In a year defined by bold colours and eye-catching prints such as cherry red and leopard, the sudden surge in interest in sidewalk grey may come as a surprise. However, muted neutrals have cemented their position as a solid trend, reflecting a mindset that resonates with the social and political climate reminiscent of the ’90s and the decade’s nostalgic influence amongst Gen Z consumers.
No longer associated with dreary weather and a monotonous mood, in 2024, greys are more likely to evoke images of the Spring runway shows of fashion powerhouses like Prada, Gucci and Victoria Beckham, where monochromatic ensembles and standout accessories are awash in various shades of this revamped hue.
This shift builds upon the momentum of recent trends, such as the popularity of silver, grey’s more attention-seeking counterpart. Silver enjoyed a surge in popularity, fuelled in part by Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour, which led consumers to embrace a futuristic disco aesthetic. Additionally, the TikTok phenomenon of ‘quiet luxury’ has stamped its influence over recent runway seasons, paving the way for grey to take centre stage as a natural evolution of this colourway.
Grey’s real power lies in its ability to seamlessly transition from casual to formalwear, standing out as a versatile player that can be paired well with a wide range of colours. Keeping this in mind, brands and designers are giving grey a chic transformation through monochrome styling and vibrant pops of colour.
On runways, tailored suits in various shades of grey take centre stage, showcasing a range of textured materials that add depth and visual interest to the garment. The all-encompassing use of grey imparts a soft touch to outerwear and tailored silhouettes, bringing a contemporary edge to essential wardrobe pieces. Experimentation is also underway as designers play with contrasting fabric textures within tonal looks, reinforcing a stylistic aesthetic reminiscent of the edgy ’90s, which adds a modern twist to the classic grey palette.
This season saw the prominence of charcoal grey on runways, with designers pushing boundaries beyond traditional suiting. Fendi introduced a formal twist with a halter neck midi dress, while Aaron Esh presented a grey tweed suit featuring a double-breasted jacket and bubble hem mini skirt. Coperni presented a pinstripe double-breasted suit, paired with neon green sheer layers while Tibi’s collection included various shades of grey in skirt suits, shirt dresses, socks and ballet flats. Altuzarra featured a long grey coat styled with pastels and vibrant green shoes, highlighting the colour’s diverse applications.
