Shades of Grey: Alluring & Oh, So Elegant

Jacquard knits (where the pattern is actually knit into the fabric) have also become important. Eliza J has interpreted this trend in a beautiful modern fitting fit-and-flare shape, perfect for any night out, baby shower, or dressier brunch. It’s so nice when we can find a ¾ sleeve on a feminine dress like this – in the large array of sizes, we can all benefit from the option of covering our arms when we want to. The black and white mix creates a softer, grey hue that still works perfectly with black shoes.

Grey can be sexy, too, and sometimes that’s just what we’re looking for on a date night or fun night out with the girls. We’ve seen this dress look amazing on curvy and slimmer body types. The wrap looks creates a flattering waist effect and there is a black elastic band across the waist in the back that breaks up the silhouette, giving the butt/hip area a nice boost. The fabrication has texture, lots of stretch to it, and is lined, which is comfortable and smoothing (once you get it over your head). It really sucks you in. The wrap neckline is done so well – no cami needed. Note that this model is almost 6 feet tall, in an XS – this dress is not that short on most of us. It looks great with tights and black leather high booties, ankle length booties or pumps.

For something a little more elegant, DKNY offers a luxe option in a jersey that has just a bit of sheen, with that same pleating detail along the hip/waist area that is oh, so slimming. The long sleeve is modern and fresh in a “going out” dress, and the even medium grey looks great on every skin tone we’ve seen. A big statement bracelet over the sleeve looks striking and further dresses up this piece.

Need something truly dressy? As we’ve talked about in the past, black tie doesn’t have to mean black dress. This gunmetal option is certainly proof of that. We love everything about this Aidan Mattox gown – the larger size range, the fact that a full bra can be worn with it (but the back still dips into a lovely v), and the slight blousing at the waist that conceals any potential muffin top while accentuating the waist. An elegant beaded pump completes the look.

For a more casual night out to a great restaurant, Lafayette 148 New York has a fun, yet refined option, which is further elevated in its sleek grey color. The silk top has some stretch, a relaxed fit, and clean finish to the hem that can easily be worn untucked. And what a great, timeless print – so rich. We love it with the coordinating straight leg pants that are shown here (you can buy them through the “shop it” button, as well), which can also be worn for work with a blazer, blouse or sweater. The neutral grey works with everything.

An edgier, yet still so sophisticated, pick from Lafayette 148 New York – this geometric patterned funnel neck sweater has a leather-like black color block at the bottom that looks amazing with slim ponte pants, coated jeans or leather leggings for the perfect look when you’re heading out to that new restaurant in town. The merino wool/cashmere fabric is so soft and well made. You’ll have this forever.

This is such a great casual piece for an easy night out. It’s not often we come across a loose fitting, well made tunic that still has a bit of sexy femininity to it. Riller & Fount has delivered. They are known for their easy fitting contemporary luxurious knits that are comfortable with a little allure. In an easy heather grey (and darker brown/grey), it looks great on everyone - especially with black skinny pants like the next style we’re showing from Vince (or any of the pants we mentioned for the last Lafayette sweater). Wear a longer necklace to showcase the deeper v of the neckline or a chunky one. Eileen Fisher does a silk version of a tunic that can be worn the same way - equally fabulous and a little more demure with a rounded neckline.

Vince’s easy fitting contemporary take on a skinny ponte pant has just enough detail to dress these up for a night out, with leather piping down the sides of the legs. So subtle, but really fresh in grey. They come in black, too, but we love the grey option as a nice contrast to all the black sweaters, tops, and blazers we often wear for a night out. The grey is also a soft and feminine look with all the pretty pastels that are out this season. They look great with black boots, booties, or heels – don’t worry that the leather trim is grey, it still works. If you are looking for a more relaxed fit, but still want the same skinny ponte pant look, Christopher Blue has a favorite of ours, in charcoal and black.

These DVF pumps are one of our favorite alternatives to the sexy black pump this season. The heel is black lacquered, so it ties back effortlessly to black. And it’s a very wearable 3-inch heel height. Suede pointy toe heels are very popular this season – and why shouldn’t they be? They are elongate the leg and dress up anything from your basic black pants or dress to jeans. The grey color works with colors, patterns, and solids so you’ll get plenty of use out of them.