This Designer Convinced Me To Add Grey To My Fall Wardrobe And Here's Why

I'm every marketer's dream. It doesn't take much to coerce me into a sale, and you definitely don't have to twist my arm to spend the minimum amount for free shipping. When it comes to fall style, I'm really in overdrive. Sweaters, tights, boots — all I need to satisfy my online shopping spree is to click “check out” while sipping something warm. Normally I'm quick to pick an outfit, especially when brands' newsletters flood my inbox on a daily basis. However, I've been inspired to think about my autumn wardrobe a bit differently this year since Jason Wu made me want to wear grey this fall, all thanks to its simplicity and inclusiveness.

I felt quite fancy upon receiving an invitation to the designer's September New York Fashion Week event, GreyOut. Sure, I couldn't really walk in the heels I wore. And yes, my red lipstick might have channeled my baby cousins while they sip fruit punch, but nevertheless, I was excited to see what it was all about… even though I was cracking “Mr. Grey will see you now” jokes until I arrived. Of course, a moment of panic set in when I realized I had worn navy to the big night that was dedicated to the color grey.

Though I was sporting a darker hue, Wu's display at the Cadillac House in SoHo rocked all grey, naturally. There was definitely a method to the all-grey-everything display —  to “create an entire universe dipped in [the designer's] custom Pantone grey in celebration of GREY Jason Wu,” according to the website. This interactive experience featured displays of his clothing line, a grey beauty bar, delicious grey ice cream (though I unfortunately missed a scoop because I didn't move fast enough in my wedges), yoga classes, and panel discussions, among other activities.

So, why choose grey?

Wu tells Elite Daily that he's fond of grey because it has a calming effect — something he believes people don't associate with the shade. Lord knows I am in need of anything calming, plus the simplicity and clean aesthetic is perfect for a cozy fall wardrobe. I knew when I left, I was hooked.

For this line, Wu partnered with Jennifer Fisher and Eddie Parker, according to Architectural Digest, to sell some envy-worthy products at the event, such as playful bunny sweatshirts, grey totes, and grey makeup bags. He told Vogue that simple products — which don't seem to favorite any gender — intended to "curate a beautifully crafted wardrobe that you can invest in and wear anytime." I'm kicking myself for not grabbing a rabbit tee on my way out.

Though I didn't make a purchase, I did immerse myself in the different activities. After I scribbled my wishes in a grey notebook and tried my hand at the grey claw machine, I was ready to listen to Wu's talk about his plans in bringing this together. The way in which he discussed not only the color, but style in general, was inspiring.

One of the hardest things to believe is the fact that GreyOut encouraged us to put down our phones.

Typically, Pinterest is my go-to style inspiration. I've raked in quite a few sweaters in my board that I might need to snag. I started to peruse Lookbook.nu in college, and I haven't really stopped since. It seems almost impossible to step away from the internet.

However, Wu's advice and purpose for this two-week event made me see things differently. If I can spot real-life fashion inspo, it might affect the way in which I am able to style different outfits. I got chatty at the event and asked a woman about her gorgeous yellow nail polish — the perfect shade for spring and fall: bright and warm, but not overwhelming. Though she forgot the brand, it was empowering to feel like I could strike up a conversation about style and learn from someone else, if only briefly.

Another unique aspect of GreyOut is the fact that fashion and interior design learn from one another.

This was something I had never really considered until Wu was in conversation with representatives from Behr painting and an interior designer. When styling comes into play, his event (and designs) went hand-in-hand with architecture and home designers' work, though he admitted that styling a space is a bit more difficult for him than styling an outfit. GreyOut taught me to explore all avenues, not just what I see in a clothing catalogue.

“There's design all around us,” Wu tells the crowd. “Everything has a purpose and everything involves design behind it.” These words taught me to be open and explore different items, even if it is something I wouldn't choose ordinarily. I felt empowered to celebrate creativity in my style, my work, etc.

I'm more inclined to swap my Morticia Addams black for grey after listening to his words of wisdom (though I wish he did tell me what it was like to dress Michelle Obama because I was dying to know). Wu made me realize that there's nothing wrong with getting a little inventive and celebrating a color or style, even if it's intended to be low-key. Cheers to grey and every other shade out there. I'll keep you posted on how my next online shopping spree goes.