The unexpected hero of fall accessories: Why grey beats black
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When it comes to fall (or winter) fashion, black often steals the spotlight. It’s classic, it’s safe, it goes with everything. But as we move from the tail end of summer into cooler fall days, I’ve been reaching for a different kind of neutral: dark grey. And specifically, this dark grey leather handbag by Teddy Blake.
If you haven’t heard of Teddy Blake, the brand is known for crafting luxury-quality handbags without the steep price tag. I discovered them a few years ago, and to this day, I’m still impressed by the craftsmanship and durability of their bags. The one I have is called Ava; it’s made in Italy and comes in more colors. You can browse their full collection here: https://www.teddyblake.com.
Note: This post is sponsored by Teddy Blake, but all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
This structured leather handbag from Teddy Blake is in the perfect shade of grey for fall.
Grey might not seem as bold as burgundy or as rich as emerald, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It has a softness that black sometimes lacks, yet it’s just as versatile. And in these transitional weeks — meaning when you’re still wearing lighter fabrics but starting to introduce deeper tones — grey is the perfect accessory color to bridge pre-fall and fall. And here’s why.
The Perfect Transitional Neutral
In August and early September, we’re not fully ready for head-to-toe fall just yet. A dark grey handbag works beautifully with breezy white dresses, lightweight trousers, or even linen blazers. Unlike black, which can feel too heavy in the lingering heat, grey softens the look while still hinting at the next season.
Softer, Yet Still Sophisticated
Black is sleek and powerful, but grey feels refined in a different way. It’s more effortless, more approachable. A dark grey handbag pairs seamlessly with denim (think light-wash jeans and a crisp shirt), camel tones, or ivory knits. It gives you all the polish without the stark contrast, which makes your outfits feel a bit more modern and understated.
Grey + Fall Jewel Tones = Perfection
As September turns to October, wardrobes shift toward deeper hues. This is where grey really shines. It makes emerald, plum, mustard, and rust pop without competing for attention. Where a black bag can sometimes overpower these colors, a grey one balances them by adding depth but not dominance.
Some outfit combination ideas to wear with the same dark grey handbag:
A deep plum skirt + black shirt
A trench coat + dark blue jeans + emerald scarf
A forest green midi dress + tall suede boots
A navy dress + gold statement earrings.
I think the grey goes really well with a deep shade of ruby red.
As we transition from late summer to early fall, I’ll be wearing the same silk scarf differently but the color combination remains the same.
Monochrome Layers That Don’t Feel Flat
You can never go wrong with monochrome looks, and grey is a dream for layering different tones. Pair a charcoal bag with light grey trousers and a slate knit, then add texture, like suede boots or a wool coat, to keep the outfit dimensional. It’s a chic way to play with neutrals without falling into the all-black trap.
A Moodier Match for Autumn Weather
There’s something about grey that just feels right when the skies turn cloudy and the air cools down. On rainy days, a grey bag looks intentional against darker backdrops, while still feeling lighter than black. Think of it as aligning with the season’s mood in a chic, stylish way.
As we go from pre-fall into true fall, don’t overlook grey in your accessory rotation. A dark grey handbag is not just versatile, but it’s an unexpected style hero that elevates everything from breezy August outfits to cozy October layers. The next time you’re tempted to reach for black, consider grey instead. Trust me, it’s the subtle swap that makes all the difference this season!
As always, thank you for stopping by Happily Ever Style.
xoxo,
Tricia
And how to style grey with what’s already in your wardrobe.