Another article, and another fashion tragedy that’s currently unsettling me. A truly heinous misconception which is confining the glimmering beauty of silvers, golds and coppers alike simply to New Year’s Eve parties, nights out, and underground raves. It is a shocking revelation that so many of us shun metallics in fashion to solely Bridgemas bops, or deprive our wardrobes from branching out from simple silver or gold accessories. It’s vital to me that we know how to truly harness the flare that metal tones can bring to our outfits, from lectures to holidays – and everything in between. So, here’s a brief crash course in curating fits that shine (literally), and making full use of the array of metallic masterpieces we have at our fingertips.

“Here’s a brief crash course in curating fits that shine (literally)”

Firstly, be not afraid! To some fashionistas, silvers and golds can often come across tacky or cheap looking, dissuading many from including metallics in daytime outfits or stretching beyond the signature one or two necklaces. It’s important to remember that when shopping at high street brands for jewellery or metal accessories, there is a danger of the metals appearing plasticky due to their manufacturing process. This is because they are often composed of inexpensive alloys, which can make the item appear blindingly shiny. To avoid this, shop second hand, this way it’s easier to assure the pieces are non-tarnishing and long lasting – opposed to the infamous Shein ‘green effect’. As well as this, worn metals give a slightly more muted look, perfect for daytime looks and stacking. Another piece of advice, specifically with metal jewellery, is the importance of balance – for those wishing to showcase loud, complicated prints it is advisable to stick to finer pieces, in order to not take the spotlight away from the main showpiece.

For those wishing to ease themselves into harnessing a daytime glow, the recent trend in eye-makeup could convince even the most sceptical. The Paco Rabanne-esque futuristic chrome eyeshadow is a fool-proof way to give a flash of interest to an otherwise everyday look, and with its smudged boldness it requires little skill to master. Turning to shoes, a favourite subject for many, silvers and golds should never be constrained to a heel or dress shoe, brought out only for the odd formal. Metallic Mary Janes, Chelsea boots and even Samba style trainers give a real impact to any outfit and can be worn with almost anything – jeans particularly give an edge to chrome footwear especially with a statement belt buckle or chain belt. Another way to inject a bit of glam into an everyday look is to opt for clothing with metallic accents: trousers and shirts can sometimes be found with gold threads or subtle metallic pinstripes. This can be a brilliant way to incorporate a more low-key glimmer into daytime dressing without it overwhelming.

“I urge you to look no further than the rose gold craze of 2015-6”

In order to get the most out of metals, it’s paramount that we escape the classic duality of gold and silver – there are so many other under-appreciated finishes to choose from! I urge you to look no further than the rose gold craze of 2015-6, landmarked by the release of the rose gold iPhone amongst the millennium blush pink obsession. The grasp of rose gold seems to have all but disappeared in 2025, yet it’s something I believe is strongly deserving of a comeback. Rose gold tones are perfect with greens, neutrals and autumns, offering a softer, warmer option to gold which can sometimes be too brash against muted tones. Another forgotten hero is copper or bronze tones, oozing summer chic, they’re ideal for holiday boho fits that encapsulate the Ibiza vibe. Bronze accents can be achieved through gladiator or shield style belts, as well as other accessories such as hairpieces or copper wire jewellery to give a hippie style twist to any beachy look. Copper jewellery can be worn alongside your regular business casual to add a pop of interest that looks just that bit different from the classic gold or silver.

Finally, don’t be reluctant to mix metallic tones. The taboo of mixing silver with gold is over, so take advantage of it! I want to see rose gold pearlescent ballet flats, chunky gold chains, fierce bronzed reflective eye looks and Chelsea boots so chromatic I can see my face in them – all before a 9am lecture.

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