There’s a dark horse in the denim world this winter—grey jeans! They weren’t on any of the fall trend lists, but they’re popping up everywhere right now in the middle of the season, and I am here for it! Grey jeans are just as versatile as black but with a little extra edge, bringing a fresh and effortlessly cool vibe to any look. If you’re wondering how to wear them this winter, I’ve got a bunch of outfit ideas to get you inspired!
Grey wash denim was in my regular rotation when skinny styles were having their moment in the sun. I even had a pair of ankle flares I loved just a few years ago, but then grey washes practically disappeared from the fashion scene, and I almost forgot about them.
Well, guess what? Grey jeans are back and better than ever in fresh flare, straight, and wide-leg styles!
I recently added this pair of MOTHER Weekender Flare Hem Jeans to my closet, and I’m already hooked. I’m a huge fan of this silhouette—I already have these jeans in several shades of blue denim—so when I saw this faded dark grey wash, I knew they had to be mine. You can find them at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks, and Bloomingdale’s (where they qualify for Bonus Points!) I also like this pair at White House Black Market for a more budget-friendly option that also comes in petite and tall sizes.
Polished Pairing: Grey Denim with Caramel Details
This first look is my favorite. I absolutely love the grey and caramel pairing because it’s somewhat unexpected but still looks intentional. I was tempted to wear an ivory sweater to keep it a neutral look, but at the last minute I decided to try this pretty evergreen shade, and I’m so glad I did. I think it’s perfect for the winter season.
MOTHER The Weekender in Wanted! (29) (Loyallist Power Points at Bloomingdale’s) (budget option) // Vince turtleneck (M) (option) // J.Crew Daphne Topcoat (6) // Veronica Beard boots (8) (option) // similar belt // earrings // bracelet // sunnies
When I remove my coat, the outfit still looks complete because the brown belt ties in with the boots. I just wish I’d remembered to bring a coordinating bag. I ended up carrying black, which I don’t like nearly as much as my HOBO Render shoulder bag in the caramel glazed leather.
Here’s a photo with the bag I prefer to carry with this outfit. We took these pictures at the house, and when I got them back, I realized that my camel topcoat would be the perfect way to top off this look! But when I met up with Alison again later in the week to re-shoot the look, I brought everything BUT the bag. Anyway, I think you get the idea.
MOTHER The Weekender in Wanted! (29) (Loyallist Power Points at Bloomingdale’s) (budget option) // Vince turtleneck (M) (option) // Veronica Beard boots (8) (option) // HOBO Render shoulder bag // similar belt // bracelet
Monochrome, But Make It Edgy: Grey + Black
Grey and black might be a bit more expected, but it always works. And with monochromatic looks trending right now, this combo feels fresh and modern to me.
For this look, I paired my grey flares with a luxe black cashmere sweater and topped it off with a vegan leather puffer for a mix of textures. Black suede booties with a pointed toe and kitten heel bookend the outfit, and I added a belt and triple chain necklace for extra points of interest.
Abercrombie vegan leather puffer (S) (option) // Vince Weekend V-Neck (S) (budget option) // MOTHER The Weekender in Wanted! (29) (budget option) // Marc Fisher kitten heel booties (8) (option) // similar belt // Hammitt VIP // layer necklace
Chic Neutrals: Grey Denim, Camel & Black
This look follows a similar idea, but with a cozy camel sweater and a sleek black faux fur jacket. Camel and black is one of my go-to color combos—the mix of warm and cool tones feels timeless and modern all at once. Adding grey denim into the mix gives this classic pairing an edgy twist that I love.
FYI, this faux fur jacket is a great price right now! I love the zip-up design; it’s a little more casual for pairing with jeans.
Equipment Madalene (S) (option) // Sanctuary faux fur jacket (S) // MOTHER The Weekender in Wanted! (29) (budget option) // Marc Fisher kitten heel booties (8) (option) // layer necklace // similar belt
Speaking of camel and black with grey denim, this camel and black striped cardigan is a great way to top off a pair of grey jeans. I’ve had this sweater since last year, and I was so happy to see it brought back this season. The boxy silhouette and flared sleeves give it a modern, relaxed vibe that works with so many outfits. (And it’s also on sale at Bloomingdale’s!)
Rails Geneva Cardigan (S) // pendant necklace // chain necklace // earrings // Tom Ford sunnies
I often wear it with black or blue jeans, but it also goes well with grey. These are the MOTHER Tomcat in the same Wanted! wash, and they’re already getting hard to find in stock. These jeans are a high rise, straight-leg style with a relaxed, lived-in feel. I don’t love them as much as The Weekender, but I wanted to show a different silhouette, and they have the same faded dark grey wash with a slightly weathered look. The kitten heel booties and box bag keep the look polished and pulled together.
Rails Geneva Cardigan (S) // MOTHER Tomcat in Wanted! (30) // Marc Fisher kitten heel booties (8) (option) // Quince box bag
Light & Luxe: Grey Denim with Oatmeal Hues
Sticking with neutrals for now, I’ve always loved a luxe sweater in this soft ‘oatmeal’ shade, and it pairs perfectly with grey denim for a soft and sophisticated take on a monochrome look. I’ve had this Vince sweater for years, so I can’t link it, but this Caslon one gives you a similar look, and it’s a great price for cashmere! (Fit Tip: Size up for a more relaxed fit.)
The black boots and my dark hair work together to “bookend” the look, but I also think this outfit would look amazing with lighter boots to follow the “Sandwich Rule.” (If you’re not familiar with the term, I break it down in my post, 5 Style Hacks To Make Getting Dressed Easier.)
similar oatmeal sweater (size up for a more relaxed fit) // MOTHER The Weekender in Wanted! (29) (budget option) // rag & bone boots (option) // earrings // similar necklace
I topped off this outfit with a plum-colored teddy coat (similar here) for a date night with Paul a few weeks ago, and I love how it came together. (Plum and other shades of purple also happen to pair beautifully with grey denim.)
And this sweater is ivory, not oatmeal, but it creates the same light and luxe look… until I topped it off with a vegan leather jacket, for an edgy twist. With this jacket, though, I would prefer a sneaker with some black accents to tie it all together.
Jenni Kayne sweater (option) // Abercrombie vegan leather puffer (S) (option) // MOTHER Tomcat in Wanted! (30) // VEJA Esplar (39)
Earthy & Unexpected: Grey + Rust
Rust might not be the first color you think to pair with grey, but that’s exactly what makes it so good. The warm, earthy tones of rust create a striking contrast against cool grey, giving the whole look a rich, grounded feel. It’s an easy way to add depth and dimension to your outfit while still feeling fresh and modern.
rust sweatshirt // MOTHER The Weekender in Wanted! (budget option) // rag & bone boots (option)
Fresh & Bold: Grey Denim + Emerald Green
If you’re looking for a bold color combo that still feels elevated, try grey jeans with emerald green. The rich jewel tone adds a fresh pop of color against the cool, muted grey, creating a look that’s striking as well as sophisticated. I added a black quilted vest to this look to break up the bold green and black stripes while tying in the black boots for a cohesive finish.
Cooper Quilted Vest (S) // Thea Crewneck Pullover (S) // MOTHER The Weekender in Wanted! (budget option) (29) // Vince boots (8) (option)
Fresh & Feminine: Grey Denim Meets Pink & Plum
I also love grey denim with shades of pink and plum. It pairs beautifully with burgundy and red too. You can see some of those color combos in my older outfits. While the silhouettes may not be current, the color combinations still work.
Grey Jeans At All Price Points:
If you’re feeling inspired, you can shop my top picks for grey jeans below!
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28 Responses
Grey jeans on my list! Great post, Jo-Lynne♥️
Off topic question about the Levi faux leather puffer you have worn in past posts. What size do you wear as I’m about same as you. Thanks!
I only have the one from Abercrombie. I haven’t tried the Levi’s one.
I have Paige straight leg jeans from last year. I’m excited to try some looks that aren’t a black top!
The gray and camel combo looks soooo good!
Jo Lynne,
When I click the link to Nordstrom under the first picture it links to a time sheet for your assistant. 🙂
Well, yikes! Thank you!!!
You’re welcome! I’ve done things like that!
I’m excited that grey jeans are baaack. I never would have paired grey with caramel/camel but it works. Thank you for all the colour combos!
Love this post! I just wore grey jeans yesterday with a red lady jacket from JCrew. I will wear lots of Christmas red until at least early January! I also love grey jeans with wine/burgundy colors. I like how you paired them with camel, unexpected but so nice! I also have a grey herringbone blazer/jacket that I like to wear with my grey jeans, and a black sweater. The hubby and I want to get down to Cape May this week to stroll the streets of Victorian homes and see Congress Hall of course. I hope the weather gets better because we won’t go in the rain!!
I love the grey
I kept my London Jeans when straights were just making a comeback. Wearing them now
Purple, burgundy, and sometimes pink
work best for me with my hair and skin tone. Never thought of caramel but wow does that look great on you
Dark brown also looks great with gray jeans.
Thanks for these great suggestions and inspirations!
Gray and Camel is my all time favorite! Love all your outfits wearing it! 😍 I plan on adding a new pair after the holidays. Pray someone will still be having a sale! Ha
I LOVE grey jeans and I have 3 pair. I really like your pairing of grey and camel, too!
Good Post, I love camel and grey – it’s interesting two of my podcasters that I follow actually mentioned grey jeans starting to trend in the fall, but I guess it’s just now becoming mainstream – it will be interesting to see if what she is talking about for Spring 2025 does the same thing.
I love gray best with black and white, plums, pinks, blues, jewel tones, and pastels. Not so keen on it with warm undertone colors like oranges and browns or autumnal tones.
I found a pair of grey Frame flares a while back at a local resale shop. They were practically brand new, AND they were my size! My mom bought them for me (for $12.00!!!) and I hung them in my closet and forgot about them. I pulled them out of my closet just now and did a happy dance! I think I will wear them tomorrow to my daughter’s chorus concert!
LOOOOVE the light & luxe look! Totally my jam– I’m inspired! 🥰
Love this post! I have a pair of Paige grey jeans that I may now wear more often! BTW the style hacks link does not work…..
Color combinations I would not have thought of! Love it all. Just bought some nice gray flare jeans at J Jill. I especially like the rust/gray together. May I ask what size is your rust sweatshirt?
It’s a small.
Love this post! I had a pair of straight leg grey jeans from WHBM that I immediately started wearing again. I also purchased the KUT grey denim with the front and back seams. Love the Caramel and Grey look. Would not have paired they if not for your post and photos but love the look. Wearing it tonight to meet up with the girls. Love your inspiration and help keeping us looking vital. 61 and classically up to date!
The first outfit of gray jeans and wool coat is stunning on you! Really love all the outfits!
Great ideas. Love the grey jeans. Definitely a fave post for me. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you
I love grey jeans. I always have a pair in my closet. My current 2 are both Levis and I reach for those more than anything else. Last weekend I wore a hot pink sweater with a pair and I giggled that it’s a color combination I’ve worn since I was a teen after seeing a model in a grey/pink outfit in Seventeen magazine.
I absolutely love the gray jean trend and how you’ve styled them!! I’d like to get a pair for myself, the White House Black Market ones are sold out in my size. And because I am frugal, I will not purchase the expensive jeans lol but I love Gap,. The only pair available are kicked crops. I live in northern Ohio on Lake Erie and it can get super cold here in winter. I wouldn’t know how to style kick crops in the winter. Any ideas? Thank you you for your great fashion advice. I love reading your daily blog.
Honestly, I would not wear the kick crops in the dead of winter, unless you really like that look. You would want high shaft booties that slide up under them. What do you think of this pair from J.Crew?