This fall, the most humble piece in your closet is becoming the ultimate insider move. While most people overlook this anti-trend shade in favor of a crisp white tee or trendier purple or cobalt blue, the people who actually work in fashion have moved on to something unexpected but far chicer. This fall, that's none other than the gray tee.

Gray normally reads as normcore in the best of times and boring in the worst, but the outfits I'm spotting are reconsidering the anti-fashion item as, well, quite fashion-forward. The trick is all in the styling: pairing a gray tee with something statement-making, like a printed skirt or a pair of on-trend colored jeans. It's what I'm seeing my fashion friends doing right now.

The neutral hue also plays nicer with color than black (no harsh contrast) and hides the wear and tear that white can't. Think no yellowing. It also happens to complement fall-friendly tones like brown and ocher especially well, so take a look at the outfit ideas below for styling inspiration and shop for a gray tee to use as the base for all your fall outfits.

(Image credit: @monikh)

What you'll need: Gray T-shirt + printed skirt + stone necklace

Nordstrom Relaxed Fit Pima Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt

Dries Van Noten Floral-Print Silk-Satin Wrap Skirt

Heaven Mayhem Julia Necklace

(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

What you'll need: Gray T-shirt + trench coat + black trousers + flat sandals

We the Free Perfect Oversize Cotton T-Shirt

Eaves Lena Car Coat

J.Crew Cosmo Pant in Cupro Blend

Reformation Dolores Tassel Necklace

A.Emery Kinto Leather Sandals

(Image credit: Zara)

What you'll need: Gray T-shirt + suede jacket + statement skirt + slingbacks

ZARA Crew Neck T-Shirt

Massimo Dutti Suede Leather Blazer With Lapel

COS Embroidered Sheer Column Skirt

Reformation Calista Slingback Pump

(Image credit: @harryarcher_)

What you'll need: Gray T-shirt + colored jeans + pendant necklace + everyday bag

Leset Margot Tee

Helmut Lang Wide Leg Organic Cotton Jeans

Eliou Trout Comb Necklace

(Image credit: @oliviasshoppingdiary)

What you'll need: Gray T-shirt + layered long-sleeve + relaxed trousers + loafers

Still Here 2Tee Layered Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt

COS Relaxed Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Pants

Vince Tristan Moc Toe Loafer

Shop More Gray Tees

Flore Flore Car Cotton Baby Tee

Fashion editors love this brand for classic T-shirts.

J.Crew Vintage Jersey Classic-Fit Crewneck T-Shirt

I have this best-selling tee in white, but just added this grey tone to my cart.

Cou Cou Intimates The Raglan: Grey / Navy Cotton Jersey

The viral boat neck tee of the summer is back in this fall-friendly grey and navy combo.

Lioness Bloom Long Sleeve Tee

Long-sleeve tees are having a moment, and this specific one is always selling out.

DL1961 Shrunken V-Neck Tee

The baby V-neck is so forward.

Reformation Ezra Slim Fit Long Sleeve

Into these 3/4-length sleeves.

Gap Organic Cotton Vintagesoft T-Shirt

It doesn't get any more classic than this—or more affordable.

Renggli Silk Cashmere Blend Knit Tee - Pebble

Chic.

H&M Oversized Interlock T-Shirt

Your reminder not to overlook the men's section.

J.Crew New Perfect-Fit Long-Sleeve T-Shirt

Hello, fall layers.