Metallics

Janet

Angie’s post on metallic jackets today made me think a bit about my changing attitude towards metallics. Oddly I seem to have veered away from wearing them in the last couple of years even though I’m still attracted to them in the abstract. I’m refraining from buying any more at the moment, but unsure of whether to give away any of my current unworn metallic items — boots, bags, jackets…

I have a pair of bronze boots and a coordinating faux Bao Bao bag, which have gone unworn. My metallic jackets have been similarly orphaned. I have not let them go because it feels like the pandemic put a crimp on wearing a LOT of items.

I am trying to figure out if this is a style shift, or a temporary break. Is anyone else feeling this way about metallics? Has the pandemic era made many of us a bit more subdued in style? Any thoughts about this?

2 years ago

General

26 replies

Latest reply was from Jenni NZ

cat2

Veteran

I would consider whether you would wear them for holiday events. If so, don’t purge.

2 years ago

SarahD8

Veteran

Hmmm. I have had a few metallic items low-key on my list for several years (A gold messenger-bag-style crossbody. A gold cape-style puffer. Pewter brogue oxfords.) but have never found exactly the right items. And I think for me, metallics have to be exactly right. (That puffer, for example: it needs to be gently metallic, not space-age metallic, iykwim.)

I'm not sure my attitude towards metallics has changed during the pandemic. But, I did wear a pair of gold ballet flats the other day in a casual outfit and they were very much remarked upon -- positively, but it does seem to me that metallic items tend to be Noticed. I wonder if people are feeling a bit more retiring after so much time isolating at home?

2 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I have worn some metallics in the past. but I am definitely not feeling them right now. Anything shiny has always made me feel a little "off", and I never could identify why until I delved into Kibbe. As a "natural" type, Kibbe says that shiny metals are not good for us, and we do better with accessories made of naturally textured materials or antique/aged type of metals. These are absolutely what I am drawn to and feel best in.
I wonder if, as we age, the shine gets to be too much for changing coloring/contrasts? Just a thought...

2 years ago

Anonymous

Maybe it’s just the season. It’s hard to think about wearing metallics when it’s so hot! Perhaps you could hang on to them until after the colder months have passed to see if you want to keep them in the mix.

2 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Rose gold was the last metallic whose trend bandwagon I hopped on. And the last time I wore it was to a play and confess I’m not really keen on going to a theatre any time in the foreseeable future… I do feel *my* life, anyways, has become subdued.

2 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm with you, Janet. I'm also with cat2 though. Do NOT pass on your metallics.

Personally, I've veered away from pure metallic for the last 8 to 10 or so years. I only have dressy metallic shoes that are old, old, old. But gorgeous, comfy, and do the job. I don't wear a metallic bag to match, either. I wear cream, red, or citron.

I used to have a casual gold bag as a wardrobe essential. Not any more.

I used to LOVE gold boots. They scuff too easily for my walking lifestyle, and I don't enjoy the look of them weathered. White shoes are much hardier and easier to maintain.

I passed on my gold and silver jackets many years ago.

I DO like metallic thread running through colours like navy, white, reds, and pinks. Especially knitwear. Love!

I love pure metallic on others, of course! Off the top of my heard, Suz, Bijou and Joy in silver, Brooklyn in gold and bronze, and Suntiger in bronze are glorious

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2 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

I have exactly 3 metallic items. I did put the metallic T in my holding zone (and actually removed it from my Finds!) but when I picked up the hunter green faux leather pants and the two worked so well together, I put it back into rotation!

A new pair of sandals has gold accents, but the style is pretty casual, with cork soles. If I could find the exact replacements for a pair of silver flats I had 6 years ago, I’d drop the cash, but otherwise I’m not looking to add metallics to my closet.

2 years ago

kkards

Veteran

I’m not a metallic lover, but sometimes they are just perfect. For me, they kind of work for my version of dopamine dressing, I’m not going to wear brights, but I will slip on my metallic shoes and feel a little lighter

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2 years ago

LJP

Veteran

I’m right there with you Janet . Even this summer , I’ve worn my casual metallic sandals ( a pair each in gold and silver ) exactly once I think . I donated any metallic bags I had a few years ago and don’t miss any of them . I have a pair of very shiny pewter oxfords like kkards’ which I wore once last winter and took a lot of grief ( in a fun way ) at work over them . I just am not feeling that level of extra anymore . I don’t know anything anoht Kibbe but the comment posted above made me wonder . Any metallics left in my wardrobe are for holiday wear , and even then I’m more drawn to velvet or silk now . Interesting eh ?

2 years ago

The Cat

Veteran

Very shiny metallics might feel a bit overwhelming. If so, try the more matte/muted/brushed versions instead.

The same could be said about i.e. garment fabrics and jewellery. Whether you prefer more shiny or more matte materials might have to do with what harmonizes with your skin and hair. (Reading tip: Search for "Shine" at Imogen Lamports blog Insideoutstyle and you will find several articles on this subject.)

2 years ago

Irina

Veteran

I’m probably is a wrong person to answer - never been a big fan of metallics. But I actually thought about it recently, about almost absence of metallic shoes or bags I see on the city’s streets.

2 years ago

Anonymous

Thanks Angie This is my metallic collection.
I wear my gold Birks a lot, but consider them a nude to me. I figure the gold elevates them enough to wear to events, where I wouldn't feel right with my black Arizonas.
The main thing I'm off is a lot of color these days. It just feels too attention getting, which I prefer to leave to others at this point in my life.

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