Heavy Metal: How to Rock Metallics for the Holidays
Beyoncé via Vogue.sg
While the recent uptick in shiny looks can be attributed to post-pandemic dopamine dressing, Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour, and the rise of artificial intelligence, our fixation on glitz and gloss goes much further back.
Harry Styles 2023 Grammy Awards. Photo by Christopher Polk Variety via Getty Images
Metallics were first worn in the 1930s by Hollywood stars at red carpet events. When haute-couturiers created evening wear as a separate category from daytime dressing, metallics were adopted by non-celebrities later in the decade. Elle Canada’s Caia Hagel notes that the couturiers “wanted their gowns to have an element of the stars—Hollywoodian but also the literal stars in the night sky and their association with mystery, destiny and beauty.”
Actress Ann Sothern in 1936 via Ancientfaces.com
Photo by Launchmetrics via Ellecanada.com
Ever since the end of the pandemic, fashion has taken on a louder, more ostentatious tone. Metallic embellishments merely serve as one manifestation of this renewed desire for glamor. After months of being cooped up at home, people are eager to socialize, to see and be seen. And nothing says, “look at me!” more than shiny metallic materials.
Lizzo. Photographed by Mario Anzuoni/Reuters via Nowmagazinela.com
Concerts are a prime destination for post-pandemic partying. Beyoncé, ever the driver of the cultural zeitgeist, requested that attendees dress in silver on the final tour dates of her Renaissance World Tour, further boosting demand and interest in the shimmering hue. The popularity of metallics often parallels technological advancement, as seen in the Y2K era. Today’s metalmania is no different. As artificial intelligence integrates more deeply into our everyday lives, machine-inspired materials are finding their way into our wardrobes and onto our bodies.
The holiday season is one for shimmer and shine, so metallics fit right in. Here’s how to wear metallics for some festive flair:
Dior Fall 2023 Couture Gorunway via Thelane.com
Sequins
They are a tried-and-true staple of holiday dressing. Their texture and sheen are sure to capture the magic of the season.
Coach bag via Popsugar.com
Grace Ling Cardholder via Vogue.sg
Accessories
If going for head-to-toe metallic feels a bit intimidating add a chic flash of metal through accessories like handbags or shoes.
Sydney Sweeney Getty via Vogue.sg
Chest Plates
These armor-inspired takes on the metallic trend bring elevated edge to an outfit.
J.Crew via Theeverygirl.com
With Basics
Wearing your eye-catching metallic pieces with your wardrobe basics let shimmer and shine take center stage. This is a great way to incorporate metallics in a way that isn’t overpowering.
Alberta Ferretti 2022-2023 Fall Winter Womens Runway via Denimjeansobserver.com
With Contrasting Textures
Amp up your outfits by combining metals with softer, contrasting textures. For instance, try pairing sequined trousers with fluffy coats.
Photography, Launchmetrics via Ellecanada.com
Colored Metallics.
Even though silver is the most popular hue in this latest iteration of the metallic trend, feel free to experiment with bolder, more playful colors like gold, fuchsia, or blue.
Article by Ren Wilson, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Chenglin Qu, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine
RELATED STORIES
