It’s time to bid farewell to Barbie pink and welcome the new shade of gray for this Fall/Winter season!
Summary: Fall/Winter 2023–2024 Trends How to Wear Them Right? Softer than black, less upkeep than white, “cooler” than brown… It can only be gray, with its harmonious blend of white and black. Perhaps it’s time to hit the “pause button” on Barbie pink (or other bold colors) and transition to neutral gray for the chilly days ahead!
You might be surprised and wonder: “Gray—a basic color, easy to match with everything on the fashion color palette—is a trend? Isn’t gray always trendy?” The answer is “Yes,” gray remains a trend because it’s a classic neutral color that suits everything, always looking modern yet timeless and fitting various styles, from elegant to simple or even cowboy chic… While it always remains “timeless,” this color is truly booming and trending on this year’s Fall/Winter runways, so pay more attention to gray fashion items in your wardrobe, as it’s their time to shine!
An all-black ensemble will never go out of style, and all-white has had its moment in the late 2010s color-blocking craze, so now it’s gray’s turn to shine. Sure, gray may not be as exciting as vibrant reds or hot pinks, but believe that you might dream of an all-gray outfit this season.
Fall/Winter 2023–2024 Trends Gray has always been dominant on the runways, but it’s especially prevalent in the Fall/Winter 2023–2024 collections. “Coincidentally”—Bottega Veneta, Michael Kors, Loewe, Prada, and many others have all been spotted incorporating this color into their year-end collections. Some designers use gray to convey warmth and comfort with layers of knits and coats, while others like MiuMiu lean towards a more “vintage, retro” yet “chic” gray. Gray can be serious and minimalistic, as seen in Bottega, or alluring yet straightforward like Fendi or Michael Kors. Without being confined to any outdated thinking, any color can take shape under the creative hands of each brand’s creative director. Under the lens of each fashion house, we’ll see how they open up, interpret, and define this color in various styles, from classic to innovative, dynamic to strict, and of course, you’ll find the suitable “answer” for your wardrobe’s “assignment”!
How to Wear Them Right? If you’re after the keywords “quiet luxury,” try a plain gray dress paired with a cashmere sweater and a long coat. For casual days requiring comfort, opt for gray knitwear and sneakers, along with a large cozy scarf for a perfect match. Gray can also be seductive if you want; a gray or silver sequin dress is the perfect item in your wardrobe for a promising date night. For work, you can choose classic gray trousers paired with a knit top or more formal attire like a pinstripe vest and trousers (or even a gray pencil skirt with a fitted knit top) are also highly recommended suggestions to try!
If monochrome isn’t your preference, then gray pairs particularly well with some of the other trending colors, especially vibrant red. Bold red is one of the most eye-catching highlights on the Fall 2023 runways, whether it’s in bags, shoes, belts, or even coats. Gray also looks fantastic when paired with soft pink, bright yellow, and purple.
When shopping, focus on rich-patterned fabrics: mohair, cashmere, shiny silk or satin, wool. In terms of shades, opt for lighter gray over darker charcoal if possible. And don’t forget about your shoes!
Seriously, there are plenty of opportunities to experiment with the fashion formula for gray tones; we really can’t go wrong. Let’s temporarily set aside our basic black outfits and instead lighten up with a touch of gray!