Grey might be this season’s “it” colour, but it has come in for a drubbing over the past few weeks. The shade was a hit on the catwalks, but shoppers have reportedly turned up their noses at it.

But is that true? “I don’t know where the anti-grey campaign came from,” says Stuart Rose, the boss of Marks & Spencer. It might not be selling in some stores, but it is flying out of his. “Grey is important. It is in our top-three bestselling colours,” he says. “We have a scoop-neck knitted jersey that is selling faster in grey than in burgundy, and the long-sleeve cardi worn by Twiggy in our ad campaign is doing really well. Provided it is accentuated with other colours, it looks great. We are experiencing no resistance to it at all. It is storm in a teacup.”

Topshop also reports strong sales of grey. Its line of coats by the hot London label Preen sold out in days, as did its high-waisted palazzo pants. French Connection has sold out of its scoop-neck grey jumper dresses, and over at Harvey Nichols, it is a similar story, says buying director, Averyl Oates: “Grey has, in the past, had a reputation for being difficult to sell due to its association with school uniforms. However, we have not had any problems. Knitwear in particular has been a success, especially Stella McCartney’s oversized cardis and sweater dresses.”

Indeed, grey is a fantastically versatile colour. A soft neutral, it works well with practically any other shade and will integrate easily into your wardrobe. Get it right, and you look chic and expensive. Get it wrong, however, and you look drab. Wearing a lighter shade closer to the face is more flattering — keep darker shades such as charcoal for skirts, trousers and structured tailoring. Matt fabrics are easier to wear than shiny ones. Don’t wear it head to toe — a white shirt under a grey knit, for instance, will brighten up the look. Grey is also a great foil for statement accessories. Wear it with a colourful scarf, chunky gold jewellery or a vivid bag.

And for a bit of colour

Click above for larger image

1 Gold cuff with black stones, £90, by Kenneth Jay Lane, from www.net-a-porter.com.

2 Gold chain cuff, £120, by Lee Angel, from www.net-a-porter.com.

3 Multicoloured scarf, £92, by Missoni, from www.my-wardrobe.com.

4 Green bag with zips, £420, by Botkier, from www.my-wardrobe.com.

5 Red patent ballet pumps, £75, by Pretty Ballerinas, from www.prettyballerinas.com

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