Don’t underestimate the power of muted colours. Often dismissed as drab and associated with comfy but tatty T-shirts and baggy jogging bottoms, grey is having a major moment this season, and the fashion set is embracing the shade with pride.

Ranging from deep charcoal and soft oatmeal to blue-grey and glittering gun-metal, it’s endlessly versatile. Just look to the catwalks for proof: Prada, Etro, Carven, Victoria Beckham and Miu Miu all featured monochrome creations and standout accessories in various shades of grey. 

When it comes to styling, it’s all about adding textures and balancing soft fabrics with structured, sleek silhouettes. Embrace the versatility of grey by mixing and matching different tones and textures to create a look that will turn heads. 

Pair a slouchy grey jumper with tailored trousers and a statement studded bag for a stylish yet relaxed look or try an oversized grey denim jacket with a sleek dress for a more polished ensemble. The key is finding the right balance between comfort and sophistication.

Grey’s subtlety allows it to complement a wide range of colours and styles, making it an ideal base for layering and creating depth in your ensemble. It’s a shade that easily elevates any look, making you appear instantly more polished and cool, no matter how casual or thrown-together you may feel.

Ahead, we’ve put together our go-to catwalk-approved outfit formulas for wearing glamourous greys. These pieces will add a certain je ne sais quoi to every look. From accessories to ready-to-wear items, grey is the ultimate neutral that complements every wardrobe. 

Lean into lady-like suiting

Miu Miu’s autumn/winter 2024 offerings ditched the viral bait of recent seasons (think micro skirts, undies as outerwear and blingy plasters) to remind us why Miuccia Prada’s outings with the Italian label have always been memorable. It’s all about reimagined uniforms with a twist.

Silhouettes this season took on a soft power, with feminine draping cut in soft wool and deep grey hues. And let’s not forget the show’s standout shades: grey and silver. Adding to the sense of luxury, shrunken slate grey suits and metallic brooches looked luminous as they padded down the catwalk.

Short jackets with matching skirts are my favourite day-to-night outfits. So chic (think Katharine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich strolling around film sets unapologetically in the mid-1940s.) It’s a lady-like look that I can scarcely get enough of.

Turn to layering

At Carven, grey has emerged as the new neutral – perfect for head-to-toe ensembles or as layering pieces. Featuring soft curves and gentle folds, the Parisian brand offered a blend of comfort and style. Roomy, relaxed coats and brushed knits provide a cosy feel, while oversized crew necks paired with wide-leg woollen trousers create a balanced silhouette.

Whether you’re going for a full monochrome look or mixing and matching, grey’s power lies in its versatility and understated elegance, making it a perfect choice for any wardrobe. Its muted tones exude a quiet confidence, making you look effortlessly put-together.

Blend grey with winter shades 

Proof that so-called boring colour schemes are now a fashion favourite, Etro revamped the colour to new heights by blending rich burgundy with sleek grey shades. Embrace a ‘more is more’ philosophy by combining these two winter hues for a glam look. From stunning dresses to head-to-toe ensembles, these colour combinations always deliver. 

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands