High on Metallurgy

Not all spring shades have to be neutral, floral or boring. When things get dull in fashion, designers often look at the metallic inspiration for instant sheen and shine. This Spring-Summer, metallic shades like silver, gold, rose gold, copper and glossy black is trending among fashionistas for their multi-functional effect and high glam appeal.

Metallic as a trend has been prevalent through the years and we do not see it dying down anywhere in the near future. This season, you can wear metallics as a whole ensemble or even a part of the look where you accessorise with jewellery, statement bags or indulge in appealing chrome shades for your nails. Designer Sunaina Khera says, “Most recently, metallics were seen trending at the Oscars red carpet where celebrities opted for beautiful embroidered gowns in metallic silver, rose gold, sequin whites with bold dazzling jewellery and tiny complementing handbags to complete the look. With the influence of pastels for summer, we will see beautiful metallic hues in oxidised silver, gold and rose gold topping the charts.”

While the metallic trend adds a lustrous shine to any outfit, it also works brilliantly from street style to high-fashion parties, Indian occasions or even office looks. This season will be full of the sparkly hues, predicts Shirin, a head stylist, as she reminds a basic rule —not go overboard. “With a trend like this, it’s very easy to look over the top, but the only way to ace the fashion-forward look is to keep it minimal and subtle. Keep this rule in mind and one can create any look that matches their personality and occasion, whether sporty, chic or glamorous. If you are looking to create a dramatic yet sophisticated look, opt for a metallic slip dress or a pleated skirt. When metallic hues in relaxed silhouettes are paired with muted or pastel colours the look is sure to stand out looking quirky and creative. If you have opted for metallic pants or pencils skirts, tone down the look with a muted tone blazer. Metallic sari or lehengas are excellent for the summer festivities.  When it comes to jewellery, keep it minimalistic. Geometric jewellery works wonderfully with this trend while keeping the theme futuristic.  Matching two shades of metallics is nothing to be afraid of. It adds personality and spunk to your look. To make the outfit look polished, keep the rest of your outfit in the same tone and finish your ensemble with simple and classic footwear. You can always play around with different textures like lace, to create an interesting look. Denim is another fabric, that when paired with metallics, keeps your look simple, yet chic.”

When you have to take an outfit from level one to 10, you have to give it a metallic touch, opines designer Hema Kaul, as she recommends, “Metallic bling can completely transform your look; and this season, feel free to pair it with neutrals or experiment with bright shades. Match these shades with beige, pastels and fruity shades to create some quirky, fun looks.” To which designer Adarsh Makharia adds, “A metallic shirt top or a crop top in champagne or in rose gold with a bold colour lehenga in either black or aubergine is a unique way to style it. The hairdo should be natural, make-up should be clean. Geometrical accessories and spring colours like dusty rose, cinderella blue, and blush are good combinations. Any dusty light coloured dupatta/scarf will go with a metallic shift dress, shirt or jacket.”

Most people think of beige, brown, navy, black, grey and olive green as neutrals, but plenty of other colors fall into this category, including metallics, informs designer Sweta Tantia. She mentions, “Wearing gold or silver instead of traditional neutrals makes for an outfit that is way more fun. Once you’ve put on a shiny dress or top, match it with an equally bold pop of colour. Then you’ll really make a statement. The best way to accessorise it is by wearing simple and cool toned accessories. Any outfit can be made to look interesting by adding a metallic belt, jewellery, a skirt, a pair of shoe and metallic nail paints. Fanny packs, transparent bags or shoes, X-girl sunglasses, and statement straw hat are must-haves for spring. Wearing more than one metallic statement piece is a big no because it kills the vibe of the trend.”

A beautiful way of incorporating metallic to your plain pastels outfits is with high on shine heels, shimmery bags or clutches. Designer Tarun Jagwani tells you how to style it, and says, “When it comes to wearing metallic coloured clothes, keep accessories simple. I would say a statement earring but not heavy. It needs to be light, minimalistic. Metallic dresses get the attention automatically, so don’t over accessorise but pair it with pastel colours, oranges, greens, pink, and nude colours that are hot this summer.” Whereas, designer Puneet Gupta points out how fashionistas are revamping long forgotten style with metallic accessories with oomph. He says, “Anyone who is up for a retro-futuristic look, opting for metallic trends is the best way to flaunt your avant-garde fashion statement. The best way to rock metallic trends would be to pair plain/ nude tone clothes with high-on-metallic accessories. Whether you opt for gold clutches, silver chokers or metallic heels, adding jazzy accessories will definitely amp up your style game. It’s very easy to add a standout glimmer to your look with just a few metallic pieces. However, don’t go too hard rock metallic when donning this trend. If you pick a gunmetal clutch, stick to gunmetal tone accessories. Do not intermix it with silver heels and gold choker and go completely overboard in terms of style.”