Style

How to Style Gray Jeans in 2026 Like the Fashion Pros


The trendy jean wash is one you can wear year after year.
Dakota Johnson in example of how to wear gray jeans
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Add gray jeans are the ever-growing list of denim trends worth trying. We've been seeing lots of fashion pros ditching classic blue, black, and white jeans in favor of this versatile hue, and it makes sense why. The color is neutral enough that it works with almost any piece in your closet while giving the look a style-forward edge that calls to mind the grunge aesthetic of the ’90s.

Gray jeans have the potential to become a key piece in your year-round wardrobe. They don’t steal the spotlight—but they do instantly add dimension to a look. Whether you want to dress in a minimalist way or go for the full maximalist, you never fall into a rut with gray jeans. Whether you prefer stone gray, steel gray, or another shade entirely, here’s how we’ll be styling our gray jeans for the year ahead.

Baggy gray jeans and a fitted top
gray jeans outfit
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Sometimes the simplest look is also the coolest. With a pair of loose-fitting gray jeans, all you really need to complete the look is a simple tank top or T-shirt that continues the casual vibe. And a pair of black boots are just the hint of attitude the look needs. Layer a slouchy leather jacket over the top to finish the ensemble.

Free People Farley Vegan Bomber Jacket
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Free People Farley Vegan Bomber Jacket

Agolde Low-Rise Baggy Jeans
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Agolde Low-Rise Baggy Jeans

Gray barrel jeans with a button-down shirt
PARIS FRANCE  JULY 04 A model wears a white shirt grey jeans sunglasses and a black leather bag outside Chanel during...
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Barrel jeans are still very much on trend despite the rise of skinny jeans. Wear them in gray with heels for a more formal approach—or sneakers if it’s casual Friday—then keep the It girl vibes going with a white shirt. It’s a cool and easy-to-replicate outfit idea for the office.

Amazon Essentials Regular-Fit Satin Button Down Blouse
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Amazon Essentials Regular-Fit Satin Button Down Blouse

Levi's Baggy Dad Barrel Jeans
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Levi’s Baggy Dad Barrel Jeans

Gray jeans with a matching top
gray jeans outfit
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For a surprisingly put-together look that works in the office, out with friends for drinks, and everywhere in between, you can pair wide-leg jeans with a coordinated vest or top for a defined silhouette. (Add a matching jacket or turtleneck underneath in cooler temperatures.) Dressy accessories like a structured bag and pointy heels add an elegant final touch, or go with white sneakers if you want a more casual outfit.

H&M Double-Breasted Vest
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H&M Double-Breasted Vest

Astylish Wide High Waisted Leg Jeans
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Astylish High-Waist Wide-Leg Jeans

Gray low-waist jeans with a sequin top
Image may contain Clothing Coat Pants Accessories Jewelry Necklace Adult Person Footwear Shoe and Car
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 05: A model wears a black oversized fluffy faux fur coat, a black ribbed top, black flared denim pants / jeans , a Chanel bag, black leather pointed shoes, outside Chanel, during the Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024/2025 as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 05, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

The subtle, casual use of sequins, feathers, and faux fur has quietly become a common trend among fashion pros. It adds a touch of fantasy and glamour to any outfit, and gray jeans are the perfect neutral base to let the luxurious details really shine.

Heartloom Beatrix Bodysuit
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Heartloom Beatrix Bodysuit

G-Star Bowey 3D Boyfriend Jeans
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G-Star Bowey 3D Boyfriend Jeans

Washed-out gray jeans with a blazer
gray jeans and blazer
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Light, dark, and washed-out gray jeans are all trending, but we find the latter is the easiest for monochromatic dressing. Find a blazer that matches any hue in the jeans for a sophisticated, fashion-forward look.

Abercrombie & Fitch Vegan Leather Blazer
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Abercrombie & Fitch Faux-Leather Blazer

Bayeas Judy High Waist Wide Leg Jeans
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Bayeas Judy High-Waist Wide-Leg Jeans

Gray jeans with colorful accessories
Image may contain Clothing Pants Footwear Shoe Jeans Accessories Bag Handbag Adult Person Glasses and Pedestrian
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 11: Hollie Mercedes Peters wears denim jeans Samsoe Samsoe, shoes/sneakers ASICS gel-1090v2, white button shirt Topshop, grey knit the knotty ones, red bag J.W. Anderson, sunglasses Dior on October 11, 2022 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images)Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Even more than classic blue jeans, gray denim is ideal for strategic pops of colors. Whether that comes in the form of a red bag or bright sneakers, you can really play with color here. Polished pieces (straight-leg jeans, a simple white tee, etc.) will let a personality purse shine even more.

JW PEI Harlee Shoulder Bag
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JW PEI Harlee Shoulder Bag

Revolve Cary Low Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
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Revolve Cary Low-Rise Slouchy Wide-Leg Jeans

Gray jeans and a cozy sweater
PARIS FRANCE  MARCH 10 A guest wears white tank top light gray pattern cardigan sweater black woven oversized puffer...
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

For a chic winter outfit, the combo of gray pants and stylish sweater is unmatched. You can play with the silhouette here—like skinny jeans with an oversized knit or a cropped cardigan with a relaxed fit, for example—just keep the accessories minimal and in black for that true street-style edge.

Image may contain: Clothing, Knitwear, and Sweater
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Emile Cardigan in Mottled Grey

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Quince Stretch Skinny Jeans

Gray jeans and a sweatshirt
NEW YORK NY  DECEMBER 28 Rihanna is seen on December 28 2024 in New York City.
XNY/Star Max

The combo of gray jeans and a sweatshirt can look put-together; just look to Rihanna for proof. The star paired her baggy jeans and zip-up hoodie with more luxurious accessories, including trendy suede shoes and an eye-catching necklace stack. They give the otherwise low-key look a bit of styled polish.

Alo Accolade 1/4 Zip Pullover
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Alo Accolade 1/4 Zip Pullover

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Grapent Baggy Cropped Jeans

A version of this post was previously published in Vogue Mexico and Latin America.