Grey is so easy. Any way you match it -- with black, brown and any color in between -- you can’t help but look put-together. On the color wheel, grey is what happens when opposite colors are mixed with white: blue and orange, red and green, purple and yellow, black and white. The practical application of this is a neutral shoe that transcends color matching issues while retaining the ability to slide between gradations of warmth and coolness.
This versatility makes it not only the must-have color of season, but a workhorse that will serve you well in upcoming seasons. It's present moment, future outfits. From shoes and boots to scarves and sweaters, grey works. To wit, some of our most popular boots below. Is it just a coincidence they come in variations of this versatile hue?
First up, the coolly grey Dakota by Jeffrey Campbell. This everyday boot blends worker details like a buckled rand and reinforced heel with urban-chic suede styling. The delight is in the details: ultra-soft suede upper, brass-buckled harness. The shaft is short and wide -- not quite mid-calf -- with a light natural slouch. We love them pulled over all-purpose skinny jeans and paired with a tailored riff on a workshirt or subtle close check plaid.
Warm up your look with the grey-taupe Legion by Steve Madden. The slouched shaft is cuffed at top for a casually textured look. A decorative cinch with buckle is a popular detail and a perfect way to play off cuffs and bangles. The rounded toe and heel are trimmed with double-stitching, making the foot appear smaller. The three-inch heel gives you enough of a boost to dress up a pair of jeans while keeping you stable enough for a day roaming the city. For a casual evening, pair the Legion with a sweater dress and tights.
The Mazzie by Calvin Klein in grey suede is a happy medium between warm and cool tones. The blueish undertones of its soft suede are reminiscent of Jeffrey Campbell's Dakota. A flat sole and fitted full-length shaft keep you balanced and comfortable (and provide a much-needed respite from this season's sky-high heels); the narrow toe keeps it feminine.
A decorative suede tie cinches the cuffed top, lending a uptown riposte to the Legion's downtown buckle. Wear it cuffed with your skinny jeans or pair with a mid-length skirt or dress and your favorite pair of tights. Want edgier? Uncuff the top for the over-the-knee look of which we can't get enough. Fashion-forward and cozy-warm, the Mazzie's versatility grows with your wardrobe.