How to Style a Grey Coat

Co-authored by Ira Lysa and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: February 6, 2025 References

A gray coat is the perfect staple item to keep you warm during the chilly winter months. Since gray can go with so many colors, shades, and tones, it can be hard to pick what you’re going to wear every day. We’ve compiled a list of some fun and fashionable pieces you can pair with your gray coat to look cool, casual, or sophisticated every time you leave the house.

1

Keep it casual with jeans and a T-shirt.

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You can never go wrong with this classic look. Put on your favorite pair of jeans, then throw on a solid colored tee underneath your gray coat.^{[1]
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- Gray looks awesome on top of light wash jeans and a white T-shirt.
- You can also rock a gray coat on top of dark wash jeans and a black tee.
- If it’s cold outside, pair your look with a scarf and a beanie to stay warm.
- Finish off your outfit with a pair of sneakers and a small backpack.

2

Dress your coat up with a skirt and a blouse.

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A gray coat is the perfect way to stay warm while getting fancy. This outfit works best with longer coats that reach down past your knees. Put on a pencil skirt and a flowy blouse, then add your coat on top for a chic, sophisticated outfit.^{[2]
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- This look will be more elegant with a long trench coat or overcoat, but it works well with any gray coat.
- All black always looks good under a gray coat, but you can also add a pop of color with a patterned skirt or blouse.
- If it’s super chilly out, add a pair of black tights to keep your legs warm.
- Accessorize with some hoop earrings and a few bracelets to tie this look together.

3

Go out in a mini dress under your coat.

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If your dress and your coat are the same length, you can show some skin. Throw on a mini dress that hits about mid-thigh, then put your coat on top for a warm layer.
- Add a pair of booties and a small clutch to bring this outfit together.
- If it’s super cold out, stay warm with a pair of tights.

4

Stay cozy in a hoodie.

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For super cold days, you might need an extra layer. Put on a cozy hoodie and jeans, then throw your gray coat on top.^{[3]
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- For a more streetwear look, try this outfit with a long trench coat.
- For a classic look, go for a gray coat that hits at your waist.
- Try wearing black jeans and a light-colored hoodie to make your outfit pop.
- Finish off your look with some boots and a small backpack or a fanny pack.

5

Get fancy with a pair of trousers.

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If it’s time to head to the office, you can take your gray coat with you.^{[4]
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Ira Lysa
Fashion Designer

Expert Interview} Put on a pair of fitted trousers and pair them with a button-down or a cozy sweater underneath your gray coat.^{[5]
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- Navy blue and cream trousers both work well with gray coats.
- You can try this look with a gray blazer or a longer gray trench coat.
- Wear a pair of dress shoes or booties to finish off this outfit.

6

Wear sneakers to keep your look casual.

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If you’re heading out to lunch or to run errands, keep your feet comfy. Put on a pair of low-top sneakers to dress-down your gray coat.
- White and black sneakers always go well with a gray coat.
- Even long trench coats can be dressed down with a pair of tennis shoes.
- Both high top and low top sneakers look great with gray coats.

7

Pair gray with blues for a nice contrast.

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If you’re going for color, blue is your best bet. Pick out a light blue shirt to go underneath your gray jacket for a pop of color that won’t wash you out.^{[6]
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- If you have light skin, wearing white underneath a gray jacket has the potential to make you look a little pale.
- This color combo works best if your jacket has a slight blue tinge to it.

8

Add pops of color to make your outfit stand out.

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Gray is a subtle shade, so you can play around with fun colors. Wear a bright tie, a fun shirt, a pocket square, or a scarf to turn heads in your gray coat.^{[7]
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Ira Lysa
Fashion Designer

Expert Interview}^{[8]
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- Bright blues, oranges, and dark reds always pair well with gray coats.
- Pale colors and pastels tend to get lost with a gray coat.

9

Match gray with gray for an easy outfit.

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This is a great outfit to choose if you have a gray sports coat. Put on a pair of gray trousers or slacks for an easy outfit that you can dress up or down.^{[9]
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- You could also use this look with a gray overcoat or trench coat.
- Go with a gray skirt if you’d like to be a little fancier.
- Pair your look with black shoes and minimal jewelry.

10

Go for simplicity in a monochromatic outfit.

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Your gray coat will pop against a monochromatic look. Put on an all-black outfit to look fashionable and chic in your gray coat.^{[10]
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- You can use this look with any style of gray coat that you have.
- Black leggings and a black T-shirt is an easy outfit for everyday wear.
- A black blouse and a black skirt is a nice outfit for a night out.
- Pair your look with winter boots and a long scarf to stay warm.
- Accessorize with a pair of sunglasses and some small stud earrings.

11

Use booties and kitten heels to dress your coat up.

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If you have a trench coat or a blazer, make it fancy with heeled shoes. Booties, heeled combat boots, kitten heels, and wedges all make your gray coat look a little more fashionable.
- You can add a pop of color with brown heels or dress shoes.
- For ultimate elegance, match black shoes with an all-black outfit underneath your gray coat.
- Dress shoes also look great with a gray coat.

12

Go for silver jewelry so it meshes with gray.

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Gold tones tend to clash with gray ones. Instead, opt for silver jewelry, belt buckles, or hardware on your bag.^{[11]
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- Silver pairs well with almost every color, so it should mesh well with any outfit you choose.

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Tips

Play around with different styles until you find what you like to wear!

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Try on your entire outfit before you head out.

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