The spring 2020 runways presented a number of fantastical color trends at nearly every point on the color wheel and yet the hue we’re predicting to be the most important this season falls under a more practical, timeless, and dare we say “boring” category—and no, it’s not beige. From charcoal to slate to smoke, we saw so many shades of gray emerge, ironically, solidifying this non-color as one of the biggest color trends.
In their runway report, Moda Operandi noted that these cool shades of gray are seeing a 36% increase in sales and seeing as the color exudes a timeless sophistication, it’s not hard to understand why shoppers are drawn to its long-lasting appeal. On the runways, designers reimagined this once-forgettable hue in sleek, modern silhouettes. The new gray is underscored by a cool nineties edge which was manifested in sharp suiting at Givenchy, smart utility styles at Max Mara, and luxe gray knitwear as we saw at Prada.
The key to keeping the look fresh and modern is to wear the color palette from head to toe, mixing several shades of gray within your outfit. But if a full-on “groutift” isn’t your thing, try mixing gray pieces with other neutrals like, yes, beige, black, and white. Play with textures as well, such as a gray tweed blazer, charcoal-hued pleated skirt, or a soft dusty gray wool coat.
Next up, the seven staples Hailey Bieber would 100% buy if she walked into a Nordstrom.
