Some consider him boring, others consider him noble and “dear.”
A few centuries ago, only poor people and workers sewed clothes from gray fabrics, but the great Coco Chanel broke stereotypes and began to intentionally include details of this color in her images. Since then, it has firmly established itself in the wardrobe of fashionistas and has not lost its position in the fashion world to this day.
In combination with other colors, shades of gray can either “kill” an onion or elevate it. How to make the right choice? This is what our article is about.
About shades
Graphite, mouse, wet asphalt, anthracite, melange, metallic... That's all about it - gray, achromatic color, formed by mixing black and white colors in various proportions. The notorious “50 shades”, which everyone hears, is far from the limit, because there are a great many options!
Most of them have natural or associative names: stone, smoky, lead, tin, coal, steel, monsoon, marengo, thundercloud, red fox, metallic, amethyst, light zirconium, Gainsborough, etc. It is simply impossible to list all of them, so it is easier to divide them into light and dark, warm and cold.
Classic medium gray is universal, suitable for everyone without exception, in a light version it is more suitable for brunettes, in a dark version - for blondes.
Warm gray is perfect for slightly dark-skinned girls of spring and autumn color types. Warmth is added by mixing pink, brown, warm reddish and green pigments. The more there are, the “warmer” the color will become.
If there is a sufficient amount of additional color, it can be guessed when looking at the fabric, then they speak of the presence of an undertone.
Coldness is ensured by the mixing of blue, cyan, violet pigments, as well as cold colors: green and red. It will harmoniously fit into the wardrobe of young and mature women with the “summer” and “winter” color types.
Rules for combining gray colors in clothes
It can be used as a base or as an addition to another base color.. Depending on the selected companion colors, the ensemble will look different.
Wearing clothes of this color without being branded as a “gray mouse” is not so easy:
- you need to choose things from the highest quality materials, because every flaw, cheapness of fabric and accessories are visible on the gray canvas;
- It is mandatory to have well-groomed skin and hair and at least minimal makeup, as well as to be a temperamental and bright personality.
By the way! Recently, one of the trends is children's clothing in gray tones. Gone are the days when kids were dressed in brighter colors, trying to make them stand out from the crowd.Luxury brands are moving away from bright prints and colors and are offering collections in subdued gray and brown tones for girls and boys from 0 to 14 years old. Noble light and dark gray looks luxurious, and with appropriate finishing and adding accessories, it fits harmoniously not only into everyday, but also into festive children's clothing.
Here are a few secrets for the perfect Fashion look in gray tones:
- A neutral, calm image is obtained by combining colors of equal intensity. These are, for example, light gray and soft pink, dark gray and cloudy blue.
- Want speakers? Create contrast: light gray with deep wine, sky blue with the color of a thundercloud.
- If the outfit is too colorful and provocative, complement it with a gray scarf, vest, cardigan - an uncontrollable fountain of colors will go in the right direction.
Important! Light gray suits absolutely every type and looks laconic and elegant, but overweight people should be careful when choosing basic clothing items of this shade. Thus, a monolithic light gray dress will make an appetizing girl look like a block of stone, and a large man in such a suit will visually increase in size, evoking associations with an elephant. Overweight people are better off purchasing a dark gray version of a coat, jacket, long jacket, voluminous sweater and other “basic” items of clothing that will optically elongate the figure.
What to combine with?
It is called “modern black” because it is much easier to combine. Discreet and calm, it mutes the brightness of other pigments, making the image more strict and balanced. This truly universal color can be combined with absolutely any other. The main thing is to choose the right “dose of grayness” and its shade.Let's look at the most common and successful combinations.
With white
This combination is a timeless classic. Regardless of what shades you choose, this color pair will be harmonious, fresh and will decorate a person of any color type and age. Light gray with boiling white is especially elegant.
With yellow
Warm, positive, bright yellow is combined with the neutrality of gray - and a balanced, original image is ready! Canary shoes or a clutch, a sunny handbag or shirt, a lemon sweater or trousers in tandem with any option from the gray range will make the look relevant and dynamic.
With green
Pure, neon, rich green pigments, for example, light green or green-yellow, sound best in tandem with gray. The option with an olive and dark green tint looks noble.
With pink
The combination with it makes the gray color warmer, more noble, and more pleasing to the eye. This option is suitable for all color types and ages without exception. Light pink is best combined with light gray, the same goes for dark colors. Adding white to a gray-pink set will make it even softer. Medium gray perfectly extinguishes active fuchsia, making it appropriate even for the office.
With red
Even a small red accessory immediately attracts the attention of others. When paired with pure red and scarlet, gray always acts as a neutral backdrop for showcasing a pop of color., the “highlights” of the outfit. The main thing is not to overdo it! Burgundy and wine also look elegant with dark and light shades of gray. It is ideal if the lip makeup is appropriate.
With turquoise
A light menthol shade, deep turquoise or sea green combined with light gray is one of the most feminine and trendy combinations, which has been at the peak of popularity for several years now.
With blue
A gray-blue trouser or skirt set is an excellent basis for a bright look for every day or a strictly office outfit, it all depends on the intensity of the chosen shades. This look is suitable for women with a contrasting appearance.
If you choose muted, dark shades of the top and bottom, the image will be boring and faded - it’s not for nothing that this combination is typical for workwear. To avoid this effect and not be considered a “blue stocking”, choose only pure, bright shades of blue in combination with light steel, and also play with the texture of the material. Metallic shades, shimmering, bouclé, translucent fabrics, the use of embroidery, sequins, lace and other decoration variations will help avoid the feeling of boredom and stiffness.
With purple
One of the most common office options is the combination of a light lilac blouse and a dark gray bottom or jacket. Shades of purple are varied, but next to the gray “base” they always look mysterious and aristocratic. To avoid looking dull and gloomy, combine bright, rich purple colors with light gray.
With black
For fans of austerity and conservatives by nature, the dark black and gray color scheme is perfect. It looks good on bright people, balancing their fiery charisma; it is necessary for representatives of some professions. This solution is also relevant if you need to demonstrate a large, extravagant bag or other intricate accessory that you want to look at without being distracted by other details and color spots.
Gray total
True fans of “noble grey” will love the universal looks of Total grey. Minimalism in the color scheme of an outfit is now in trend, and a correctly selected combination of different shades of gray in one image will look aristocratic and “expensive”.
The “total gray” style does not mean that you have to wear plain dresses or suits. You can combine a variety of textures and materials while staying true to your color choice.
Why not wear a dark biker jacket with a light turtleneck dress, thick tights and a scarf with a pink undertone? This look also belongs to total gray, and you won’t look like a boring single gray spot, merging with the asphalt. In this total outfit there is room for experimentation - for example, for accessories. They can be big, bold and unusual, but thanks to the neutral, discreet base they will not look pretentious or shocking.
Important! Even if you masterfully know how to create stylish looks in gray tones, you should not wear them every day. Everything is good in moderation, and human psychology is designed in such a way that soon you will involuntarily begin to be perceived as a boring interlocutor or noticed less in a team, even if you are choleric and the life of the party.
What is taupe color?
One of the hottest trends in recent seasons is the taupe shade. This complex, noble gray-brown color with a slight hint of chocolate. You want to look at it, it is deep, natural and looks luxurious. It suits almost everyone, but especially girls with summer and autumn color types.
Its popularity is also explained by the fact that it can be combined with any color. Taupe perfectly “marries” the most difficult combinations, for example, matte and shiny textures. Sets where taupe contrasts with turquoise and soft pink pigments are especially advantageous. The skin glows and looks young, and the look is romantic and fresh.
The combination with boiling white and ocher looks solemn. Taupe sounds great in a duet with coral, dark red, jade, denim, amethyst, ash brown, black, fawn yellow, linen, caramel, golden copper, wormwood and the color of young green peas.
Be sure to purchase at least one basic item in taupe color and see for yourself its versatility.
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