There’s something incredibly chic – not to mention easy – about an all-black outfit and I get a lot of wear out of the black jumpers and jeans in my autumn capsule wardrobe. They can also be paired with plenty of other colours without me having to worry about clashing.
Yet, as with anything, there are occasions where I want something a little different. Sometimes black can be a stark contrast in an outfit and the Princess of Wales just championed a great alternative option – dove-grey. Grey has an unfair reputation for being boring, but so does brown and look how popular gorgeous chocolate and tan tones are right now.
Kate visited RAF Coningsby on 2nd October wearing her grey Prince of Wales Check tailored suit with a matching crewneck knit. Everything about this look was timeless and the colour-drenching made the grey so striking on a cloudy autumn day.
(Image credit: James Glossop/The Times PA Images via Alamy)
Shop Gorgeous Grey Staples
All Saints Relaxed Fit Linen Blend Blazer
Now reduced to £100 in the sale, this single-breasted blazer is an easy way to add something grey into your autumn wardrobe that you’ll actually get a lot of wear out of. It’s got a relaxed fit and has two handy pockets. For a full matching look, pair with the Averie trousers.
Treasure & Bond Rib Detail Mock Neck Sweater
The ribbed detailing highlights the dropped shoulders of this relaxed-fit sweater knit. It’s crafted from a super-soft and cozy blend and comes in so many different shades, including this pretty pale grey. Tuck into jeans for a snuggly everyday outfit.
Zara Mid-Grey Soft Touch Palazzo Trousers
Made with cotton yarn, these palazzo-style, ultra wide-leg trousers are high waisted. The waistband itself is elasticated for comfort and yet the marked seam detail on the front gives them a smart tailored feel.
M&S Grey Air-Yarn Crew Neck Jumper
This jumper is spun with breathable air-yarn as well as a touch of wool, making it such a comfortable and cosy choice. The silhouette is timeless, with ribbed trims on the neck, cuffs and hem. It’s an affordable option if you want to start wearing more grey.
H&M Grey Knitted Sweater Vest
When the weather is too warm for a full jumper but too chilly for a T-shirt, a knitted sweater vest is a great option that falls somewhere in between these. This one has a loose fit with a round neckline and a high split on each side of the hem. There are ribbed details and the material contains some wool.
Levi’s 501® Original Jeans Porcini Haze
Featuring a low amount of stretch, these grey 501 jeans are a classic worth adding to your collection. They have a straight-leg, high-rise silhouette and the Levi’s signature button-up fly. The grey colour is soft, with a lovely amount of variation to the denim wash.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen the Princess of Wales go all-out with a single outfit colour and it definitely won’t be the last. It’s a failsafe approach if you want your style to feel very cohesive and polished, with a minimal edge.
Kate doesn’t usually wear a lot of grey, yet the softness of the shade and the check was a clever counter-balance to the very crisp silhouettes of her blazer and straight-leg trousers. As a mid-point between black and white it’s no surprise that grey is one of the most versatile neutrals.
It works so well with other muted colours as well as with jewel tones like burgundy, forest green and mustard. If you haven’t thought about autumn outfit ideas featuring grey, the Princess’s latest look is all the inspiration you need to give it a go as an alternative to black.
(Image credit: James Glossop/The Times via PA Images via Alamy)
“A power trouser suit has become something of a signature for Kate, and I love the neat fit of this one,” says woman&home’s Digital Fashion Ecommerce Editor. “Grey is much softer than black, but it also pairs really well with some of this season’s biggest colour trends, like pastel pink and rich plum. This is proof that shades of grey are far from boring!”
The Princess of Wales completed her look with a pair of navy blue heeled court shoes and added sapphire and diamond drop earrings. These small pops of colour were subtle and complemented the grey beautifully.
For an outfit that isn’t quite as monochromatic as Kate’s, I’d recommend choosing a snuggly grey jumper or cardigan that you can mix and match with different pairs of jeans and trousers.
(Image credit: James Glossop/The Times via PA Images via Alamy)
Alternatively, grey tailored trousers are an easy staple too and can be dressed up with heeled boots or down with trainers. The Princess’s style, though, is always a lot more formal and this engagement called for something smart and sleek.
It was her first ever visit to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire since becoming Royal Honorary Air Commodore in August 2023. Kate was there for a first-hand introduction to the base and the work they do as part of the Royal Air Force.
The visit included a viewing of a Typhoon aircraft, touring the new Typhoon Future Synthetic Training facility and met Quick Reaction Alert personnel.
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