Grey Matters

Back in 2004 brown was the new black, last year black was the new black, but the new “black” for 2006 is most definitely grey! The high-street is embracing grey for winter, taking its lead from designers such as Alexander McQueen whose Autumn/Winter 2006/7 ready-to-wear collection included chunky grey cable-knit cardigans - synched at the waist by wide leather belts - worn over wide-leg pants with oversized turn-ups. Masculine double-breasted trouser-suits with subtle pinstripes also made a striking appearance on the runway.

At Burberry Prorsum the look was a little more demure with pretty fine-knit sweaters being worn with romantic floaty silk layered skirts and skinny belts, whilst Fendi models were sent sashaying down the catwalk in voluminous wool dress-coats teamed with opaque tights and killer heels. Whichever collection you choose to take direction from, grey remains the dominant hue – affirmation that this colour is here to stay (for this season at least!).

Edgy, versatile (what colour can’t be teamed with grey?) and flattering, there is an astonishing array of grey tones to choose from, think dark slates and smoky charcoals through to powdery shades of dove. And unlike black, where an exact colour match is required to create a polished look, contrasting shades of grey can be worn “tone on tone”. To brighten things up, add plumy shades of purple or scarlet. Victoria Beckham is an advocate of this year’s essential colour trend, wearing tailored grey trousers with a crisp white cotton shirt and animal print stilettos. Never one to do things by halves, she’s also been wearing a slouchy grey jumper dress with black knee-high boots and a Marc Jacobs animal print handbag, not to mention a fantastic grey wool trench coat worn with classic black patent courts.

If head-to-toe grey just isn’t for you, then try accessorizing your outfit with a grey handbag, shoes or scarf for a slightly more covert concession to winter’s coolest shade.

Main picture, Grey Belted Herringbone Jacket £75.00 from www.wallis-fashion.com, grey Cali-Cali loafers by Chloe £269.00 from www.kurtgeiger.com.

Below from left to right, Grey Oversized Wool Coat £90.00 from www.wallis-fashion.com, Missy Quilted Tote by Luella £495.00 www.net-a-porter.com,
Slash Neck Dress £675.00 www.net-a-porter.com.