How To Wear Metallics.

Sequins, beading, treated silk, glitter mesh, sparkly lace, crystals… sparkles and shimmering metallics are tutus for grown-ups.

Hot? Yes. Sexy. Yes. Tricky to get right? Absolutely.

Gold and silver say enough on their own don’t you think?

The most important rule when it comes to wearing all out metallic is to keep everything else understated. Do you really need the chandelier earrings and the sequin bag?

There’s a very  skinny line between looking elegant and like a Christmas tree when wearing any of the tinsel tones, so adhere to the less-is-more principal, keep your accessories considered and follow these five simple rules.

1. Neutrals Maketh The Metallic.

Not all of us can/want to do head-to-toe metal, but you can still get maximum impact from the trend by wearing a single piece and mixing it with neutrals.

Try a metallic jacket with a t-shirt and jeans or a black blazer with gold cigarette trousers.

A general rule:  creams, pinks and greys looks great teamed with rose gold, gold and copper while black, grey and crisp white work best with silver and gun metals.

2. Colour Is Cool.

are some super-luxe options in brights like green, red and blue.

Remember a little goes a long way with coloured metallics, so a chic way to bring them into your wardrobe is with glittery accessories – a statement shoe, a jewelled clutch – or a single, fabulous piece, like an embellished skirt or jacket.

Or mix gold or silver with a colourful print.

3. There’s Always Shoes.

The quickest and most conservative way to add metallic to an outfit is with shoes.

Make like Dorothy and throw on a  sparkly pair with your office suit, a simple black dress or my favourite – cuffed jeans, white shirt and blazer.

It will take you directly to Oz.

4. Length Makes It Modern.

You don’t want to look like a superhero and tight gold and silver has the tendency to make you look like you’re ready to save the Universe.

Avoid this look by focusing on cut and fit – lamé, metal jersey, bugle beading and sequins can be very unforgiving and add inches, so make sure you check hem lengths, seams and shoulders before you leave the change room.

Luxe it out with a maxi or floor sweeping or knee length skirt.

5. Accesorising Right.

A single belt or twenty five bangles, there aren’t hard and fast rules when it comes to metallic accessories.

When wearing lots of metallic clothes, dial back the accessories. When wearing neutrals, make them the star by dialling it up.

Three to try: layer gold watches and bangles with a cashmere roll neck sweater. swing a metallic tote over your arm and there’s always shoes.