The new metallic: 8 Style Panel tips for wearing the trend this spring
If the Spring 2013 runways were any indication, we’ve got plenty reason to experiment with the metallic trend. Taking a cue from collections such as Dior, Burberry, Jonathan Saunders and Diane Furtesnberg, the now classic trend was given new life with colour strokes, stripes, floral prints appearing in rainbow shades on everything from full skirted gowns to bomber jackets.
And while the coloured metallic trend was at its hottest this season, it seems as if our Style Panel is more comfortable with keeping it old school. With the exception of panelist Zoe Smythe’s sky blue sequin shorts, the rest of the group showed off how to work tried and tested metals such as gold, silver and rosegold into otherwise matte outfits. So without further ado, let the metal games begin!
Question 42: What are your tips for updating the metallic trend this season Read the answers now! »
Or jump to: AMBER DESILETS, LONDON | BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | DEANNE MCRAE, MISSISSAUGA | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | MELANIE MORAIS, EDSON | NICOLE WILSON, TORONTO | STEPHANIE KOCH, KELOWNA | ZOE SMYTHE, NEW YORK CITY
Melanie Morais, 24
Edson, AB| BornLippy
Although coloured metallics are all the rage right now, I still love the idea of the classic metallic colour. It’s something that will always be stylish and could easily be paired with jeans or trousers during the day and your favourite little black dress for the evening. Surprisingly, I have found that my heels go with a lot of outfits and definitely crave attention. Whatever your interpretation of the trend is, make sure to do it subtly.
Melanie’s wearing: Top, Zara. Pants, Joe Fresh. Heels, Guess. Necklace and Bracelet, H&M.
Nicole Wilson, 29
Toronto | Dainty Girl
I love metallic embellishments and accessories, but you won’t catch me gearing up for a lunar landing anytime soon! Even as iridescent spring ensembles hit the shelves, I still prefer the eye-catching texture of metallic accents. Heels and handbags, sparkly sequin toppers, coated denim, tone-on-tone metallic prints and my personal favourite – brocade.
Brocade is such a beautiful way to wear the trend without feeling over the top. I love this peplum blouse – gilded gold florals anchored with classic black make it an elegant yet versatile style for work or play. When the light hits it just right there’s a subtle yet stunning prismatic effect too! For a chic going out look, I paired it with textured leggings, black and gold jewellery, basic black pumps, an over-sized yellow clutch and bold red lips!
Nicole’s wearing: Peplum Blouse, Moon Apparel. Leggings, Dutch Blonde c/o The Store on Queen. Clutch, Sneha Varma. Necklace, Minling Pan Studio. Bracelets, Biko. Watch, Michael Kors. Shoes, Aldo.
Zoe Smythe, 30
New York City | Zoe’s Fashion Feed
Shiny, sequined and metallic materials have commonly been reserved for evening or cocktail looks but this seasons colored metallic trend is bringing metallics into the daylight. The key to making your metallics more day friendly is mixing textures and combining them with more casual items. I love to take a metallic bottom and pair it with a simple T-Shirt, sweater, leather jacket or all three depending on the weather. Apply a glittery nail polish to finish of the look. This spring, bring your metallics out and let them shine!
Stephanie Koch, 27
Kelowna | Inherited Jeans
Metallics are a fantastic trend for spring because they are flattering on everyone, regardless of skin tone! Select one key metallic piece as the anchor for your look, like this airy skirt and then build from there. I kept my top neutral and added more metallic details in the form of chunky jewelry and mirrored nail polish. A metallic piece could also act as a neutral when coupled with brights, neons or prints.
Stephanie’s wearing: Denim shirt and necklace, Joe Fresh. Metallic skirt, Club Monaco. Cuff, Foreign Affair Halifax. Nail polish, “No Place Like Chrome” by Essie.
Deanne McRae, 22
Mississauga | Threadbare
Trends that score big on the runways can often be very difficult to pull off in everyday life. Given this, I tend to live by the mantra that the statement trend ‘is the outfit’. When incorporating metallics into my outfit, especially bold metallics, I try to choose items to compliment rather than outshine (pun intended). My favorite Gap boyfriend jeans are just the thing to do this, and those faux fur booties contrast the metallic texture, adding interest in the outfit from top to bottom.
Barbara Ann Solomon, 25
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
All trends, no matter how crazy you may think they are, can be worn. Colourful metallics are beautiful and bold, but may be too much for around the office. The trick is to toned down the trend and use the metallics to accent your accessories. The rose gold heel on these shoes work well with the mixed metals armparty of bracelets.
Sweater, Northland. Tank top, skirt and heels, Topshop. Necklace, Liana Marie. Watch, Michael Kors.
Amber Desilets, 30
London | Canadian Fashionista
If you’ve been watching the runways lately you’ve seen that metallics are huge right now, especially metallic dresses and although I do love the look of them they seem a little over the top for every day wear? Unless I was attending some fancy event I think a metallic top or bottom would be much more versatile and since they’re a neutral it can be paired with anything. I would suggest wearing one metallic piece at a time and also choose a form-fitting piece paired with a looser blouse or pants for a more balanced look.
Amber’s wearing: Top and pants, RW&Co. Watch, Guess. Shoes, Aldo.
Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents
Metallics are certainly cropping up everywhere for spring looks this season, and I’m actually kind of loving it. Whether you favor the subtle hint of metallic accents or you opt for the full on post apocalyptic look, either seems to be completely acceptable this year.
I love metallic pieces, there’s something about the cold sterileness of the trend that seems to get me; maybe it’s all those sci fi books I read in my undergrad who knows. I will admit though that I’m still kind of wuss when it comes to sporting it. Maybe I’m a bit more imaginative in theory rather than practice because in all honesty I only really like to dabble in the metallic trend. I’ll usually opt for adding little accents here and there, but it’s really nothing crazy.
I really really like this trend for footwear like the gold detailing on these purple Vince Camuto flats seen above. I find these shoes a little loud (they are purple with spikes after all), so I like to wear them with something a bit more playful and feminine like this floral patterned dress. I then take it to the next level by pairing it with a great structured blazer.
Kayla’s wearing: Dress, Forever 21. Blazer, Tommy Hilfiger. Shoes, Vince Camuto.
. My favorite Gap boyfriend jeans are just the thing to do this, and those faux fur booties contrast the metallic texture, adding interest in the outfit from top to bottom.
[caption id="attachment_132256" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Photography by Trevor Negin[/caption]
Barbara Ann Solomon, 25
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
All trends, no matter how crazy you may think they are, can be worn. Colourful metallics are beautiful and bold, but may be too much for around the office. The trick is to toned down the trend and use the metallics to accent your accessories. The rose gold heel on these shoes work well with the mixed metals armparty of bracelets.
Sweater, Northland. Tank top, skirt and heels, Topshop. Necklace, Liana Marie. Watch, Michael Kors.
Amber Desilets, 30
London | Canadian Fashionista
If you’ve been watching the runways lately you’ve seen that metallics are huge right now, especially metallic dresses and although I do love the look of them they seem a little over the top for every day wear? Unless I was attending some fancy event I think a metallic top or bottom would be much more versatile and since they're a neutral it can be paired with anything. I would suggest wearing one metallic piece at a time and also choose a form-fitting piece paired with a looser blouse or pants for a more balanced look.
Amber’s wearing: Top and pants, RW&Co. Watch, Guess. Shoes, Aldo.
Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents
Metallics are certainly cropping up everywhere for spring looks this season, and I’m actually kind of loving it. Whether you favor the subtle hint of metallic accents or you opt for the full on post apocalyptic look, either seems to be completely acceptable this year.
I love metallic pieces, there’s something about the cold sterileness of the trend that seems to get me; maybe it’s all those sci fi books I read in my undergrad who knows. I will admit though that I’m still kind of wuss when it comes to sporting it. Maybe I’m a bit more imaginative in theory rather than practice because in all honesty I only really like to dabble in the metallic trend. I’ll usually opt for adding little accents here and there, but it’s really nothing crazy.
I really really like this trend for footwear like the gold detailing on these purple Vince Camuto flats seen above. I find these shoes a little loud (they are purple with spikes after all), so I like to wear them with something a bit more playful and feminine like this floral patterned dress. I then take it to the next level by pairing it with a great structured blazer.
Kayla’s wearing: Dress, Forever 21. Blazer, Tommy Hilfiger. Shoes, Vince Camuto. ){kind=link}