Menswear Trend: Shades of Grey

Say goodbye to dreary gray apparel that acts as camouflage in the daily goings-on of city life. Rather than relegating gray to the background for Fall 2011, designers went to the extreme, showing head-to-toe looks to rival the intensity of even the biggest storm clouds— and we mean that in a good way.

While the standard gray suit can get you through the season without drawing stares from the fashion police, there are many ways to adapt and layer new shades in your wardrobe to impress in any situation. Simon Spurr showed a gorgeous collection of suiting with matching wool ties and gray underpinnings. Dolce & Gabbana showed trousers with plaid blazers and dress coats, whipped up in three tones of gray, making a statement of their subtlety. Z Zegna and Tommy Hilfiger both drew fans with their gray suiting layered with monotone sweaters and scarves, while classic Americana brands like Ralph Lauren and Club Monaco offered tweedy elements to layer into trend.

For the artistically driven career man, the gray trend can be interpreted with tweed trousers paired with gray oxford-cloth shirting, while the classic corporate client should aim for thin cashmere knits and twill shirting in shades of gray from Dior Homme to layer under their gray and black suiting.

Even if you only aim to add a hint of gray to an outfit, this is one color that cannot be ignored on Newbury Street this season. Freshen up your feet with textured Fair Isle socks from Falke or a cardigan from Patrik Ervell. Or simply add a windowpane suit from Dunhill to your repertoire. The options are endless and the craftsmanship is exquisite.