All that glitters is being sold this spring. Store shelves are overflowing with metallic purses, belts, bags and shoes at a variety of price points.
What’s driving the trend of gold, silver and bronze accessories? “We’re seeing the return of maximalism in fashion,” says Gregg Andrews, a Nordstrom fashion director. “There’s lots of interest in embellishment and decoration.”
Metallics might strike some shoppers as too flashy or frivolous. But, in fact, they’re elegant and easy neutrals.
Says Andrews: “From a practical standpoint, there are so many colors in fashion right now. You’re not going to be wearing white shoes with those things and black sort of takes the look down. Most women aren’t going to invest in a colored shoe to match every outfit.
“So the metallics make perfect sense because they are so neutral. But they still have more of a fashion presence than, say, a beige or a bone or a flesh tone shoe. They really do go with lots of different things.”
That’s because the range of colors includes subtle choices, such as copper, pewter and gunmetal gray. Metallics with hints of blue, pink or green have a whimsical, youthful, more casual feel. Matte or burnished finishes keep the look sophisticated rather than showgirl.
Another pragmatic consideration: Metallics can help jazz up different types of outfits. Celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch explains, “Basics, such as a simple black suit or a pair of jeans and a tank top, get a whole new life when you throw something gold or silver or bronze in with them.”
Dannielle Romano, editor-at-large of DailyCandy.com, a trend-spotting online newsletter, says shiny accents are a great way to add a little edge to ladylike, refined “Stepford” ensembles or to create haute-hippie flair. For the latter, she suggests wearing long gold chains or a pair of sparkly Moroccan-inspired flats.
If you choose metallic accessories with a classic design, you’ll always be set for dressy evening events and vacations in warm climates.
To dabble, and perhaps dazzle, experts suggest keeping it simple and sporting one piece at a time. Romano cautions: “If you wear head-to-toe metallic, you’ll look like an insane spaceman costume.”
With so much to choose from, you’re bound to find some sleek, chic pieces to make metallic your own.
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jfitzgerald@tribune.com
