Wearing one colour from head to toe is the fastest way I know to look pulled together, and charcoal is the kindest colour to try it in. It is softer than black, it hides a long day, and every shade of grey you add makes it look richer rather than messier.

The secret is varying the texture and the shade. A fuzzy knit, a smooth wool trouser and a coat in herringbone, all in slightly different greys, look deliberate. Three pieces in the exact same flat grey can look like a uniform.

For knits, Khaite's Golden sweater in charcoal at $1,380 has short sleeves that layer well, and the Margaux at $1,780 is the soft, slouchy one. Nili Lotan's Laurel in dark charcoal is $590. St. Agni has three pieces, including a cardigan in dark charcoal at $399. For a lighter layer, Nili Lotan's Myles polo in medium grey is $650.

Charcoal also flatters almost everyone. It is dark enough to look sharp but soft enough near the face that it does not drain your colour the way black can in winter.

The bottom half should be the smoothest texture in the outfit. I like pleated wool trousers in a mid to dark grey, which look tailored but still soft. Khaite's August pant in charcoal is $1,580, Róhe's pleated Daria is $760 and Toteme's herringbone wide leg is $670. St. Agni's Studio Pants in dark graphite, at $559, are the closest to black if you want a deeper base.

Grey skirts are underrated. CO's pleated wool and cashmere midi is $895, and Stella McCartney's wool midi at $785 is a simple straight shape that works with a knit tucked in or left out. Khaite's Loxley in charcoal, at $2,900, is long and narrow.

If you would rather not think about it at all, Khaite's Harlin dress in charcoal, at $2,800, is the whole look in one piece. I would wear it with a grey coat and black boots.

Shoes should be the darkest point. Black boots, loafers or a pointed flat anchor the grey, and a black bag finishes it. Toteme's wide leg has a subtle herringbone that gives the outfit texture without adding a real pattern.

A grey coat is what makes head to toe grey look finished instead of accidental. Belted wraps, double breasted shapes and herringbone all work, as long as the coat is a slightly different shade from what is underneath.

Toteme's belted wool-doublé wrap coat is $1,680 and Róhe's wool and cashmere coat is $1,525. Almada's Mara, at $725, is a belted version that costs much less. The Frankie Shop's Gaia at $495 is the cheapest here, with a long double breasted cut.

For pattern, Isabel Marant's Elvane in herringbone is $2,195, and Nili Lotan's Romain jacket in dark charcoal herringbone is $1,890 if you want something shorter. Sea's Lona at $750 is a cropped wool jacket that works over a dress. Joseph's Laia in alpaca, at $2,445, is the softest and warmest.

Length matters less than shade here. A cropped jacket over a long skirt, or a long coat over wide trousers, both work as long as the greys are not identical. Almada's Mara in particular is excellent value for a wool and cashmere blend.