I can not tell you about "on trend" either, but I find taupe to be a great neutral . It goes with a lot, except other taupe..there is a lot of variation in taupe, almost as much as navy. And they are a great style, also look comfy...
I have taupe wedge pumps that I wear with taupe ankle pants, they look perfect, just bought taupe sandals to extend the wearing of the pants into hot weather, but the taupe sandals make the pants look grey. Keeping the sandals though as they are a great style and comfortable -go with a lot of other pants and even the LBD.
