Metallic Clothing as Part of a Dressy Outfit
Metallic clothing isn’t only for the holiday season, so here we are trying to style them for a dressy outfit.
Quote of the day: “It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.” Edmund Hillary
You might ask why I chose this quote for today’s post. Because most of us consider a metallic piece of clothing ideal for dressing up. Yet, I feel like we save this metallic clothing for the winter holidays, and don’t pull them out in the warmer months. Thankfully, one reader, Rocky, asked us to style some metallic outfits. So join us as we make glitter and bling work for this warmer season and also for a casual outfit.
We were extremely lucky to be able to include my childhood bestie, Diane, in our photo shoot. She’s in my age group, but she wouldn’t consider herself a fashionista. So you can see how another real woman would use this prompt to make up an outfit.
Related post: How to wear metallic jeans
Jodie’s (50+) Outfit
Pants: LOFT (similar here)~~Top: Zara (similar here)~~Shoes: (similar here)~~Earrings: thrifted (similar here)~~Purse: Ande-my grandmothers (similar here)
Why I Wore This Outfit
I bought these pants for exactly the reason that many women would because we feel more comfortable in trousers even for dress up. So I figured they would fit into this theme perfectly.
And since I chose a floral print top, I even decided to forgo a necklace and concentrate on statement earrings instead. The advantage of statement earrings, is they can be the focal point in case you don’t want much of the attention anywhere else.
How You Could Change This Outfit
Sheer tops are a wonderful style if you like coverage, yet don’t want to overheat in the summer. However, if you prefer a longer top, you can certainly remove the belt that comes with these pants, and wear a different sheer top.
What Makes this Work
I think the tie front pant trend is fun and unique if you don’t mind tucking in shirts. I wore these pants earlier this year when Nancy & I tried out our neckglasses.
And even though the weather is warmer, most dress up occasions end up being inside. Therefore I wore sheer sleeves to help keep me warm.
Interesting Tidbit
This purse used to be my grandmother’s when she was a young woman. I have quite a few of her older “vintage” purses that I now actually use. It’s only taken me 50 years to appreciate these bags, and I’m certainly glad I didn’t purge them.
Diane’s (50+) Outfit
Pants: Express (similar here)~~Top: Gap (similar here)~~Shoes: (similar here)~~Necklace: (similar here)~~Earrings: (similar here)~~Purse: Leather Market in Italy (similar here)
Why Diane Wore This Outfit
Diane used her grey, metallic sweater as her item of choice. You may not think of a sweater as a great summer item. However, Diane knows that a lightweight sweater is perfect for the Colorado summers where the temperatures can go from cool (or downright cold) to very warm in the course of a day. She was also being very adventurous by mixing the pattern of the knit with the pattern of the plaid pants.
How You Could Change This Outfit
If the idea of even a lightweight sweater makes you break out in a sweat, then there are many metallic tops that would be just as perfect. You may already have one in your closet for the holidays, yet if yours are too heavy for the summer, then let’s look at other ones. This 3/4 length sleeve one is lovely, or you could get a t-shirt that has metallic pineapples as it’s bling.
What Makes this Work
I’d like to point out that although the sweater has metallic threads in it, it’s not easy to see in the photos or from a distance. This is the reason that most glitter pieces work for anytime. Although they are evident close up and we know they are “blingy”, many people won’t even realize it.
This is also a perfect example of a neutral outfit that is wonderful for any season. The sweater is light in color and has an open weave which makes it great for the summer. Then in the colder months, it’s easy to layer over a shirt or dress.
Interesting Tidbit
Diane found this purse at a leather market in Florence, Italy. She ended up getting a great deal on it because the vendor thought she looked like his sister. She’s not sure she really believes him, but she was happy to get the deal.
Nancy’s (60+) Outfit
Pants: Travelers by Chicos (similar here)~~Jacket: Chicos (similar here)~~Top: Chicos (similar here)~~Shoes: Michael Shannon (similar here)~~Necklace: Denver Art Museum (similar here)~~Earrings: (similar here)~~Purse: (similar here)
Why Nancy Wore This Outfit
Nancy is wearing more than one metallic piece in her outfit, which is always fabulous for a dressier event. Her tank is the piece that she’ll be wearing for both examples, and she dressed it up with her silky black pants, and glitter jacket.
After being influenced by me for this amount of time, she also added in the teal accessories for a punch of color, which is also another alternative for Diane’s outfit.
How You Could Change This Outfit
Even though most of us will wear some kind of topper when we go out, you may not want another piece with glitter in it. Therefore a solid black kimono or a cardigan would also be great.
And for those of you who don’t wear heels, peep toe flats are a great alternative.
What Makes this Work
Black pants are the trousers of choice for a dress up affair. I think most women will wear this kind of outfit at one time or another, and the metallic clothing adds another layer of fancy. And since the grey tank top is sleeveless, it’s a perfect choice for the warmer months.
Interesting Tidbit
Nancy is happy to report that she found this purse while she’s been packing and purging for her upcoming house move. She had forgotten that she had it, yet it makes for a wonderful neutral bag with an interesting flower detail.
Charlotte’s (80+) Outfit
Dress: Dress Barn-thrifted (similar here)~~Shoes: Apt. 9 (similar here)~~Necklace: (similar here)~~Earrings: (similar here)~~Purse: Style & Co. (similar here)
Why Charlotte Wore This Outfit
Mom and I decided she should wear metallic shoes for her item of choice, so she wanted to find a dress that would work with flats. Since my mom still loves to wear her heels, she usually saves her flats for when she wears pants. This dress is such a statement for my mom because the colors are wonderful on her and the print is so modern.
How You Could Change This Outfit
Many women still reach for a little black dress for those fancy occasions. If that’s your preference, then these shoes would work great with a black blouson dress or a black wrap dress.
What Makes this Work
The metallic shoes are a perfect neutral for any outfit. I think if you tend to lean towards wearing a nude shoe in many of your outfits, then many of the metallic shoes would work for you also.
Another factor that makes this dress such a winner is that it’s not super fitted for those of you who like to camouflage any body parts. It’s a dark background, yet the print acts as the focal point.
Interesting Tidbit
This turquoise necklace was purchased in Guatemala and they told her it could be worn as a bracelet too. However, my mom has found it’s too big to be a bracelet. Yet she loves it as a choker necklace, especially with this dress.
Tips & Tricks with Metallic Clothing
If it feels strange to wear the bling when it’s not the holiday season, I’d love to remind you of two things. One that every day is a gift. And two, as much as we focus on the little details of our outfits, many times other people don’t notice everything. So wear the things you have in your closet and have fun with it all!
I’m hoping we gave you some inspiration on how you don’t have to save your metallic clothing for the celebrations. Whether the glitter is on your sweater, top, pants or footwear, it can be worn for any season. Why not add some sparkle to this summer?
The Facts
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