The French have long known that to wear a gown in grey is to dress in that perfect (and elusive) nexus of classic sophistication and subtle surprise. No one will entirely expect it, but at the same time it is really the only answer to that interminable refrain of But what do I wear?! Existing in the wide and nebulous middle ground between the black cocktail dress and the white wedding gown, a grey dress is inherently versatile, and infinitely adaptable to all occasions and moods between those two stark monochrome poles: as right and reasonable in a disco as at an inauguration (see Eleanor Roosevelt's, below).

Whether adorned by clouds, rainbows, sequins, or saran wrap (as photographed by Cecil Beaton) - and regardless of the density of its hue on a stiffly starched skirt, or the soft, penetrable silk layer between the bones of a corset, or in the casual cascade of smog-colored train - grey gowns all manage to broadcast a foggy, pleasurable enigma, and leave a trail of icy coolness in their wake.

Shimmering or matte, short or long (and mostly French, many in homage to Dior's iconic Grey), here are some of our favorites, both from the ages and recent runways. We reckon that browsing the slideshow is probably at least as satisfying as wearing one.