I know what some of you are thinking when you see a pair of grey slacks in the store, “How would I wear these in a way that represents my style?” Grey doesn’t have to be dull or dreary. In fact, it is a trending color in both office and casual wear. The good news is that grey is a wonderful wardrobe neutral and mid to dark greys look best paired with pastels or bright colors. So have fun!
Whatever basic piece you wear: slacks, palazzo pants, layered leggings, straight leg trousers, high-waisted pants and even skinny jeans shades of grey can look extremely well put-together when styled correctly.
Read below to find which colors work best with grey, how to style for work and business casual environments, as well as shoes, accessories, and jewelry that best go with grey pants. You can also read this post to help yourself understand the connection between color and emotions.
What Colors Go Well with Grey?
Since grey is so versatile, you have a ton of options to choose from! You shouldn’t have any trouble pairing it with shades or prints that are already in your wardrobe. For a casual look, matching grey with a light or medium blue brings a relaxed feel. Greens like emerald, sage, lime and teal; reds such as crimson, scarlet and burgundy, purples like violet, lavender and periwinkle all match grey. Even gold or lemon can pair exceptionally well with dark grey pants. All shades of grey can also go well with pastels like turquoise, coral or rose pink. They can also combine with white, ivory, cream or grey and white prints to transform your look into a modern, fresh style.
What to Wear at Work?
Since grey pants are a staple at the workplace, learning how to wear them in the office can be extremely beneficial. Remember the colors we talked about a minute ago? They are the key to success in dressing for the office. A navy or black blazer with grey pants and a white blouse are safe but very traditional. Much more interesting are a solid or textured red or mid blue jacket which look wonderful to jazz up grey skirts and pants. A patterned or tweed jacket can also add color and texture to a flat grey fabric like a cotton or worsted wool. If you can’t find a top to go with the interesting jackets, try a grey “column of color” with top and bottom pieces in matching or toning shades of grey. They make a great background for the brighter jacket.
For an easily matched outfit, go for a charcoal or mid grey three-piece trouser suit with slim leg pants, vest, and a jacket. All you’ll need is a pair of heels and some stylish jewelry to feminize the look. Pop a shirt or sweater under the vest when the temperature drops.
What to Wear in a Casual Environment?
For a casual occasion, many women reach for a pair of blue jeans and call it a night. Grey jeans are an alternative to black or dark denim jeans that help you stand out from the crowd. You can also transition smoothly from day to night with grey trousers by swapping your blazer for a leather jacket in dark green, purple, burgundy or cream and pair a camisole, sweater or blouse to add color. Change your trouser shoes to grey heels or ankle boots
A dressier evening look is to wear grey silk separates if you can find them. A silk or polyester bow blouse matched with silk polyester palazzo pants in textured or tone- on- tone fabric or an unusual colorful print look very elegant and more unusual than black. A belt with a beautiful buckle complete the look. If you go for pattern or floral prints, match a camisole, bustier or off the shoulder top to one of the predominant colors in the pattern.
Seasonal Ideas
One of the best times to increase the amount of grey in your wardrobe is during winter. Grey, navy, camel, winter white and black pieces are out in full force and there are many options to jazz up them up. When it’s cold, you can wear grey pants with a textured wool jacket in pretty colors or an angora, merino wool or cashmere sweater as well as your trusty ankle boots or trouser shoes in black or grey. During the colder months, print and floral scarves will pair well with grey pants too!
In Spring, the light is better and bright or pastel shades look prettier and feel fresher. Spring is also a great time to start breaking out your peep-toe heels or sandals if the weather warms up.
In summer, light grey is the name of the game. A dove grey pant with a lightweight sleeveless blouse and strappy sandals can help you beat the heat.
In Fall, break out the lightweight jackets like a buttery leather bomber jacket, duster, thin trench coat or high-style hoodie. Closed-toed wedges, low flats or high boots with a heel all look good over grey leggings.
Shoes, Accessories & More
Any color shoe can go with grey pants and red, purple, burgundy or a deep silvery metallic are unusual choices. A good optical illusion is to wear grey mid-heel boots or shoes with grey hosiery that will elongate your legs when the eye is taken directly from knee to floor. You can pick funky shoes such as grey and beige snakeskin when the accessory will pop or moccasins to make the outfit more traditional or casual.
Like shoes, any color of accessories can match grey pants. Statement jewelry such as pearls, stones, and gold, silver, platinum or anthracite chains can look elegant against mid to dark grey.
A bag is another area that you can express your style with a splash of color. Don’t be afraid to take risks when it comes to your accessories with grey basics, and you’ll be glad you did!
Conclusion
Have questions about women’s fashion, style, or image? If so, reach out to London Image Institute to discover how becoming an image consultant may be the right career path for you.
