16 Metallic Outfits for Your Wardrobe Rotation16 Metallic Outfits for Your Wardrobe Rotation16 Metallic Outfits for Your Wardrobe Rotation

Metallics are always in style, whether they’re bold and bright or subtle and shiny. Metallics have been a part of almost every decade’s color palette. From the golden gilded looks of the 1970s to the jewel toned metallics in the 1980s, and the sleek silvers from the early 2000s.

Metallics are back this season with new textures and unexpected textile combinations. Akris paired thick knits with metallic high-shine boots for its FW24 New York Fashion Week show. Christian Sirano, Jason Wu, and others debuted molten metal dresses and separates with a multi-dimensional, rough-hewn finish, in contrast to the smooth micro-sequins seen on the red carpets this year. You’ll find inspiration in these 16 metallic outfits, whether you prefer layered textures that make a statement or a pop of shine.

Reverse Classic Suit

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Is there a suit that is as stylish as a perfectly tailored one? No, we don’t believe so. Except for one in gunmetal grey or muted silver. Although gold is always an option, we prefer the sophistication of darker shades when it comes this metallic approach. Look for a suit that has a rich pattern, such as brocade or moody flowers.

Try out a Liquid Metallic Finish

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The best dressed celebs of this year’s Red Carpet have taught us that micro-sequins are a great choice for their lustrous sheen. This metallic texture is equally striking in gold or silver. It also comes in muted shades like dove gray and smoke.

Choose Coated Denim

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Try adding a pair of coated denim jeans or a skirt to your outfit for a more subtle metallic look. You can choose from a variety of denim intensities, ranging from a vibrant quicksilver hue to softer shining. A darker wash usually has a more intense, metallic tone, while lighter denim tends to have an opalescent shine.

Mix metals

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Mixing metals works well for putting together metallic clothing. Choose separates that are opposites of each other on the metallic color wheel, or select a piece with multiple shades, such as color-blocked panels or sequins.

Beyond Silver and Gold

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There’s no shade to gold-dipped looks or shiny silver looks. But there are a wide range of metallic colors that can be just as impactful, if not more so, than those inspired by precious materials. Choose a vibrant magenta or royal blue for your next gilded outfit to stand out.

Add an Architectural Statement Piece

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You can use the metallic texture as an accent to your outfit. The structural nature of corsets and harnesses makes them ideal for metallic fabrics like faux leather or sturdy vinyl. Add a metallic corset to a flowing maxi dress or midi skirt for a sleeker silhouette.

Try Subtle Print

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If wearing straight gold or silver separates is too intimidating, you can ease into metallics with a subtle pattern such as stripes. The metallic look will still be there, but without the brightness.

Swap Out Your Go-To Neutrals

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Think of metallics as neutrals. This is a foolproof way to add more metallics to your rotation. Change tan, beige or gray pieces for ones in gold and black or gray for those in silver. This hack is not only a way to brighten up your favorite looks but also helps you decide which metallic pieces are worth the investment. Consider buying a gold trench if you own a classic trench that you wear every week. You can’t imagine not having a favorite pair of pants for work. You might want to try a striking silver version of the same silhouette.

Brighten Up Business Casual

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Metallics can look loud, which isn’t wrong. But this texture trend can also be subtle. Consider incorporating metallic separates in your favorite workwear outfits using the above neutral color swap. A touch of metallic, from silver slacks or a tailored gold jacket, can bring a business casual look to life and help you transition seamlessly from the office to happy hour.

Add an Almost-There Layer

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Add a mesh or woven dress to an oversize shirt or button-down shirt for a metallic look that is effortlessly cool. Playful proportions will highlight your metallic top layer. Don’t worry if your layers don’t match up exactly. This look is casual enough for the day, but a pair high-shine shoes will make it perfect for an evening out.

Mix multiple metallic textures

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It’s easy to make any outfit metallic by sticking to metallic accessories. This metallic style is best achieved by mixing and matching different textures. Choose a color and then select a bag or shoes that have that shade in a variety of finishes. Gunmetal grey sequin gloves paired with a croc embossed bag are a great example of the richness that can be created by sticking to one shade.

Add a bold bralette

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It’s not necessary to wear a full-on suit of armor in order to look metallic. Add a chainlink or diamante bralette to a basic t-shirt or shirt dress to create a sparkling look without being blinding. Keep all accessories within the same color family to ensure maximum cohesion.

Refresh A Spring Pastel Color Palette

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Add a metallic ice color to your Spring pastels. This is one of the hottest trends for this spring. Consider icy lavender or blue, as seen in the SS24 collections of Versace, Wiederhoeft and Tom Ford. Warm things up a little with chilly rose shades.

Entering the Bronze Age

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Metallic shades aren’t limited to jewel tones or pastels. Bronze is a great alternative to gold or silver for a metallic look. Pair bronze with cable knits and dark denim to bring out its shine.

Go for Molten Metallics

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Molten metallics was the new texture that FW24 designers used to meet the liquid luster micro-sequins. Designers like Christian Siriano, Ulla Johnson and others created multidimensional pieces that evoked the richness of bronze sculpture. You can create a molten metal effect while you wait for the latest designs of this season to hit stores with a ruched or pleated dress in silver, gold, bronze or other metallic colors.

Keep it Casual

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While we love metallics for their elevated look, casual pieces such as cargo pants or tracksuits are also stylish when coated in gold or silver. You don’t need to wear formalwear or striking column dresses to embrace metallic texture. The oversized sweats and cropped jacket look is just as suitable for an OOTD as the gilded gown with sharp-toed stilettos.