Gold is a timeless metal that has been used in jewelry and accessories for thousands of years. With its warm, rich color and metallic shine, gold adds beauty and luxury to any outfit. However, some people wonder if gold jewelry clashes with grey clothing. In this article, we’ll examine if and how gold complements the color grey.
Grey is a versatile neutral shade that ranges from cool tones like silver and graphite to warm hues like dove and taupe. With so many shades of grey, it can be tricky to choose the right metal tones to complement grey clothing. Does gold jewelry go well with all shades of grey or only certain hues? What style of gold jewelry works best? Read on for tips and advice on wearing gold jewelry with grey outfits.
Does Gold Go with Cool-Toned Greys?
Cool greys like silver, steel, and graphite have blue undertones. These cooler greys pair best with silver and platinum jewelry. The matching cool undertones create a cohesive, harmonious look. Gold jewelry tends to clash with these chilly greys. The warm gold tone fights against the cool blue grey shades.
However, that doesn’t mean you can never wear gold with a cool-toned grey. Try pairing a 14k yellow gold with a lighter grey like lead or mercury. The soft, muted grey helps tone down the gold so it doesn’t look jarring. Charcoal grey is too dark for gold, but pairing gold with a heather or ash grey shirt or accessories can work. Just limit gold jewelry to small accent pieces rather than oversized statement jewelry.
Does Gold Go with Warm Greys?
Warm greys like dove grey, taupe, beige, and mushroom have brown, red, or yellow undertones. These warm, earthy grey shades pair beautifully with yellow or rose gold jewelry. The matching warm undertones create a perfectly coordinated look.
For example, a 14k rose gold necklace pops against a taupe dress. Or hammered yellow gold drop earrings accent a mushroom grey sweater. Oxidized gold also complements warm light greys for an elegant, sophisticated aesthetic.
When it comes to warm dark greys like charcoal and pewter, stick to white or yellow gold. The bright gold balances the darker grey. Rose gold might blend in too much with a charcoal outfit. But white gold adds a hint of contrast while still matching the warm tone.
Does Gold Go with Medium Greys?
Medium grey shades like nickel, cinder, and smoke fall right between cool and warm tones. They have a neutral base without obvious undertones. With these versatile greys, both yellow and white gold work well.
For a casual look, pair a yellow gold cuff bracelet with a heathered grey t-shirt. For something more formal, add white gold hoop earrings to a smoky grey dress. Silver and platinum also complement medium greys nicely. It comes down to personal preference and what other metals you’re wearing.
Just stay away from rose gold with medium true greys, as the hint of warm tones can look a little off. But overall, medium greys give you flexibility to choose either warm gold or cool white gold jewelry.
Which Gold Jewelry Styles Work Best?
In addition to choosing the right gold tone, the style of the jewelry also matters when pairing gold with grey. Delicate gold jewelry tends to work best for a refined look. Think slim bracelets, petite pendants, thin chains and layers. Dainty gold jewelry prevents the gold from looking too bold against grey.
Some styles to try include:
- Thin gold hoops
- Solid or twisted gold necklaces
- Slim gold bangles
- Small gold studs
- Minimalist gold rings
- Chained gold anklets
Avoid chunky gold jewelry like wide cuffs, thick chokers, and oversized rings. The bold gold pieces might overpower the grey. Instead, let the soft grey shades shine by framing them with delicate gold accents.
Of course, rules are made to be broken. If you love a chunky gold style, rock it with confidence. Fashion has no true right or wrong.
Tips for Wearing Gold Jewelry with Grey Outfits
Keep these tips in mind when styling gold jewelry with grey clothing:
- Stick to white or yellow gold with cool-toned greys
- Choose rose or yellow gold for warm-toned greys
- Select either white or yellow gold for medium/neutral greys
- Opt for dainty, minimalist gold jewelry accents
- Make sure grey and gold tones complement, not clash
- Add other metallic accents like belts or hair clips
- Layer multiple slim gold necklaces or bracelets
- Frame the face with small gold studs or hoops
- Tie looks together with a gold watch, rings, or anklets
The key is keeping gold and grey pieces cohesive. When mixing metallics, make sure the undertones work together. Gold pairs beautifully with grey when done right.
Example Outfits with Gold Jewelry and Grey
Here are a few chic example outfits with gold jewelry and grey:
Cool Grey and White Gold
- Silver grey silk blouse
- White skinny jeans
- Slim white gold bracelet
- White gold solitaire pendant necklace
Warm Grey and Yellow Gold
- Dove grey cashmere sweater
- Black leggings
- Yellow gold diamond stud earrings
- Thin yellow gold bangles
Medium Grey and Rose Gold
- Heather grey T-shirt
- Dark rinse jeans
- Rose gold watch
- Rose gold rings
The Best Metals to Pair with Grey Outfits
While gold can complement grey beautifully, it’s not the only metal that pairs well. Here are the best metal tones to match with different shades of grey:
| Grey Shade | Best Metals to Pair |
|---|---|
| Cool Greys (silver, steel, graphite) | Silver, Platinum, White Gold |
| Warm Greys (taupe, beige, dove) | Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, Bronze |
| Medium Neutral Greys | Yellow Gold, White Gold, Silver |
| Dark Greys (charcoal, pewter) | Yellow Gold, White Gold |
As you can see, gold is versatile enough to complement a wide range of grey shades. The key is choosing the right gold tone for warm, cool, or neutral undertones. With so many lovely options, you can definitely incorporate gold into grey outfits with style.
Conclusion
Does gold go with grey? Absolutely! Gold jewelry can add the perfect polished touch to grey outfits when done thoughtfully. Stick with white and yellow gold for cool-toned medium greys. For warm greys, opt for rose or yellow gold accents. Focus on delicate styles like thin chains, petite pendants, and slim cuffs. Gold should complement, not overwhelm, so keep pieces small and dainty. Avoid oversized gold jewelry unless you want to make a bold statement. With the right complementary tones and scales, gold and grey make quite the stylish pair. So don’t be afraid to accessorize your grey wardrobe with a touch of glimmering gold!
