Gray is a common neutral color that does not have to be boring. The color provides a softer alternative to black and is actually easier to wear for many women over 40.
It is an incredibly versatile color that you can wear in many different ways in both summer and winter and I have embraced it for each season.
Here is an updated guide on how to wear gray in both winter and summer!
Think gray really is boring? Here is why you might want to re-consider
Before taking a look at the colors which go with gray, maybe you’re not convinced at all about wearing gray at all.
Gray is, after all, often considered to be a boring, conservative option. But, it really doesn’t have to be. Here are some of the reasons you may want to wear gray.
Gray is the perfect base for a capsule wardrobe
If you want to create a capsule wardrobe to make sure everything you have goes with plenty of other items in your closet, gray can be a perfect neutral to choose as a base.
It is less harsh than black
Black is often considered to be a flattering option, and it can be slimming. However, black against your face can also be aging. Gray offers a softer option and you can choose the gray which best flatters your skin tone.
Gray can be very sophisticated
Often seen as a mature choice, gray can also be sexy and sophisticated. While it is associated with workwear or men’s gray suits, I think wearing gray in an unexpected way or unexpected materials can give your outfit a real wow factor.
It goes with everything
As you’re about to see below, gray really does go with pretty much every color you can think of.
Colors that go with gray – Take a pick from these color palettes
A great way to get some inspiration for your outfits is to use a tool like Colorlovers. In just 5 minutes I got all these great color palettes (above) just by typing in the keyword gray.
You can see how versatile the color is.
It looks great with soft pastels like baby blue and pink, is great to combine with white and a pop of color and looks fresh and modern with brighter colors.
You can now go through these color palettes and see which one speaks to you.
Then head on over to your wardrobe and see which colors are already there and start creating some outfits.
This can be a fantastic way to revive your wardrobe if you feel you’ve become stuck in a bit of a rut in terms of how you wear your clothes.
The perfect gray basics
If you want to put together some stylish gray outfits, you will first need some stylish gray essentials to add the rest of your colors to. Here are some of the best gray essentials in stores now.
Oxana (above) wears an all gray outfits, creating layers with different shades of gray, and adding interest with a striped top as a base layer.
Recreate her look with this similar stripe turtleneck, dress, coat and suede boots.
How to wear gray: The perfect gray top
This layered top will enable you to create many outfits. You can easily layer it with a shirt underneath or a moto jacket on top, but it can also be worn very stylishly on its own.
The advantage of this top is that it drapes nicely over your belly and hides it perfectly. It’s not too long so will not cut your body in half and has an asymmetrical hem which makes it extra flattering!
Also take a look at how to hide your belly with the right clothes.
The perfect gray jacket
A gray jacket can make many casual looks just a bit more chic.
I’m loving this gray moto jacket, which is a great alternative to a classic black leather jacket.
Wear it with your dresses, skirts or jeans. It would look beautiful paired with white, red or black.
The perfect gray coat
40+style photographer Denton Taylor captured this lady on the streets of New York and it’s a great example of how stylish gray can be.
It seems like this outfit is almost head to toe designer with the bag by Miu Miu, coat and skirt by Prada and Mulberry, sunglasses by Prada and scarf by Mulberry.
However, you don’t have to choose designer to get a similar look. Below is a gray coat you can try.
The perfect long gray cardigan
A long open cardigan is flattering for most.
It can help hide your belly or you it will lengthen you and make your slimmer and can work really well if you are petite.
This cardigan is extra flattering as it has a longer line.
Cupcakes and Cashmere knit duster jacket
The perfect gray dress
There are more than 50 shades of gray, so you can choose one you prefer. You might like to opt for a dress that is a darker shade of gray that is almost, but not quite, black.
The perfect gray skirt
Pleated skirts have been on-trend for a number of seasons now. They look fabulous worn with a sweater for a transitional outfit moving from winter to spring.
The perfect gray trouser pants
These pants are super versatile. They look chic for work or more formal events, but you can easily dress them down for casual too if you combine them with a light shirt and jean jacket.
Anne Klein stretch twill pants
The perfect gray jeans
When it comes to jeans, it’s easy to think in terms of black, blue or white. But gray can also be a very versatile option, going with all of the tops you have in your closet.
The perfect gray shoes
Sneakers are still very much on trend and I love these cotton textured sneakers. They will look perfect with the items showcased above and will make your dressier pants more casual.
Wear them with pants or skirts!
Creating ensembles with gray
I used the color palettes as the starting base of the ensembles I have created. Read on for plenty of suggestions on how to wear gray with different color palettes.
Melting Sigh – combining gray with soft pink
I started off with Melting Sigh as I love the dreamy soft combination of gray and pink.
Check out this similar silk top and gray skirt.
Gray and pink create a soft romantic and classical look. Pink is a great color for a knitted sweater that you could combine with both your pants and skirts.
But also consider pink as the color of your coat which looks beautiful with your gray pants.
Although I strictly kept to a pink and gray palette here, it’s actually really nice to throw white into the mix as well. You can also add darker shades of gray.
For extra color or to highlight your romantic look, add a colorful scarf. featuring these colors.
Leota fit & flare dress – Cole Haan wrap coat – Nordstrom wool & cashmere scarf – Katy Perry half d’Orsay pump – Thacker crossbody bag
Combining gray with shocking pink
Patricia (above) beautifully combines pink, gray and black.
Steal her look with this similar top, jacket, pants, heels, handbag, beret and gloves.
Polo Ralph Laren silk blend blouse – AG skinny jeans – Anne Klein tweed topcoat – Lucky Brand bootie – Sole Society satchel
Combine gray with white
Petra (above) combines formal and casual elements to create a very hip looking outfit.
Recreate her look with this similar mock neck top, maxi coat, jeans, sneakers and sling bag.
BOSS mock neck shell – Blank NYC suede moto jacket – AG raw hem crop jeans – SARTO by Franco Sarto bootie – Antik Kraft crossbody bag
Combine gray with black
Sometimes a minimal outfit is all you need. What makes this outfit special is the edge the moto jacket and booties give to the dress.
Abi (above) adds a rock chick look to a versatile gray dress.
Check out this similar dress, moto jacket and combat boots.
Frank & Eileen button-up shirt – Beyove cardigan vest – 1822 Denim coated skinny jeans – Kendra Scott tassel necklace – Ted Baker London shoulder bag – Rockport cutout bootie
Combining gray with coral
Coral is another color which goes beautifully with gray. You could opt for a coral sweater in cooler weather or a coral blouse.
Ulla Johnson floral blouse – Citizens of Humanity high waist slim jeans – Splendid sandal – Thacket leather hobo – Kurt Geiger London round crossbody bag
Beautiful Freak – Combining gray with green
Another inspirational palette is Beautiful Freak. It combines two fashionable colors together: gray and dark green.
Combining gray with dark green creates a more sophisticated and mysterious look.
Kylie (above) combines a dark green blouse with pale gray wide-leg pants.
Check out this green blouse that you can wear with Kylie’s similar wide leg pants and booties.
It’s especially beautiful when you add white to the mix or play with different kinds of gray. Finish your look with silver or gray brogues or booties.
You could also wear a lighter shade of green, as below, with your gray.
Halogen a-line midi skirt – Halogen turtleneck sweater – Cupcakes and Cashmere metallic moto jacket – Dagne Dover clutch – Vagabond Shoemakers bootie
Combining gray with red
Gray can also be used as the perfect neutral with primary colors, such as red. This is an especially good combination in winter and in the festive season.
Or you could put together a chic look for work.
Tommy Hilfiger cap sleeve tee – Anne Klein blazer – 1901 ankle skinny pants – Kate Spade New York oblong scarf – Bueno flat – Sole Society leather tote
Combine gray with burgundy
For a more muted, yet equally stylish look, you could choose burgundy rather than red, which looks particularly beautiful in cooler months.
Halogen boxy blouse – The White Company long cardigan – Articles of Society high waist jeans – Treasure & Bond panama hat – Kate Spade New York leather tote – Naturalizer bootie
Combine gray with blue
Another stunning look is to combine cobalt blue with gray. The gray is the perfect way to let the brighter blue take center stage in your outfit.
Halogen wrap midi dress – Cupcakes and Cashmere knit duster jacket – Carvela Comfort slingback sandal – Nordstrom crystal clutch – Nakamol Chicago pearl necklace
Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.
How I have previously worn gray
I love wearing gray with a winter white base.
Here is how I have worn gray in the summer, with my wide-legged white pants.
With wide leg pants and a grey top (here is a tank top that’s great too)
Mixing prints with an old silk blouse and dotted skirts. The shoes are my new favorite and can be bought here.
How Debra Rapoport wears gray
Turn your gray pieces into artful ensembles like Debra Rapoport.
What is your favorite way to wear gray? Which of these color combinations is your favorite?
Continue reading:
- The Ultimate Guide To Creating A Capsule Wardrobe That Works For You
- The Best Colors To Complement Gray Hair
- Can You Wear Beige Over 40?
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Feature image by Oxana
The post How to wear gray: color palettes and ensembles for you to choose from! appeared first on 40+ Style.
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