For a country that dislikes its own leaden skies so vehemently, you would think that the colour grey would be as far from the colour spectrum of choice as possible. You would think that tones of preference would represent a widespread aversion to the slate, the gunmetal, the asphalt and the pebble. Still, the grey saloon Mercedes motor cars lining the leafy streets of West London would suggest otherwise. As would the digital cameras, smart phones, coffee machines, cardigans, sunglasses, televisions, suitcases and mousemats. For as much as grey represents the dullness of our North European climate, it is one of the most adaptable and colour-friendly companions which is perhaps why so many men, when asked what colour suit they would be looking for, respond in a rather nonplussed manner; “Well, just grey.”

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