Gray is a tricky color to wear. It’s a major color for corporate style. And you can easily look like wearing a uniform or like a wall flower. On the other hand, when style right, it can look very elegant and sophisticated. Read on how to create great looks with this color.
- Outfits in Gray of All Shades Are Instant Posh
- Gray Looks Great with a Pop of Color
- How to Style Stunning Desaturated Looks
- Add Interest with Mixed Patterns
- Add Interest with Texture
- Wrapping Up How to Wear Gray
Outfits in Gray of All Shades Are Instant Posh
What about you? Do you wear all gray outfits or do you add a pop of color? I love colors, but when it comes to gray I love to wear an either all gray office look or add red or pink.
Besides an all gray posh monochromatic look, you can pair this desaturated color with blue plus white – the American Classic color combination. This combination is always a winner. Add gold jewelry, diamonds or pearls. Voilà, a chic business casual instant outfit.
Gray Looks Great with a Pop of Color
A gray striped sweater looks great with tweed skirt and a colorful T-shirt. A pink pop of color goes a long way.

How To Style Stunning Desaturated Looks
When putting the laundry into my closet I realized that the sheath has the same size of stripes as the sweater. Thus, a striped dress outfit was born.

Add interest with mixed pattern
To keep things interesting when all the pieces are gray, using prints and pattern in different hues is one possibility. Here the stripes and leopard print do the trick. To up the style with a scarf is always a good idea.
The tights have a diamond pattern. Keeping a look in just one hue is a great way how to wear the patterned tight trend over 40.
Assymetric cuts also create interest (see the hem line in the photos).
Don’t let the right outfit be a random thing. Wear the right look in every situation by looking up what to wear when in How to Dress for Success in Midlife. Buy the book now.
Add Interest with Texture
In the example below, I even went with an all gray outerwear. But this time, the interest is created by the play of different texture: Smooth (coat), cable knit (pom pom hat), matt (booties) and shiny (toggles).
Ok, you may consider these as different pattern as well. 😉

Stylist’s tips: Get more wear out of your footwear with this trick. Fold over your slouchy boots to make them look like booties (see photos in this post). Or change the look of your boots and booties by wearing boot toppers.
Wrapping Up How to Wear Gray
Gray looks can easily read boring or old. The most easiest ways to look effortlessly stylish in gray are
- Going for a desaturated look,
- Mix all prints of different size when they are gray,
- Mix all patterns when they are gray, or
- Add a pop of color.
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What about you? Do you like to wear all neutrals without looking boring? How do you style an all neutral look? Let me see, I am curious.
Photos of me: G. Kramm
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