Metallic clothing might sound intimidating, but it can actually be incredibly stylish if balanced in just the right way. In fact, metallic fans have always approached these hues as if they were neutrals – because when you think about it, a metallic top does tend to anchor an outfit in much the same way that a white T-shirt does (although the statement is undeniably bolder when we’re dealing with gilded tones).
When you consider metallic accessories, it is often silver or gold jewellery that we're commonly drawn to. So why not extend this same reflective thread throughout your entire wardrobe, whether that's by way of a Marc Jacobs purse or a metallic blazer instead of your usual tuxedo? Either way, your best starting point will often be a consideration of the kind of entrance you're looking to make. This will help to inform whether your golden piece is a bold top, a more muted flash of molten or a high-sheen belt buckle. Once you've got dress code sorted, then the magic is in the delivery.
Plan your entrance
Mastering the art of metallic clothing is about reflecting your surroundings, but, even more than that, it's about a sense of self expression. Traditionally, statement pieces like a metallic dress by Saint Laurent may have been most fitting for a fancier evening affair – then again, who says silver can't work just as well for brunch in Bronte? After all, metallics are made to have fun with. The beauty of these shimmery pieces is that they will always make an entrance – which means you don’t need to go head-to-toe gilt in order to make it work. In fact, the look has far more impact if you’re strategic with the way you incorporate your high-octane pieces. A silver metallic handbag can be just as special with black jeans and a silk blouse, for instance, as it can be with a daring shade of contrasting bronze. So while a beautiful dinner might call for a bold silver tux jacket, a day of gallery hopping in Melbourne might demand something a little more muted. Whenever in doubt though, metallic accessories such as gilded sneakers, tend to offer the most versatile entry point, allowing you to strike just the right balance without being mistaken for C3PO.
A gilded statement
If it’s dinner at Quay that you’ve got on the agenda, then the Opera House’s dramatic backdrop calls for an attention-grabbing statement. Think less mirrored disco ball and more of a refined take on metallic clothing, as favoured by 90s style icons Kate Moss and Sofia Coppola. Turn to the SS17 Saint Laurent collection for inspiration, where liquid silk slip dresses were offset with natural hair and makeup and then finished with delicate tiaras. The menswear runways have also carried plenty of metallic inspiration over recent seasons. Dsquared2 's SS17 offering featured various pops of metallic peppered throughout – a high-shine shoe here, a glossy studded tank there. For a sleeker approach, consider Jil Sander's AW16 collection, where metallic bombers lent a touch of space cadet that then tapered into impeccably tailored black trousers. By incorporating one silver element, like the perfect bomber jacket or a metallic top, you will look less like Tin Man and more streamlined overall.
Muted molten
When touring Melbourne's galleries, consider a more low-key approach to metallic clothing, with silvery staples like a camisole tucked into black denim. After all, your nod to the style doesn’t need to be all-over molten in order to have an impact. Take inspiration from Chloë Sevigny's on-screen wardrobe in the 1998 film The Last Days of Disco; a metallic top here or sequinned bandeau there, her look was mostly rooted in a rotation of elegant black pieces, offset by a hint of disco. This is something that can be highly workable with the pieces you already own. The SS16 womenswear and SS17 men's collections for Ann Demeulemeester, for example, was all about hinting at metallics, rather than taking an overt approach. The bonus there is that, like any great neutral, these hues have the good fortune of teaming well with almost any other colour.
Heavy metal accessories
For the most versatile way to incorporate a molten shade, consider pairing metallic accessories with pared-back basics. For example, experiment to balance blue jeans and a white shirt with high-sheen silver ankle boots and the necklace to match. This look is perfect for daytime shopping in Sydney, while still projecting something unexpected. Then, to take things into the evening, anchor a feminine dress with sophisticated silver shoes like strappy sandals or heeled loafers. By keeping your outfit tones timeless, you can allow your heavy metal accessories their moment to shine. Shoe-wise, Dorateymur offers more experimental versions of metallic footwear, while elsewhere, for men, a statement silver belt buckle or a pair of gold-rimmed sunglasses offers a more of a subtle touch, for instance. Ultimately this helps to lift a monochromatic outfit, because it’s heavy metal — but it's the kind that will fit seamlessly into your wardrobe.