Shades Of Gray

Gray, black, and white are the most common colors found in stores. They provide endless mixing and matching, so many capsule wardrobes start with these three shades. Black is the combination of all colors, and white is the absence of color, and gray is the result of the two blended. While black or white don’t always look good next to a woman’s face, the correct shade of soft gray will always flatter her. Grey is the UK spelling, while most American’s spell it with an a.

The gray knit top I am wearing is new by Clara Sunwoo via My Fair Lady.

The pants are by Nic + Zoe. The shoes from last year are by Sacha London, a Canadian shoe company. The bag was by Calvin Klein via TJMaxx a few years ago. The black knit vest is a couple of years old. I cut the label out, so I am not sure where I bought it. Referral and affiliate links in my posts may generate a small commission for me at no additional cost to you.


I wore this look on a brisk fall day for a business meeting and then to have lunch with a friend. I hope you have a great weekend!

20 Comments
  1. Grey is a fabulous color for those of us who are greying. I so enjoy your posts and not having to wade through ads and popups.

  2. Grey/gray is so perfect for those of us with softer colouring/coloring, as a black allternative. We use both spellings interchangably in Canada. Masters of compromise!

  3. I never thought about it til now … but I thank you as well have not having the ad pop ups. Love your posts and today’s is no different. Grey is a staple in my wardrobe. It always mixes well with the other separates. Grey is a soothing color to me. Love those shoes, too!

  4. Warm gray is great for this strawberry blonde! However, I think gray has peaked when it comes to home decor and furnishing. I wouldn’t invest good money in grayed flooring, ceramic tile, anything expensive, I think it’s going to be dated soon. Just my free advice worth exactly what you paid for it.

  5. You look wonderful! I really need a long, flowing vest like you are wearing. Since I have let my haircolor grow out and I am mostly white-haired now, I need more grey’s in my wardrobe. TFS

  6. I have 2 pairs of gray slacks and find they are as versatile as black, but softer effect. I’m not a big fan of white pants in fall and winter and I live in south Texas. I need a cut off from white jeans and shorts this time of year!

  7. I think you have to bear your own shade of grey hair in mind when choosing a grey to wear. I have white/silver hair and find that a darker grey works best for me. Light grey and white can make my hair look ‘dirty ‘ while darker shades make it appear lighter and brighter.

  8. You always look sharp and perfectly put together, Susan. I don’t often comment on the blogs that I read (and am happy that there still are some bloggers out there!) But I want you to know that we are the same age and similar build and I have learned so much about how to dress from following you. I am grateful. In the past I had some vague idea about what looked flattering on me, and what I felt good wearing, without really understanding why. I now apply your principles when shopping. I buy fewer pieces and only after consideration. I know my own style and that I like to keep it simple. I was a brunette before turning silver and often wore grey (in Canada we also use the British spelling) and felt good in it, as my “season” (remember that?) was always winter. I do find that now I am grey-haired, black can be harsh (I still wear it) and grey, while flattering, can sometimes wash me out. I love this look on you, but would appreciate more tips on how to wear grey (perhaps my favourite neutral.) I enjoy everything about your blog; thank you! (Oh, and perhaps how to wear purple? “When I am old, I shall wear purple…” I love shades of pale mauve and lavender but notice you never wear them. Are these too cliche?)

    1. Hi Violet. Thank you for the nice comment. I love purple, plum, mauve, and burgundy with gray. I am wearing a new plum colored casual knit jacket with leggings today. I will show the look on Monday. As with all colors, gray can have a warm or cool undertone, clean and bright or dull and muted. Keep these characteristics in mind as you look for your perfect gray. For example, my perfect gray leans more toward sterling silver rather than heathered gray.

  9. I recently commented on my blog that many of my readers never comment and I think realized that I don’t comment as often as I should. So, with that said, I thought I would let you know that I find your blog interesting and helpful as fashion has never been my forte. This particular entry is striking a chord because I have recently learned to love charcoal grey. I also keep to a neutral wardrobe and have a formula — it helps, especially when one has reached an age where following trends is no longer particularly appealing. Looking forward to your next post.

  10. Hi Susan,

    I have been following you for the past three years and I just love your style, it is similar to mine. The challenge for me now is that I have an extremely hard time knowing what colors, prints, and shoes are appropriate for the fall. Such as sleeve or sleeveless, are bright colors acceptable, polka-dots; can you wear sandals, open-toe shoes, sling-backs. suede or patent leather…etc. I am eager to learn and feel I must get it right now that I am in my fifties and that I must take every outfit to another level and always look my absolute best at all time

    Thank you for your blog and website.

    Absolute best.

  11. Hi Susan I’ve just joined your site and loving your style…I’m just wondering if you would mind telling me your height and “rough” 😉 weight please so I can compare with mine of 5’3” and 8.9 stone….. thanx Isabelle

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I share tips and inspiration for using what you already have in contemporary ways. Defining words include effortless, classic, refined, discreet, and elegant. My style is chic, minimal, and timeless with a bit of edge.