Silver plaques were placed on the heels of boots at Alexander McQueen; mixed metals were strapped across feet as platforms at Balmain; copper-tipped toes capped footwear at Haider Ackerman; chrome-finished boots were seen at Balenciaga; and at Gucci, glittery surfaces stretched over sky high '70s-inspired platforms.
Running the gamut from pretty to punk, these shiny accessories are particularly apt as a trans-seasonal staple, offering a glittering contrast to neutral looks, making brights pop even more and channeling glam rock icons from decades past. As each season's shoes-of-the-moment make a bid for the fashion limelight, metallic shoes perennially manage to turn heads. The only decision you’ll need to make is picking a shiny hue and deciding how you'll creatively weave it into your wardrobe.
All that glitters
If you tend towards a classic, minimalist palette such as black, navy or white, use metallic footwear to punctuate monotone looks. If you're just dipping your toe in the trend, so to speak, making the shoes the focal point of the outfit is a subtle way to ease into wearing metallics. Shiny shoes pair well with an understated ensemble, counterbalancing tonal hues and classic separates.
Traditional metallic finishes such as silver, bronze and gold can stand in place for your regular neutral-toned shoes, while coloured metallics can heighten the impact of a complementary color palette. Cracked or distressed finishes offer a more toned-down alternative to high polish gleam, while a sequinned pump will take any outfit truly over the top if you dare.
Going metallic for day
Metallic shoes for day are surprisingly apt, achieving the seemingly impossible by giving comfortable flat styles the ability to dress up an outfit. Championed by Alessandro Michele in his flamboyant collections for Gucci, the loafer rendered in metallic fuschia, pale gold and shimmering blue in fringed, block heel and mannish styles are a practical yet fashion-forward choice for daywear. They are the perfect alternative to two tone classic flats for polish. Backless, slip on loafer styles are still a strong style choice, and when realised in metallic finishes make an ideal pairing with cropped, stonewashed denim or even dark workwear such as suiting or tailored separates.
As an all-weather wardrobe staple, metallic boots have enjoyed are a major runway moment thanks to labels like Balenciaga. Pushing aside traditional black suede and nude nappa leather styles, the striking pieces of footwear draw glances from underneath cropped trousers, romantic floral maxi dresses and, in Balenciaga's over the knee version, creeping up toward the hem of a mini skirt for a '60s-era fashion influence. A block heel style is a wearable interpretation inspired by runway looks from Celine and Jil Sander, providing as much comfort as the loafer with more substantive grounding for trekking across a city.
A fresh way to liven up a streamlined ensemble, the metallic boot trend also works well with more tailored pieces such as cropped trousers and sleek blazers. Channel the look of effortlessly styled fashion editrixes, pairing bold metallic footwear with a figure slimming black tee tucked into a pencil skirt, allowing the boots to take center stage.
And while the world’s competitive athletes go for gold in high performance sneaker styles, the world’s street stars strive for the fashion equivalent, swapping medals for metallic footwear. High-shine metallic sneakers in silver, gold and rose gold draw attention with their unique coloration and add urban-luxe edge. Their eye-catching finish makes them the focus of a look, marrying well with tees and jeans and classic silhouettes in neutral colors.
Night magic
Metallic high heels are a slightly more formal option that complement bold scarves and jewels, and they're perfect for feminine wedding looks or to add a glam rock touch to dark party outfits. It's easy to make a case for the metallic sandal, a versatile favorite that adds iridescent shine to a simple black dress, or, when paired with an equally shimmering pleated skirt and glittery box clutch, speaks to a sense of fashion adventurism. Balance the latter look with a smart, crisp white shirt and a chignon up-do for a more classically sophisticated, yet still edgy ensemble.
Metallic-on-metallic is no misstep, especially if you tend toward the more nonconformist end of the fashion spectrum. Metallic pumps teamed with a jacquard metallic coat or peralescent blouse is an easy way to get in touch with your inner Ziggy Stardust, or evoke the glamour of Studio 54-style dressing.
Coppery touches, gold accents and silver finishes for our footwear accessorize an outfit as smartly as our statement jewellery. So, whether elevating your everyday ensembles or stepping up the shine on a special occasion, why not add a hint of glint?