How to wear metallic at day High Latitude Style

midlife woman in festive office holiday party outfit

40+ women have seen metallic trends come and go

We 40+ and 40++ gals saw the lame sweaters of our moms in the late 60s, early 70s. Just a subtle thread gave the black, gray or beige sweater some festive, mystic touch. Of course, as kids, we adored these sweaters! If we were lucky, we got one for Sunday’s Best in red with gold or silver or in pink with silver foil lame.

In the late 70s, the Bohemian Style Indian dresses, skirts, vests and tops with gold painting were just awesome. I had a skirt-top-vest outfit and a dress in this style.

In the 80s, full-on lame dresses, jackets and tops came up for going out and some gold stripes made it into everyday wear. I recall having knitted a winter white sweater with stripes. These stripes where in the same yarn as the entire sqeater, but with thin gold lame thread added.

I spent most of the 90s in East Germany after the unification. East German women of all age loved everything with crystals and metallic, while I run around in the all black 90s’ uniform with an Euro Chic twist.

Having seen metallic over the decades and how it was styled, one can quickly step into a routine and end up looking old-fashioned and Old Lady because the styling is not up-to-date.

Wear metallic 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. The photos below show outfit ideas for silver pleated skirts, pencil skirts, pants and a golden skirt and coat for various seasons.

#advancedfashion woman in golden leather skirt with denim jacket — Back view of outfit with Escada skirt, Star denim jacket, Dooney and Bruke structured tote, Hermes collier de chien bangle, Salvatore Ferragamo pumps, and Ray Ban sunglasses (all own)

#advancedfashion woman in Mother's Day outfit with zebra coat, golden skirt — Back view of Max Mara zebra-print goat hair coat, BeBe golden distressed assymatric leather skirt, Ivanka Trump ankle strap pumps, and Yes St. Laurent bag (all own)

mature style blogger wearing silver leather pants — Silver leather pants with glacier blue GNW Luxe cashmere wool sweater, Hermes collier de chien bangle, gray belt and Harley Davidson booties (all own)

stylist wearing a golden leather trench coat — Golden leather Burberry trench coat with Burberry plaid blazer, Jaeger tote, Anne Klein pumps, Ray Ban sunglasses (all own) and winter white V-neck dress c/o Lookbook Store

Alaskan blogger wearing a dress with metallic beads — Mesh dress with silver colored beads worn over a double layer sundress with patent leather tan and black T-strap Neo Tango shoes for going out dancing (all own)

midlife blogger in silver skirt, scuba cropped jacket, open-toe pumps with shark Pippa bag — T. Tahari jacket, DIY brooch, Chanel leather skirt, blue graphic tee, Anne Klein pumps, Modalo Pippa bag (all own)

#streetstyleover50 midlife woman in street chic layered mesh skirt, pink heels, black graphic tee, and silver frock — Keep Calm Let the meteorologist handle it T-shirt, suede gemstone buckle belt, Esprit bag, silk neckerchief, Herve Leger silver cropped leather biker frock, dangling earrings (all own), pink Ivank Trump heels c/o Wikibuy, and double mesh layer skirt c/o Lookbook Store

#fashionover40 mature woman in silver pleated skirt — Star denim jacket, silver pleated skirt, unbranded v-neck T-shirt, and black pumps (all own)

What type of metallic clothes do work

To look modern and ageless go for a trench coat in one metallic color or in brocade.
Wear a blazer or cardigan with metallic foil in the weave or solid metallic with khakis or jeans.
Low shine leather pants, jackets or skirts in metallic with other neutrals look sophisticated and understated in simple, clean cut style with minimal accessories.
Wearing metallic shoes, sandals or bags as neutrals during the day is so chic.
A day dress in metallic silk or with metallic embellishment (see also this post).
Mixing metals in jewelry is so chic.

How to wear metallic shoes

For further nspiration on how to wear metallic shoes see the photo outfit inspirations below.

over 50 years old fashion blogger wearing metallic silver pumps with white jeans and a motorcycle jacket — London Jean white denim boyfriend jeans with Brooks Brothers sweater, Jacket Society motorcycle jacket, Jaeger tote, Ralph Lauren silver pumps, Hermes collier de chien bangle, and DIY pendant necklace (all own)

street style blogger wearing metallic sneakers — Moda International leather pants with statement belt (gift from my husband), Oliveo chambray shirt, Burberry Brit trench coat, Jaeger tote, silver Puma sneakers (all own), and Akoya pearl necklace c/o The Pearl Source Inc.

What doesn’t work

Stay away from

Styling metallic clothes like in previous decades unless you go to a theme party.
Wearing metallic patchwork clothes. Cinderella alert!
Wearing metallic clothes with bright colors except the metallic items are the shoes. This means a little red dress with silver or gold pumps for date night out is awesome, but 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.
Metallic overload of embellishment/embroidery on one clothing item or more in one outfit. The curb is not Star Wars.
Metallic stockings are a no-no at any age. You are not an Alien or a robot!

When you like outfit tips like those in this post, and want styling tips for all kind of dressing situation in midlife, buy my book How to Dress for Success in Midlife.

You can find another fun outfit inspiration with silver pants in the post at this link.

If you found this post helpful, please let your friends know by twitter how to wear metallic over 40 so they get the tips too.

Do you wear metallic for day or only for evening wear? Do you wear metallic as neutral? Do you wear silver and gold together? How do you style it? What are your styling challenges?

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Photos: G. Kramm

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How to wear metallic at day