glasses
& Other Stories
Leather Bowling Bag
WEAR: Gray Blazer + White T-Shirt + Gray Trousers + Brown Pointed Heels + Brown Shoulder Bag
Styling Notes: If you prefer an outfit that puts your excessive screen time entirely on blast, consider going for a more classic approach to the gray suit. Wearing a boxy white T-shirt with your gray blazer and trousers will always look good, but if you still have doubts, finish the look with a few accessories in a contrasting neutral color to round out the look.
Mango
Virgin Wool Suit Jacket
Everlane
The Box-Cut Tee in Essential Cotton
Gucci
Jackie 1961 Small Shoulder Bag
WEAR: Long Tan Coat + White T-Shirt + Gray V-Neck Sweater + Gray Trousers + Gray Boat Shoes + Black Handbag
Styling Notes: For a more casual way to wear your gray suiting separates, consider taking styling inspiration from the ensemble above. Swap out your blazer for a gray sweater layered over a white shirt, and replace your slingback heels with a pair of trendy boat shoes for a casual yet chic take on these classic pieces.
Dissh
Celina Tan Wool Blend Coat
Reformation
Dulce Cashmere V-Neck Sweater
WEAR: Black Sunglasses + Black Turtleneck + Gray Minidress + Black Sheer Knee-High Stockings + Black Loafers + Black Shoulder Bag
Styling Notes: When you can’t possibly be bothered to put on a gray suit but still want to wear this color in a work setting, opt for a tailored gray minidress. You can make your gray frock feel even more office-forward by styling it with sheer knee-high stockings, loafers, and a black handbag.
Nocturne
Padded Shoulder Long Sleeve Minidress
Calzedonia
20 Denier Comfort Cuff Knee-Highs
G.H.Bass
Whitney Leather Loafer
WEAR: Black Sunglasses + Gray T-Shirt + Gray Pedal Pushers + Black Bowler Bag + Black Mules
Styling Notes: When you’re off the clock, consider trying to dress up your everyday items by re-creating the outfit above. Frankly, there’s no better way to make a cozy pair of gray pedal pushers and a gray baby T-shirt feel elevated than pairing them with vintage-inspired black mules and a black bowler bag.
Gap
Closeknit Jersey T-Shirt
Beyond Yoga
High-Waisted Spacedye Pedal Pusher Leggings
WEAR: Brown Sunglasses + Gray Turtleneck + Gray Denim + Brown Suede Trench Coat + Brown Ankle Boots + Brown Handbag
Styling Notes: Opt for a pair of jeans in a stone wash for a casual look. Not only will this allow you to take a break from your blue jeans, but light-gray denim also pairs exceptionally well with other neutral-hued staples—e.g., a brown suede trench coat and a gray turtleneck.
Nour Hammour
Tate Everyday Suede Trench Coat
Banana Republic
Featherweight Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater
Abercrombie & Fitch
Curve Love Low Rise Baggy Jean
WEAR: Oversize Gray Blazer + White Button-Down Shirt + Gray Chunky Sweater + Dark-Wash Wide-Leg Jeans + Black Ankle Boots + Black Belt + Black Shoulder Bag
Styling Notes: If you can’t seem to get into the habit of wearing gray-wash denim, you can always pair gray pieces with classic dark-wash jeans instead. Personally, we recommend following the look above and opting for separates such as a blazer and sweater in a darker shade of gray to match the wash of your denim.
The Frankie Shop
Gelso Oversized Tencel Lyocell-Blend Blazer
J.Crew
Étienne Oversized Shirt
Frame
Le Slim Palazzo Topstitched High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
WEAR: Gray Fur Coat + Gray Leather Trousers + Black Ankle Boots + Black Handbag + Black Headband
Styling Notes: When it’s freezing outside, the desire to put on anything but gray sweatpants is hard to overcome. Let the outfit above inspire you to do so, though. You can still feel like you’re wearing the coziest tracksuit if you opt for a gray fur coat styled with loose gray leather trousers and black ankle boots.
Apparis
Astrid Peacoat Dark Dust
Agolde
Luna Pieced Recycled Leather-Blend Barrel-Leg Pants
Marc Fisher
Yanara Pointed Toe Bootie
WEAR: Brown Leather Coat + Gray Cardigan + Gray Trousers + Brown Belt + Brown Pointed Heels
Styling Notes: When you can’t be bothered to slip into a pair of leather pants, try wearing a leather jacket instead. By pairing an oversize gray cardigan with wool trousers and a contrasting brown leather jacket, you’ll have an equally cozy outfit that isn’t too constricting to wear when it’s super cold outside.
Norma Kamali
Oversized Moto Jacket
Almina Concept
V Neck Cardigan
Jeffrey Campbell
Check-Mate Bootie
WEAR: Brown Hat + Gray Turtleneck + Black Belt + Gray Pleated Skirt + Black Mules + Black Handbag
Styling Notes: Although gray is one of those colors that fit seamlessly into cold-weather wardrobes, it can be worn well into the spring. Case in point: the outfit above. You can transition this color into the warmer months by opting for a short-sleeved gray sweater styled with a gray skirt, mules, a skinny belt, a handbag, and even a hat.
H&M
Fine-Knit Turtleneck Top
Lié Studio
The Georgia Wide Belt
Mode Mischief Studios
Slice Pleat Midi Skirt
WEAR: Brown Suede Blazer + Gray Jersey Maxi Dress + Brown Layered Belts + Brown Suede Sneakers + Brown Suede Tote Bag
Styling Notes: If you’re still unsure that gray can elevate any outfit and be worn year-round, let the outfit above change your mind. Styling a gray T-shirt dress with a brown suede blazer and matching suede sneakers is a formula that can be worn anywhere during any season.
Pixie Market
Brown Genuine-Leather Suede Blazer
Nordstrom
Ponte Maxi Dress
