Grey combines well when you alternate light and dark shades and add one other colour. Light grey suits navy, white, light blue and black. Mid grey and taupe grey look good with brown, cream and burgundy. Charcoal is almost as formal as navy and combines with white, light blue and light grey. A fully grey outfit works best when the shades are clearly different from each other. Below you will find the combinations and complete looks.
Why grey works so well in winter
Grey suits the winter season and combines easily with other neutral shades. It is softer than black and formal enough for the office. Grey is also a colour that goes with almost everything, from warm browns to cool light blue. With a few grey basics you can create many combinations.
The three families of grey
| Shade | Character | Combines with |
|---|---|---|
| Light grey | Fresh, light, relaxed | Navy, white, light blue, black |
| Mid grey and taupe grey | Warm, versatile | Brown, cream, burgundy, olive green |
| Charcoal | Dark, formal, strong | White, light blue, light grey, black |
Melange grey: more depth
Much grey knitwear is melange. The yarn is made of fibres in different shades. This gives the knit more depth, while it stays calm from a distance. Melange grey is therefore ideal when you want to give a plain outfit a little more character.
Look 1: light grey with navy
Light grey with navy works well at the office. The Edmund quarter-zip polo in light grey melange with navy trousers and brown loafers. The light grey keeps the look fresh, the navy adds depth. You can wear the quarter-zip open for a relaxed look or closed under a blazer.
Look 2: charcoal with light blue
Charcoal is the darkest shade of grey and almost as versatile as navy. Wear the Theodore open polo in charcoal melange over a light blue shirt such as the Hamilton, with the shirt collar visible above the polo. Or wear the polo on its own, with light grey trousers. The difference between dark and light gives enough contrast.
Look 3: taupe grey with warm shades
Taupe grey is a grey with a warm, brownish undertone. The Ulysses straight-fit herringbone trousers in taupe grey also have a subtle herringbone pattern that adds depth. Combine them with cream, brown or olive green. A cream polo and brown shoes turn it into a warm, polished winter look.
Look 4: grey from head to toe
In a fully grey outfit, the difference between the shades is important. Combine the Julian quarter-zip polo in cool grey with charcoal trousers, or a light grey polo with mid grey trousers. The rich yarn of the Julian, cotton with silk and linen, gives a light sheen that makes the whole look refined. Add black or dark brown shoes to anchor the look.
Look 5: grey and black for the evening
Grey and black together make a calm, dark combination. A charcoal polo with the Vincent slim-fit trousers in black is an evening look that is refined without becoming formal. Black loafers or smart sneakers and a dark coat finish it off.
Which colours work less well?
- Bright colours such as bright orange or yellow can look harsh next to grey. Choose muted versions instead.
- Grey with grey in almost the same shade looks flat. Make sure there is a clear difference between light and dark.
- Grey with brown in a cold shade of grey can clash. Choose taupe grey instead, which is warmer.
Shoes with grey
| Shade of grey trousers | Shoes |
|---|---|
| Light grey | Brown, cognac, navy suede, white leather sneakers |
| Mid grey and taupe grey | Dark brown, burgundy brown |
| Charcoal | Black, dark brown |
Grey and your skin tone
Not every shade of grey suits everyone equally well. A very light grey right next to your face can look a little washed out on fair skin, especially in winter. Charcoal or mid grey then gives more contrast. If you have darker skin or dark hair, light grey looks especially fresh. If you are unsure, hold a light grey and a charcoal polo next to your face in front of the mirror and see which makes your skin look brighter. A white or light blue shirt collar under a grey polo also helps: it brings light back to your face.
Texture makes the difference
With grey, differences in texture stand out even more. A melange polo, herringbone trousers and a smooth shirt in different shades of grey together make a rich outfit, even if the colour is barely different. So preferably combine a smooth piece with a textured piece. Two smooth fabrics in the same shade of grey quickly look like a uniform.
Grey at the office
Grey is a practical colour for the office. It looks professional, but less severe than black. A grey polo with dark trousers is perfect for a working day without important meetings, a charcoal polo under a blazer for days with client appointments. Because everything combines, you can vary a whole working week with three grey pieces and two pairs of trousers.
How to keep grey looking good
Melange grey is forgiving: small stains and fluff are less noticeable than on plain black or navy. Care still matters, though. Wash grey knitwear inside out on a delicate cycle, dry it flat and air it in between wears. This keeps the shade bright and the knit soft.
Discover the polos for men, the trousers, our knitwear or complete looks in Office for Men.
Shop the look
Edmund: lyocell quarter-zip polo, light grey melange
Theodore: open lyocell polo, dark charcoal melange
Ulysses: straight-fit herringbone trousers, taupe grey
Julian: knitted quarter-zip polo, cool grey
Vincent: slim-fit trousers, black
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, light blue
Frequently asked questions
Which colours go with grey for men?
Navy, white, light blue, black, brown, cream and burgundy. Light grey works with fresh colours, taupe grey with warm shades.
Which shoes do you wear with grey trousers?
With light grey, brown, cognac or navy suede. With charcoal, black or dark brown. With taupe grey, dark brown.
Can you combine grey with grey?
Yes, as long as there is enough difference between the shades. A light polo with dark trousers looks refined, two almost identical shades look flat.
What is melange grey?
Grey yarn made of fibres in different shades. This gives the knit depth and a lively look.
