How to wear metallic: 5 Style Panel tips for upping the glam this summer

how to wear metallic
how to wear metallic

Thanks to designer houses like Lanvin, Gucci and Givenchy, it looks like metallics are no longer exclusive to the holiday season (or the eighties). With luxe looking, full-shine pieces making their way down the Spring 2014 runways, the trend proves to be just as chic for summer, instantly turning outfits from plain Jane to full-on glam. And while it may be one of this season’s hottest trends, metallic may not be easy to sport for a day-to-day look without feeling overdone. Fear not because we asked our Style Panel to show us how to wear metallic, taking this trend from runway to the streets.

Style Panel members agree that the trick to tackling this look is to wear it in small doses. Mo Handahu of Lion Hunter shows us how to work the metallic trend subtly into the outfit with just a small accessory without straying too far from her personal style. Meanwhile, With A City Dream’s Emma Walker ups the glam factor in her look hitting two birds with one stone (in this case, two trends with one pair of gold running shoes). And if you’re ready to break out of your comfort zone and play with the metallic trend head-on, Jill Lansky of The August Diaries demonstrates how to work the spring trend effortlessly this summer in a statement gold dress, as well as sharing tips on what shades of metallic works best for which skin tone.

Question 109: How do you wear metallic? Read the answers now! »

Jump to: BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | EMMA WALKER, DENVER | JILL LANSKY, VANCOUVER | KIRA PARAN, EDMONTON | MO HANDAHU, HALIFAX


how to wear metallic jill lansky

Jill Lansky, 26
Vancouver | The August Diaries

Is there anything better than gold accenting bronzed summer skin? I think not. Whether you’re a brunette or have blonde hair and light skin, different shades of gold can play up any skin tone beautifully. Lighter gold shades work best on fair beauties and darker bronze plays up a deeper skin tone. My only tip is to keep your other outfit elements to a minimum so it doesn’t look like a New Years Eve glitter overload gone bad.

Jill’s wearing: Dress, H&M. Shoes, Zara.

how to wear metallic barbara
Photography by Trevor Negin

Barbara Ann Solomon, 25
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog

When we saw the trend of metallics hit the runway during the Spring 2014 fashion shows, we saw a bold head-to-toe look filled with dresses and evening gowns. I find this style very hard to wear, especially during the summer. So, the way I like to add metallics into my summer wardrobe is with accents and accessories. Silver pumps, bold gold belts, metallic leather clutches, and statement jewellery are great ways to style this trend. Shiny embellishments are another easy way to introduce this trend into your wardrobe and make any outfit sparkle.

Barbara’s wearing: Dress, Topshop. Heels, Zara. Clutch, Roots. Glasses, Derek Cardigan.


how to wear metallic mo

Mo Handahu, 29
Halifax | Lion Hunter

Wearing metallics in the summer requires a little extra attention to avoid blinding those around us. If you’re like me and not completely swayed by the trend, an outfit that has subtle elements of shine peeking through is perfect! In this look I have just the right amount of shine for my taste by incorporating a purse with a checkered black and silver design and a hat with silver coins.

Mo’s wearing: Hat and crop top, Forever 21. Blazer, shorts and purse, Thrifted. Sandals, Target. Sunglasses, Le Chateau.


how to wear metallic kira

Kira Paran, 29
Edmonton | Northern Style Exposure

I wear metallics and sequins any time of day, any day of the week. But if you aren’t too adventurous, there is nothing wrong with trying this trend on a smaller scale. Try mixing in a bag or shoe in your favourite metallic. With such a small splash of glitz it keeps the look day time appropriate in almost anyone’s style books.

Kira’s wearing: T-shirt, Joe Fresh. Pants, J.Crew Factory. Bag, Marc Jacobs. Sandals, Birkenstock for J.Crew. Hat, J.Crew. Watch, Michael Kors.


how to wear metallic emma walker

Emma Walker, 17
Denver, CO | With A City Dream

I am all for a good metallic, but I struggle with finding a balance between fashionable and disco. To me the happy medium is found in accessories. The right metallic accessory (like these shoes) can take an outfit straight to shiny heaven. It is on trend without being over the top. I chose to wear all white to really make my shoes stand out. And the best part of my look? The sporty style is totally in. Nailing two trends in one!

Emma’s wearing: Overalls, C&A. Top, Riller. Shoes, Nordstrom.

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