Our fashion editors show you how to take a high-shine look from day to night
WEARING metallic colors can feel intimidating if the dress code isn’t black tie or cocktail party.
In addition, metallic elements have something festive. Silver and gold often dominate our wardrobe now that the Christmas period is approaching.
But there’s no denying that metals are all the rage right now!
Last summer, Beyoncé led the silver trend with the release of her album Renaissanceand encouraged her fans to wear silver outfits to her concerts. It is no surprise that the trend caught on and will continue for a long time to come.
This year’s Met Gala saw a host of celebrities shine in gold and silver, with standout looks from Kim Kardashian in a custom silver Maison Margiela look, Serena Williams setting the gold standard in a one-shoulder foil Balenciaga gown and Sarah Jessica Parker shining in a silver-embellished birdcage-inspired number.
Whether you’re going all-out metallic or just want to explore the world with some shiny new accessories, here’s how our fashion team styles their summer metallics.
Clemmie Fieldsend, 34, fashion editor
- T-shirt, £8.50, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
- Necklace, £10, ASOS – SHOP NOW
- Jeans, £85, Wrangler – BROWSE HERE
- Bag, £10, Primark – BROWSE HERE
- Bracelet, £16, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – SHOP NOW
- Blazer, £86, Next – SHOP NOW
- Bracelet, £4.50, Primark – BROWSE HERE
- Shoes, £59, John Lewis – SHOP NOW
If, like me, you’re not ready to take on the Goldmember battle yet, don’t worry.
While metals play a huge role in all of the pieces this season, accessories are also all about big, bold and bling.
I love bold jewellery and am happy to see the return of chunky, stackable bracelets, like these two from Primark and M&S.
Also, I love this necklace from ASOS because it feels heavy to wear (without being painful!) and looks expensive for only a tenner.
I like to wear neutrals with gold because they make metallics pop more, as they are symbolic of summer.
I finished it off with these Mary-Jane ballerinas from John Lewis and gold detailing on my bag from Primark. The key to this trend is the detailing.
Abby McHale, 30, deputy fashion editor
- Above, £125, Ganni – BUY NOW
- Skirt, £45, M&S Collection at Marks and Spencer – SHOP NOW
- Bag, £39.50, M&S Collection at Marks and Spencer – BUY NOW
- Sandals, £95, Dune London – BUY NOW
- Sunglasses, £202, Ray-Ban – BUY NOW
When it comes to metallics I usually wear gold, but after I saw this skirt at M&S I was instantly sold.
I find these types of skirts very easy to wear, but this is the first silver version I’ve come across. I love how the skirt sparkles in the sunlight.
I paired the skirt with an oversized collared shirt, flat sandals and my trusty Ray-Bans, but I also added some sparkle to my look with this oversized sequin bag.
Emily Regan, 24, fashion assistant
Luckily, I’m not afraid to wear metallic colors outside of the holidays!
I am a true gold lover and a perfectionist when it comes to coordinating all the metals in my outfit.
I recently bought this beautiful beach dress from Rita Ora’s latest summer collection at Primark (it is also available in a version with sleeves).
I’m blown away by the quality and fit – at just £18 it’s a bargain and very versatile too.
Here I’ve paired it with gold heels from River Island and worn over a bikini for a chic beach bar look. I’ll definitely be taking that look with me on my holiday later this summer.
You can also wear it over a slip dress for a garden barbecue, with a pair of slippers, or style it like Rita and shine at a festival.
Tracey Lea Sayer, 52, fashion director
- Top, £85, Jigsaw – BUY NOW
- Earrings, £16, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – SHOP NOW
- Trousers, £120, Jigsaw – BUY NOW
- Sandals, £75, Tkees – BUY NOW
- Bag, £30, Next – BUY NOW
Ever since I bought a pair of silver trousers nine years ago (Mango made a great Isabel Marant imitation), I’ve loved adding a little sparkle to my wardrobe.
Metallics are neutral, so whether you just want to add an accessory or go all out – like me – they go with literally everything.
My biggest tip this year is: don’t be afraid to mix metals.
Silver, gold and bronze all work well together. Whether you stack jewelry or wear a silver suit with gold accessories, just go for it and let yourself shine!
I fell head over heels for this two-piece Jigsaw dress when I saw it at the brand’s press day, because I can now wear it with flat gold sandals and at Christmas with velvet mules and a tuxedo jacket.
That’s the beauty of metallics.
You might think they can only do one thing, but they are a real asset to your wardrobe, whatever the weather!