Metals and fabrics with metal threads are in fashion again. This guide explains the best ways of wearing the metallic trend over 40. Furthermore, it answers the pressing questions “Can I wear metallic at day over 50?”, and “how to style the metallic clothes for day?” Enjoy reading how to wear the metallic trend over 40 now.
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What Type of Metallic Clothes Do Work over 40?
Metallic is in fashion again. To look modern and ageless
- Try a metallic or brocade with metallic treats classic trench coat. More on what to look for in a trench coat.
- Wear a classic blazer or cardigan with metallic foil in the weave or solid metallic with khakis or jeans.
- Pair jackets, skirts or low-shine leather pants in metallic with other neutrals.
- Wear metallic shoes, sandals or bags instead of the non-metallic neutrals during the day.
- A day dress with metallic embellishment or embroidery.
- Mix metals in jewelry.
How to Wear the Metallic Trend over 40 the New Way
In the Millennium years, metallic became a neutral and fully integrated into day wear. This means you style it the same way how to wear neutrals. Actually, gold, cooper, silver, and rose-gold are neutral colors. Go for a classic cut with your metallic item.
Tip: Always go for a sophisticated and understated look in simple, clean cut style pieces with minimal accessories.
What to Wear with a Metallic Skirt?
Go for a classic style like a pleated, straight or asymmetric hem cut. For daytime outfits dress the skirt down with tops or jackets in more casual fabrics or styles and neutral colors.
Explained Example: Silver Pleated Skirt Outfit Ideas
Since pleats are eternal classic, a pleated silver skirt can be styled easily in a street style chic way with sneakers, a denim jacket, graphic Tee and a statement necklace. Wear the necklace the Jenna Lyons style – over the jacket. Add a scarf and bag in a similar color as the Tee.
Or style it with pumps, a Tee and jean jacket like your Casual Friday Outfits.

Examples: What to Pair with a Golden Skirt

Example How to Style a Gold-Brocade Skirt

Can You Wear Silver Pants over 40: Metallic Pants Outfit Ideas
Silver looks great with black or gray.


Stylish Metallic Jackets Outfit Inspirations

How to Style a Metallic Coat in Spring and Fall
Style the coat like you would style a coat in a neutral color.

What to Wear with Metallic Shoes?
For inspiration on how to wear metallic shoes, let’s take a look at the footwear style .
When Can You Wear Metallic Pumps or Sandals?
Pairing silver and gold pumps or sandals with gemstone-color and black evening wear or with a cocktail dress is a no-brainer. However, this footwear also looks effortlessly stylish with jeans, top and jacket as a Casual Friday outfit. Of course, going out dancing is a great opportunity to don metallic sandals.

What to Wear with Metallic Sneakers?
Style them like white, tan or blush sneakers when they are silver, gold or rose-gold, respectively. See example above in the collage of coats and shoes.
What Doesn’t Work When Wearing Metallic?
Having seen metallic over the decades and how it was styled, we can quickly step into a routine and end up looking old-fashioned and Old Lady because the styling is not up-to-date. Furthermore, stay away from
- Styling metallic clothes like in previous decades unless you go to a theme party or are dressing for Halloween.
- Wearing patchwork clothes in this trend. Cinderella alert!
- Wearing metallic clothing with bright colors except with metallic shoes. This means wearing a little red dress for Valentine’s day or date night out with silver or gold pumps is awesome. However, an outfit of a golden tunic top with black leggings and red patent leather pumps is looking like you are trying too hard.
- Big metallic prints on T-shirts just look cheap. Looking cheap is never ever in style.
- Overload of embellishment/embroidery in metallic in one outfit. The curb is not Star Wars, and you are not a knight in a Mid Evil Festival.
- Silver, gold or copper stockings are a no-no at any age. You are not an Alien or a robot!
Take Home Message on How to Wear the Metallic Trend over 40
Metallic at day is in fashion. The best way how to wear metallic at daytime is to combine them with neutrals. When you pair metallic with bright, bold colors make the colors the statement, and reserve the silver/gold/copper for the shoes, belt or bag. This way is best for festive and evening occasions.
When you like this outfit guide, and want styling tips for all kind of dressing situation in midlife, buy my book How to Dress for Success in Midlife.
Photos: G. Kramm
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