For me, these transitional months between seasons often trigger a sartorial stalemate. With limited new options and a closet full of familiar faces, I usually default to monochromatic looks. While black and beige are my trusty "safe zones," lately, I've been drawn to the allure of a tonal gray ensemble. The subtle play of shades within the same color family whispers an understated elegance.
This season, grey has shed its sleepy reputation and emerged with newfound sophistication. Fall / Winter 23 collections from the likes of Miu Miu to Nili Lotan were awash in shades of grey, showcasing elevated twinsets and lounge looks reimagined. And now, fast-fashion giants like Aritzia and Massimo Dutti are embracing the styling versatility of this understated hue in recent editorial stories.
Here’s my interpretation of the tonal grey trend using items in my closet.
A. Wear To Work
This outfit takes your workwear up a notch with unexpected textures and tonal harmony. I love the contrast between the charcoal wool pants and the light grey, slim-ribbed long-sleeve tee. The tee adds a touch of casualness to an otherwise sophisticated look, creating the kind of tension I always strive for in my outfits.
B. Casual Comfort
Building on the long-sleeve tee base mentioned earlier, here's a weekend look that layers it with a white ribbed top for added warmth and visual interest. I love how the white breaks up the monochromatic grey palette, adding a touch of brightness.
C. Soft & Tough
In this outfit the black boots add a touch of toughness, balancing the overall softness of the dress. The dark contrast of the wool sweater cinched around the waist cleverly breaks up the silhouette of the dress, adding definition.
D. Nod To The 90s
The midi column skirt in a workwear fabric brings back the 90s, perfectly paired with a crisp, oversized white tee and classic black Mary Janes. I love the versatility of draping the sweater around my neck for a casual touch or slipping it on for extra warmth when needed. Similar to the above looks, I like pairing different fabrics together to create more dimension.
E. Sleek Sophistication
Love how this long, wool maxi skirt plays off the fitted cashmere turtleneck and sleek, tall boots. The combination definitely elongates my silhouette. The belt cinches my waist perfectly, adding definition and balancing out the proportions.
While a monochromatic grey look might not appeal to everyone, I encourage exploring tonal palettes whenever you hit a styling rut.
Let me know if you'd like more posts like this!
XO,
Kristine
love this format! more outfits to copy 🤍
Love all this inspo!