Traditionally associated with jewelry, the trend for wearing metallics on other items of clothing was originally associated with Hollywood starlets of the 1930s and later, the 1970s with the advent of disco and glam rock. It’s a trend that never really went away, but in 2024, metallics are shining brighter than ever.
Spring and summer 2024 catwalks showcased its versatility, as molten, high-shine fabrics contrasted with ethereal pieces featuring glittering sequins, as well as tougher, more armor-like takes on trend. Once reserved for evening-wear, metallic clothing is also now part of our daytime wardrobes, and one of the easiest ways to wear them is on your feet.
According to seasonal color typing, gold works best for people with warm undertones to their skin. Rose gold is more of a neutral that can be worn by everyone, while pewter or silver shoes have more of a cool tone to them. If you’re not sure which category you fit into, professional color analysis is one way to find out.
If that’s outside your budget, looking up information about seasonal palettes and taking quizzes can help you to understand which colors suit you best according to factors like eye and hair color. However, rules are made to be broken, so if you’re cool-toned and you love gold, shine on.
Metallic shoes can elevate any outfit and come in a range of styles encompassing everything from chic strappy heels and loafers to ballet flats and sneakers. Since this type of shoe is so versatile, it can go with pretty much any style of dress, from casual to more glam looks.
A great way to style your metallic shoes is to add a dash of the unexpected: sneakers with a sundress, for example, or a kitten heel with a pair of distressed jeans. While matching an overall style can also look chic, mixing them up helps to create a fun sense of contrast.
If you want to kick things up a notch, colorful metallics and shimmery holographic finishes are perfect for adding a little extra pizzazz to your outfit. Here, you can opt to contrast your statement shoes with an overall look that’s a little more pared-back, or you can go for a more eclectic look.
Playing with texture can also be a lot of fun, not just in the outfit (think tulle, wool and denim, or leather and faux silk), but in the shoe itself. High-shine, matt, faux snake-skin or crinkled foil effect are all popular finishes, each providing an added layer of contrast and visual interest.
One of the few downsides of metallic shoes is that they tend to show every scuff and scratch. Besides protecting your shoes with a waterproofing treatment prior to wearing, the occasional polish with a gentle neutral-colored polish (ideally one containing canuba wax) can help to keep your shoes in good condition.
Leather shoe paint can be used on leather or faux leather and is designed to stick to the fabric without flaking away. Choose a matching color to your shoes to refresh the look of your shoes whenever you need to. When not wearing them, make sure you store your metallic shoes in a soft shoe bag to protect them from scuffs.
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