The best part about grey jeans is that there are very few ways to wear them wrong, especially for men. However, I’m here to help you optimize them.
Believe it or not, I think grey jeans are way more useful denim pants for guys than blue or black jeans. They sort of sit in between them aesthetically.
Blue jeans can look pretty hardcore Americana, while black jeans are definitely more urban cool. Of course, that all depends on how you style them.
Grey jeans, on the other hand, look more like a menswear neutral.
Unfortunately, they aren’t always the first denim pants that come to mind for most guys. Let me help you unlock a whole level of effortless style with this often-overlooked garment.
Grey Jeans: Why You Need a Pair and How to Style It
Obviously, grey denim pants can be worn with very literally any color and they’re just so easy to style. That’s why you need a pair.
However, as neutral as they are, they can also be the solution to many possible aesthetic conundrums.
Using Grey Jeans Practically
Here are some ways you can use grey jeans.
First, they can break up super dark colors without looking out of place or too statement. Imagine you’re wearing a black henley, black boots, and a black jacket. This is an extreme example of effect — more realistically, the jacket might be a midnight blue or dark jungle green.
Bright pants would then become the statement piece of the outfit, as would light-wash jeans and even blue jeans to an extent. Black jeans would make the entire outfit a statement, perhaps a gothic one. However, charcoal jeans can bring dimension while also blending in naturally.
Second, they fit in with any personal style. They’re cool without being too edgy, so classic dressers and preps can wear them. And they’re neutral without being too boring, so trendy guys can wear them too.
Third, they give you a safe foundation.
With them, you can experiment with colors or pieces you’re curious about but find intimidating for whatever reason. I often recommend pairing grey jeans with pastels to guys who are pastel-hesitant.
And fourth, they’re the perfect pants for a smart casual dress code or even a business casual situation. Think about it. Smart and business casual dress codes range widely and may even differ from one situation to another. That’s why they’re challenging.
The worst-case scenario is that you end up in a context where jeans aren’t actually all that appropriate. However, a pair of grey pants wouldn’t look as obviously denim as blue jeans and wouldn’t stick out as much as black ones.
Styling Dark Grey Jeans for Guys
Dark grey pants actually come in a wide range. Take a look at the Slim Stone Jeans from Mott & Bow. They’re the perfect example.
They can be so dark, they’re almost black, and can even be styled like black jeans. And what brands categorize as medium, for all intents and purposes, is basically just dark.
Either medium-dark or super-dark grey pants can be worn in a smart casual situation. They’ll give you a nice, neutral foundation to have fun with other components of your outfit. Go for a blue, not navy, suit jacket, and a light blue shirt, for example.
A true blue suit jacket is too bright in certain professional situations but not in smart casual and business casual situations. However, you don’t want to be loud, so grey jeans can temper that color.
You can also pair it with a cashmere or merino pullover in your favorite color.
In casual situations, grey jeans can add a streetwear flare without being over the top. It can be worn with a Harrington jacket for a classic casual look or a leather jacket for something a bit edgier.
Because of their cool tone, dark grey jeans also go well in a cold-weather bundled-up look, say with a beanie and a flannel.
They’re a great way to do a high-low combination that isn’t in your face, the way a t-shirt with a suit would look.
For example, a t-shirt, utility jacket, and boots look structured and handsome together.
But you can also replace the boots with sleek leather loafers and the T-shirt with a crisp button-down.
Styling Light Grey Jeans for Guys
I think that light shades are perfect for spring and summer casual outfits or to achieve a sophisticatedly unstuffy elegance.
You can easily wear grey jeans with a crewneck T-shirt and white low-profile
You can wear any color shirt, really. However, I prefer one that’s in a matching shade or the same level of lightness as the jeans. So if I’m wearing an almost white, cloud grey, then I’ll wear a pale arctic blue shirt instead of a bright cerulean or dark navy one.
Not only are subtle contrasts more natural looking, but they add height to your stature. When color blocks are too dramatic, they cut you down.
If you want to wear something bright or lively while maximizing your visual height, try a piece of outerwear. Maybe you’re wearing light grey denim and a pale beige shirt. Top it off with a red bomber jacket or Harrington. Or top it off with an open shirt jacket in a bright tone.
Light grey jeans also go beautifully with a classy, resort-chic vibe. Pair them with a linen shirt and suede loafers. You’ll look like an off-duty James Bond.
Or, just wear them with a knit polo and
FAQs
Here are common questions, and of course answers, regarding grey denim pants!
What Color Goes With Grey Jeans?
You can wear grey jeans with any color. To create the illusion of height, I highly recommend going for low-contrast colors — dark pieces with dark grey, and light pieces with light grey. However, grey jeans are also a great tool to temper bright or lively colors you might want to incorporate into your outfit.
Are Grey Jeans More Casual or Dressy?
In general, jeans are casual pants. However, grey jeans are dressier than blue ones, making them appropriate for many smart casual dress codes.
What Color Shoes Should You Wear With Grey Jeans?
You can wear any color of shoes with grey jeans. However, in more formal situations, you should stick to cool tones, like black or cedar-toned browns. Warm tones will add a contrast that might be too striking.
Conclusion: A Style Secret Weapon
Now that you know how to style grey jeans, I hope you’ll give them a shot if you haven’t already. As mentioned, they truly do fit into anyone’s personal style.
I personally prefer them over blue jeans and black jeans.
Do you have a pair of grey jeans? Do you prefer them to blue or black, and why? Let me know in the comments!
I bought a light grey denim from Ralph Lauren, favorite pair for the warmer months. Just turned 70, still dress along Trad lines.