Every so often, men’s magazines extoll the virtues of “all gray everything” as an alternative to black on black or a respite from bold prints and bright colors that menswear designers offer each spring.  In truth, it’s not difficult to find a huge variety of well-designed pieces in gray in any season, across a spectrum of labels and price points.  Dressed up or down, gray is versatile and easy to wear.  Details on some of my current picks and where to buy them after the jump.

Norse Projects Borderline Crew Knit in Heather Grey, £95
Available at Oi Polloi

Rag & Bone Hammer Shirt, $275
Available at Odin

Super Flat Top Sunglasses in Gray, $131
Available at Revolve Clothing

Florsheim by Duckie Brown Weld Brogue, $425
Available at Odin

Rodarte “Radarte” Hoodie, $155
Available at Opening Ceremony

Raf Simons x Fred Perry Roll-Neck Intarsia Sweater, $375
Available at Opening Ceremony

Company of We Steel Captain Sports Blazer, $294
Available at Oak

Band of Outsiders Raglan Cropped Sleeve Sweatshirt, $189
Available at Odin

Warriors of Radness Black Stone Officers Jean, $138
Available at Oak

Tretorn Grey Hockey Boot Puffer, $95
Available at Urban Outfitters

Most likely a reaction the DB’s of my youth, immortalized in the First Communion photos at my parents’ house, I’ve pretty much had a blanket policy against them since I first started dressing myself.  Turns out, that might have been a bit harsh.  The Company of We version nods to its brass-buttoned forebearers, but the slim fit downplays it stodgy past.  Worn with a t-shirt, it’s smart, but definitely on this side of casual.

Company of We isn’t the only label giving the DB another chance live outside of mafiosos and 80′s business tycoons; they’ve been featured prominently in SS 2010 collections from a whole spectrum of designers — from Alexander McQueen to Michael Bastian and everyone in between.

(top row: Company of We, Bottega Veneta, Michael Bastian; middle: Alexander McQueen, Band of Outsiders, Neil Barrett, bottom: Dries van Noten)

The 80′s reference is there, but designers sent them down the runway paired with jeans, shorts, open collars, and boat shoes, updating the look to reflect a more current sensibility.  So, maybe my mom was just ahead of her time when she forced me to rock one back in the early 90′s.  In which case, let me be the first to announce the return of Starter jackets.

Or not.

(Photos via Company of We and NYMag.com)