Honestly, I didn't plan for this to happen, but all of a sudden, grey has become my autumn neutral of choice. Sleek, understated and versatile, it feels like the lighter, fresher cousin of head-to-toe black. But here’s the catch: while black outfits tend to work with almost any shoe, grey requires a little more thought. Choose the wrong shade and the look can fall flat; choose the right one and the whole outfit feels modern, elevated and incredibly chic.
Lately, I’ve been experimenting with all grey outfits—think slate trousers with matching knits or silky skirts topped with tonal blazers. The formula is simple, but the footwear can make or break it. After plenty of research (read: scanning the runways and scrolling through endless Instagram pages), I’ve narrowed it down to six shoe colours that always work with grey.
Read on to discover my guide to the shoe colour pairings that make grey outfits sing.
The 6 Shoe Colour Trends That Look Chicest With Grey Outfits
1. Grey Jumper + Grey Trousers + Grey Shoes
Style Notes: A head-to-toe grey outfit is endlessly elegant, especially when finished with tonal shoes. Matching your footwear not only elongates the silhouette but also makes the whole look feel intentional. Right now, I’m favouring sleek loafers and polished boat shoes while the weather stays mild, but a grey stiletto would work beautifully for evening.
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I'm calling it: V-neck knits are going to be one of the season's most impactful trends.
Every great wardrobe starts with a fresh white tee.
Trust me, come winter, every fashion person will have swapped black trousers for grey.
Style with white socks to give your outfit a preppy feel.
2. Grey Mini Dress + Black Heels
Style Notes: The grey-and-black pairing is a classic for a reason—it always looks sharp. Kendall Jenner recently reminded me how impactful a grey mini can be when styled with black heels. For maximum polish, try a pencil-cut dress with sleek courts or slingbacks.
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This also comes in three other shades.
While I love these in the tortoise print, they also come in black and burgundy.
Style with a minidress or pair with tailored trousers.
3. Grey Two-Piece Suit + Dark Brown Heels
Style Notes: Of all the trending shades this season, chocolate brown feels the most relevant. When paired with a pale-grey suit, it grounds the look while adding warmth and autumnal depth.
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This also comes in three other shades.
Shop the blazer that Elsa loves.
Pair with the matching blazer or style with a white boxy tee.
These also come in half sizes, so you can find your perfect fit.
4. Grey Blazer + Grey Pencil Skirt + White Heels
Style Notes: A grey suit set can skew a little too office-practical, but white shoes instantly modernise it. Think pointed-toe pumps or sculptural heels—clean, fresh and energising. It’s the easiest way to make grey feel bright without introducing bold colour.
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Style with the matching skirt or pair with your favourite jeans.
This classic pencil skirt also comes in black.
I promise you'll come back to these elegant heels for many years to come.
5. Grey Halter Neck Top + Grey Midi Skirt + Burgundy Heels
Style Notes: Burgundy has become a perennial autumn favourite in my wardrobe, and it happens to be the perfect partner for grey. Deep, rich and refined, it injects just enough colour to keep a tonal outfit interesting without disrupting its elegance.
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I always come back to halterneck tops when I want to dress up without the fuss.
The glossy satin finish gives this grey skirt a luxurious feel.
The burgundy colour trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
6. Grey Maxi Dress + Brown Jacket + Brown Trainers
Style Notes: For a more casual take, I turn to mid-brown. When styled with grey, the two tones play off each other beautifully, creating an outfit that feels relaxed but still put together.
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Shop this while it's on sale.
Be quick! I can't see this staying in stock for long.
The brown suede trainer trend is taking off right now.
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