All that glitters isn’t gold—sometimes it’s patent fuchsia or sequins that make the eye-catching statement in your ensemble, especially this time of year. To help navigate the sea of shining holiday party looks, we rounded up the hottest ways to wear metallics this season—from sequined dresses to gilded outwear—in our holiday style trend lesson.

How to wear metallics trend lesson: Holiday party dress
There’s no better time to shine than under the mistletoe, and it’s likely the only time of year where not wearing a silver and gold bandage dress will help you stand out. Opt for a sequin party dress in a non-traditional colour, or upgrade your little black dress with a sparkly statement necklace in fuchsia or turquoise accents.
Winter 2013 runway shows: Honor, Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui, Christian Siriano
Get the look: Try a classic shift dress in a liquid metal tone and pair with black tights and ankle booties for the office—then swap in party heels and statement jewellery at night. Or go for a metallic pink dress with white tights for a girly, winter wonderland outfit.

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How to wear metallics trend lesson: The laid-back look
If you haven’t yet stepped out of the house in pajama suit yet, it’s the perfect time to test-drive this inherently casual and slouchy look in a gunmetal grey—a metallic tone makes everything better, and more sophisticated.
Winter 2013 runway shows: Marc Jacobs, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton
Get the look: We’re going to go ahead and label this the near-perfect party hostess look. Think about it: all the luxe sheen you need to stand out among your guests, with the comfort of free-flowing fabric to effortlessly glide around the room while mingling and topping up punch glasses.

How to wear metallics trend lesson: Gleaming outerwear
This one is for buzzing around town or simply looking fabulous while standing outside waiting for a cab—even if you never take off your coat throughout the night, you’ll still radiate with a sophisticated yet playful glow.
Winter 2013 runway shows: Burberry, Anna Sui, Jeremy Laing
Get the look: Make a luxe statement in a gold trench that’s long enough to cover your skirt or holiday party dress—then pair with black tights and similarly gilded footwear for the ultimate silhouette reminiscent of that other fabulous gold statue.

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More ways to wear silver and gold, and sequins on the next page…

How to wear metallics trend lesson: Flash pants
If there’s a bolder sartorial choice than printed or patterned pants in a gilded hue, we would like to be introduced. And as statement making as a pair of liquid PVC leggings may appear, it can be pulled off in a classic look, depending on how to style it (of course, it naturally lends itself to an OTT ensemble, if you’re so inclined).
Winter 2013 runway shows: Balmain, Edun, Diane Von Furstenberg
Get the look: Silver and gold are tame yet classic options—besides, whoever went wrong with investing in either of these two metals? Try pairing silver pants with a winter white cashmere sweater, and add a gold belt for a gilded touch. Or try gold on gold (seen at Diane Von Furstenberg) with slim pants and matching gold blouse—add a black fur vest over top for a luxe range of fabrics and texture.

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How to wear metallics trend lesson: The sequin blazer
This might be your ultimate (and only) statement piece necessary this season. A sequin or gilded blazer amps up practically every ensemble, and all you need are basic black pants and a white collared blouse for an effortlessly chic look.
Winter 2013 runway shows: Versace, Balmain, Jenni Kayne
Get the look: Whether it’s allover sequins or a classic black blazer studded with gold accents, this is the perfect basic to have in your closet for any last-minute invites. After the office, swap in a silky blouse with your skinny jeans and add a blazer over top for an instant mega-wattage upgrade. Consider this your holiday party #sequinchallege.

Read more:
Holiday style: How to wear metallics
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