The 2014 metallic trend is an absolute gift to women over 40, with a simple accessory from the high street you can raise any outfit from humdrum to chic. I’ve always loved metallics, I remember having a bright pink metallic bomber jacket in about 1982. Now they’re back in a big way – the only thing about them is that they do shout “look at me” which was fine then when I was 15 but now I’d prefer to suggest rather than shout.
The way to do that of course is to nod to the trend by adding accessories. Here’s my edit of the best – I’ve steered away from pink (!) keeping to the classic olympic medal colours – gold, silver, bronze and of course the tone of the season, rose gold..
Metallic Shoes
Boden always make great quality shoes. I know they’re on the pricier side but they’re usually supremely comfortable, beautifully made and last well. Plus there’s never long to wait for a discount to come along. They’ve gone into metallics in a big way this season. Here are some of my Spring/Summer 14 favourites:
Sometimes Boden give things the wrong name which means people disregard them although these seem to be moving fast. Why they’ve called them party heels I don’t know, they’d add glamour to all kinds of outfits and the ankle strap means you can walk around for ages in them without your feet aching from claw-gripping. I love these, I really, really do but sadly I don’t think I’d wear them enough to justify them – silver and gold party heels £110.
If you’re looking for something more everyday, the silver Penny Loafers are good, £99 and they’re timeless so they’ll probably become a wardrobe staple and last many more seasons than than pointy toed flats.
Finally from Boden the Gold Boho boot £119 – I have these in tan from A/W 13 and they are butter soft, I can wear them all day without anything rubbing, aching or hurting so worth every penny I think.
Next don’t seem to have done much on the metallic front but looking ahead to Summer, maybe there is more coming up. One of the things I tend to find with Next shoes is that although they aren’t pricey and look good, I end up returning them because they simply aren’t comfortable but maybe I’ll have more luck this year. These multi metallic sandals £32 (not leather) are one of the key styles for Spring Summer 14. People often find that sandals with a slight heel are better than flats because they support the arch of your foot.
A selection from Zara – lovely Zara, great style, great price:
Pointed ballerina flats with crystals £39.99
Classic soft leather ballerina flats £25.99
These leather court shoes with metal toecap from Zara £69.99 would look great with 7/8 trousers for a chic night out.
Finally things are looking up at M&S. The M&S Collection has some great items for mid life chic – the trouble is that their online photography is so awful that you often click away. I understand a bit about how they make things look so bad having worked on their marketing team for a while but they really need to invest in sorting it out.
Silver court shoes (not leather) £19.50 (!)
Metallic Bags
I think a lot of people associate metallic bags with Christmas parties so there aren’t many around in these dark days of January. I have to agree that they only work for daytime when they’re simple. Boden have come up trumps again though with this chic, mirror finish number for £119 but in short stock at the moment – I don’t think it will be around for long:
Metallic Belts
Skinny belt pack of two in both a metallic and holographic type effect – Mango belts in silver £14.99
Metal sash belt from Mango £29.99
Simple gold belt with subtle twist detail from John Lewis £12
If you’re keen on the metal obi belts featured on my Pinterest metallics page, there are plenty on Ebay and Etsy although I can’t vouch for their quality. Alternatively try this one from Warehouse, £16.
for this very Bond girl look
Hope I’ve inspired you but if you need more convincing, look through my Midlife Chic Metallics board on Pinterest to see what a big difference a hint of metallic makes to a simple outfit.
