MEN'S STYLE: 3 PIECES THAT DEFY FASHION'S GREY AREA

There is ongoing battle with the color grey. Grey is controversial by nature- the color without color, cousin to both black and white, and often associated with negative connotations like grey hair, somber moods, dark skies, boring, drab, and all the good things that come with old age! However, if your like myself where you prefer to see the glass full rather then half empty then you may find the color grey quite interesting! I know I do! From Grey’s Anatomy to charcoal grey eye shadow to the “little grey cells” in our brain that process our information and  of course how can  I forget to  mention one of my favorites Fifty Shades of Grey! With a pendulum swinging back and forth of positive versus negative associations of grey, I’m here to tip the scale in your favor with three key pieces that will defy fashion’s grey area this fall!  Read on to get the scales tipping…

1 # GREY FLANNEL SUIT

The good news is that the epic grey suit is still going strong, but this season designers have taken this style staple and put a new twist on it! A twist that may be getting some of you lovers of flannel super excited. Forget the matte suit, and even the shiny suit, the ultimate version of a suit this season is the grey flannel suit!  This piece is actually contemporary and looks great on all ages. For those colder months ahead it’s a practical option to keep you warm, so you won’t need to overdo the layering. Dress it up with classic shirt and tie combination or down with a roll neck which is trending for this fall.

STYLE TIP: Remember you can split it into separates and wear both the jacket and trousers individually. Experiment with color in the dress shirt and accessories like the tie or pocket square.  If you do wear a tie or pocket square, this is a time when you can go back to incoporating key colors that are hot for fall!

2 # GREY COAT

Grey has never looked so warm in outerwear this season! Designers have taken the grey concept in a whole new direction with every shade and design imaginable. Expect to see coats in shades of warm, charcoal, sliver, slate and light grey. With each season grey gets quite interesting to say the least from it’s different versions of fabrics and prints. Whether you choose long sloped shoulder oversize coats,  or the ubiquitous bomber jacket which style enthusiasts can’t seem to get enough of, and of course how can you forget the good old parka!

STYLE TIP: When it comes to buying the perfect grey coat and really making a style statement it boils down to the details. Remember to look at all the defining features of the coat these often are but not limited to  the stitching, print, fabric, texture, silhouette, buttons, belts, zippers, and if it’s tailored. Besides the fit, and if you dig it all those details do account for whether you will blend in or stand out this season!

3 # GREY CARDIGAN

Cardigans are no longer just reserved for the French, or tv characters like the famous Mister Rodgers(RIP), but over the past few years Hollywood stars really love this piece for all the right reasons! Just take a cue from some of Hollywood’s A-list – David Beckham, Justin Timberlake, and Drake who are stylishly showing off their athletic build in this piece. Like a favorite pair of denim that you can dress up or down, the grey cardigan is slowly taking on the same persona. Not only is the grey cardigan a great piece to dress up or down, but it will have the ladies fawning over you and your killer style!  

STYLE TIP: If you’re a newbie to the cardigan corner, I recommend going with a thinner material like cotton or linen because it’s make layering options more creative and versatile for both formal and casual wear.  Whether you choose to sport your grey cardigan underneath a blazer or on top of a plaid shirt, look for colors that are going to be used to accent the cardigan. Keep in mind if your going for more of a casual look, choose lighter colors like blue or green to layer, whereas if your going for dressier option choose bolder reds, pinks, purples, and even hue’s of orange which is a key color this year for fall fashion.

HERE ARE RECOMMENDED LINKS TO DEFY FASHION’S GREY AREA:

*= my top picks

http://www.hm.com/us/product/22925?article=22925-B&piaDept=Subdepartment_men&piaType=Large_picture

Canvas Parka at H&M $49.95

http://www.hm.com/us/product/19479?article=19479-G#article=19479-A

Grey Cardigan at H&M $24.95

http://us.asos.com/Selected/Selected-Flannel-Blazer/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3383721&sgid=7303&SearchQuery=gray%20%20flannel%20suit&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Charcoal

Selected Charcoal Flannel Blazer at ASOS for $104.47

http://us.asos.com/Selected/Selected-Flannel-Trouser/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3383898&sgid=7303&SearchQuery=gray%20%20flannel%20suit&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Charcoal

Selected Flannel Pant at ASOS  $67.71 At ASOS

http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Bomber-Jacket-In-Houndstooth/13yu5k/?iid=4210779&cid=3606&Rf-200=16&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Grey&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1Cb21iZXItSmFja2V0LUluLURvZ3Rvb3RoL1Byb2Qv

Bomber Jacket in Houndstooth at ASOS $106.41 *

http://www.zara.com/us/en/man/coats-and-trench-coats/plain-coat-c277002p2025569.html

Plain Coat in Grey at Zara $259- Although this is a bit expensive – this style can last for three seasons or more it’s worth the investment! I love silouhette and neckline  *

http://www.express.com/clothing/wool+blend+herringbone+topcoat/pro/4423435/cat1004

Wool Blend Herrinbone Top Coat at Express $166.80

http://www.express.com/clothing/heathered+stripe+shawl+collar+cardigan/pro/3874149/cat360016

Heathered Stripe Shawl Cardigan at Express $47.94

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=21men&Category=m_blazers-and-vests&ProductID=2000118849&VariantID=012

Heathered Knit Blazer at Forever 21 $39.80 *

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Category.aspx?br=21men&category=m_sweaters

Marled V-Neck Cardigan at Forever 21 $14.00

For more information go to www.frugalfashionite.com