Go Gray: How to Try One of This Fall's Hottest Hues

Every year a new 'It' color or 'It' colors arrive on the scene. If you like what you see in stores, online, on TV and in magazine spreads, there are ways to incorporate some of the coolest hues into your look.
Gray is being deemed a hot shade for Fall 2009. Take a peek into just about any fashion magazine and you'll see this hot neutral all over the place.
Here are some ways to add a little gray to style up your look this season, from just a touch to becoming a steely fox:

1. Makeup is often the cheapest and easiest way to update, unless you only buy the expensive stuff. Some dove gray eye shadow or charcoal eyeliner is a great way to update your look without breaking your bank. Maybelline has smoky eye quads in stores, and Cover Girl, Revlon and more all have silvery and steely color options. You can pick up a little palette for under $10 and feel current for fall. And grays tend to look good on most people. A softer, matte shade is less shocking and more subtle, if you're not big into heavy experimentation.
2. Nail polish is another great way to try gray. At first thought it might sound a bit morbid, but gray nail polish hasn't been 'in' as long as I can remember. There are shimmery shades and solid hues, so finding a color you like is all too possible. Orly has a light gray called Mirror Mirror and a steely blue-gray with a hint of sparkle, called Pixie Dust. Both retail in the $7 and less range. Just keep an eye peeled in drugstores, mass-market retailers and specialty stores such as Ulta. In-store displays and magazine spreads are a great way to see what's cool for fall and winter, and they are great ways to get ideas.
3. Another way to add a touch of silver is through accessories. Silver is always in style, always just a matter of preference between that and gold (or white gold if you want gold without the, uh, golden look). Buy beads or some chunky necklaces or a quartz pendant. Or try topaz earrings - real or fake!
4. Another accessory option is through handbags, gloves, scarves, hats, shoes and belts. Get something in a darker, steely shade and it'll be timeless: Wear it this season or any other. Spend more for something you want to last, or splurge at a mass-market retailer for a quick indulgence in a trend (just make sure the trend is fitting to your tastes: No use spending money on something you'll hate. Better to spend it on something you love!)
5. Want a bit more steels and grays in the wardrobe? A beautiful cashmere sweater is a wonderful addition. A plush scarf or some velvety gloves are comfortable and stylish. Or try gray leggings or tights, which are another forecasted trend for fall. Or taller boots - knee length or higher - would be another way to try two hot trends once the temperatures drop. A soft dove gray satin blouse or a charcoal gray woolen skirt or winter coat are all fantastic options. The possibilities are endless!
6. And of course you can go gray all the way by letting your hair color grow out (if this applies!) As much as I love the simple and elegant beauty of gray, I can't go that far! For now gray nail polish and gray scarves and sweaters will have to do.