From sequined skirts to gold and silver separates, styles with sheen are poised to become a Spring 2012 staple. Here are our tips on how to wear the metallic trend.
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3. Choose form-fitting piecesMost designers chose form-fitting metallics to create sleek looks balanced by looser blouses, jackets or pants. As evidenced by Balmain’s short and tight gold skirts, metallics tend to look more polished when worn closer to the body, creating an evening-appropriate look that’s both elegant and edgy. Add black ankle boots or gladiator sandals to toughen up the ensemble and add interest to your overall look. Herve Leger by Max Azria adopted the same approach, boasting silhouette-hugging dresses for a bold, futuristic feel and anchoring pieces with knee-high sandals for an edgier aesthetic. While loose metallic jackets did appear in collections by Frankie Morello and Alexander McQueen, they were belted or balanced by fitted pants and skirts, which kept ensembles looking clean and refined.
4. Wear one metallic piece at a time
At Ralph Lauren’s prohibition-era inspired collection, the key to wearing metallics and keeping your look polished was to choose one piece and accentuate it accordingly. The designer used sweeping white skirts and even feather boas to highlight silver blouses and gowns, while Chado Ralph Rucci used sheer white button-ups and transparent overlays to accentuate the sheen of his Spring 2012 offerings. Cavalli adopted a similar tactic, pairing suede sandals and a soft pink jacket with metallic pants to keep the overall aesthetic toned down. Since metallics create such a bold statement, wearing too many at once can cheapen a look. Choose one key piece (slim pant, statement bag) and let it be the star of your outfit.
Metallics offer a fun way to freshen up your look for spring and update your wardrobe for a new season. Whether through pairing with neutrals or keeping accessories minimal, the key is to wear them in a way that anchors rather than overwhelms an outfit.
Read more:
Spring 2012 fashion accessories: Pop of colour
Metallic and sequin accents
How not to wear: Animal prints
