Gray is the New Black
Black and White Come Together in Fashion's Trendiest Neutral Color
Dec 14, 2007
Fashion Favors Gray
If you haven't already heard, gray is the new black. In fact, it's the new black, white and brown. Gray is taking runways and city streets by storm; be it light heather, dark charcoal, whimsical silver or smoky slate, gray has been the color of choice for many fashion designers in their 2008 collections.
Known for so long both as the color of comfort and conservatism, gray is no longer just the shade of sloppy sweats and stuffy suits. Look for the new millennium's new neutral in everything from jackets and coats, to day dresses and dramatic eveningwear.
Much like timeless black, gray is easy to co-ordinate and even easier to keep clean. And unlike classic noir, this versatile stylish hue comes in a full grayscale assortment, with a different expression for every mood, occasion, and outfit.
How to Wear Gray with Style
Pretty much anything goes when incorporating gray into your closet:
- All shades of gray make excellent background colors: lighter grays such as oyster, pearl or dove gray can replace white fashion staples like the dress shirt, and darker grays such as charcoal, slate or iron gray can stand in for basic black. Instead of showing up in a little black dress to a cocktail party, mix things up a bit by donning a little gray one instead.
- Be feminine by using light gray with pastels, such as a powder blue, pale rose, mineral green or lavender cashmere cardigan with a light gray pencil skirt or trousers. Make the look a bit more assertive by opting for a darker gunmetal gray in the pant or skirt.
- Get a more masculine look inspired by men's suiting, choose jewel tones to complement dark and pinstriped gray.
- Have fun with an otherwise somber color by adding an unexpected pop of color. Pair a slate gray jumper with aubergine stockings or a bright yellow handbag.
- Indulge in the comfort and texture of gray with two must-haves for cooler temperatures: a chunky gray hand-knit sweater and a gray tweed coat with your favorite pair of jeans.
- Travel in time: go for a retro look by wearing gray with hot pink, or be a futuristic femme in gray metallic shoes, boots, accessories or stockings.
- Explore taupe – gray's earthy aspect – by pairing the grayish brown color with nature-inspired blues and greens.
- Express your glamorous side by slipping into metallic gray's influence on fabric: argentate threads, steely satins, silver sequins, lustrous flowing gray chiffon... Disco diva or Grecian goddess, dresses in shimmery gray definitely make a statement.
Another advantage to this achromatic color that's anything but blah? Gray is flattering on virtually every skin tone since it plays up the undertones in your skin, hair, eyes and makeup.
Gray is the perfect addition to every fashionista's wardrobe. All you have to do is observe the fabulous fashions of Hollywood's classic silver screen to see that light, dark, and everything in between, gray always works.
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