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.

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

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

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

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