Move over little black dress and share the spotlight red, these days sexy is back in glamorous metallic shades. Well-polished or matte, there is an endless array of opportunities to flaunt, flirt and be the season’s most cherished glitterina! Platted pieces glisten on the runway from Giambattista Valli to Marc Jacobs and red carpet stunners Sienna Miller and Beyoncé are flawless doing the dip in lame. Heavy metal rules fall 2006, but if the Viktor & Rolf-esque polish doesn’t agree with your closet-conscious cashmere sets, not to worry. Here, we dissect this runway trend so you can copy the look at home without compromising your personal style because all that glitters really can be gold!

“Metallics are better when they are subtle,” advises Dawn Bellini, Director of PR and Marketing at Hugo Boss Canada Inc. “Silver and Gold are always staples but copper and bronze are a nice change of pace as well.”

While ’tis the season to be dark and layer-full, a metallic glow can add just the right amount of punch. New shades such as copper or even glossed pewter may be the change you need to start you on your way to tinsel town.

For daytime, Bellini suggests experimenting with a trendy bow-belt in a crisp metallic silver snug around the waist of a classic white blouse. Or, up the wow-factor of a traditional power suit with the addition of a gold-glazed cami. In the evening opt for an empire-waist dress in a luscious copper satin or update your LBD with Dorothy-inspired sequin pumps. The look can be heavy metal or shyly exposed … either way its never been so feminine.

“Metallic shades are eye candy and brighten up any outfit,” encourages Canadian design darling, Izzy Camilleri. “The metallic piece will be the focus of your outfit, so the rest of your look should compliment it, not fight it.”

Izzy recommends a metallic jacket with a pair of jeans and a tee for a causal look. “I think the more matte finishes are hot right now in silver and gold … in the New Year we will see the more high gloss finishes,” she adds.

The fall shows were dazzling with a variety of finishes; Gucci’s ode to Studio 54 saw models strutting the runways in slinky column gowns, while YSL took a trip back to the ’60s with its shiny gold mini-dresses that would have had Edie Sedgwick swoon with envy. And don’t forget the accessories. They are your best bet in copying the catwalk trends without breaking your budget (if you forgo the latest LV monogram miroir speedy handbag, of course!). Headbands, bangles or glamourous cocktail rings add that much-coveted bling to an otherwise understated outfit. In our fashion forecast, the future most certainly looks bright!

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What other trends do you love for fall 2006? Discuss with other like-minded fashionistas in our forums!

Photo courtesy of Marcio Madeira