How to Style a Metallic Gown for Black Tie

Style a metallic gown by turning everything else down: a fine sandal in a matching tone, one pair of earrings, a small satin clutch and sleek hair. Let the metal be the only shine. For a ceremony, add a sheer shawl in the same colour.

Which shoe goes with a metallic gown?

A barely there strappy sandal in the same metal. Silver with silver, bronze with bronze. A contrasting metal looks like a mistake, and a chunky platform fights the drape.

What jewellery goes with a metallic gown?

One piece. On a strapless gown such as the Zephyra in Woodsmoke, a drop earring is enough. A necklace competes with a sweetheart neckline, and stacked bracelets catch on pleated silk.

What bag goes with a metallic gown?

A small satin clutch, in black and in the gown colour. Avoid a second metallic texture next to the dress.

How should I wear my hair?

Wear it up, sleek and away from the face. Pleated metallic silk, such as the Naima and the Nadira, has a lot of movement already, and loose waves add more.

What colours of metallic gown are there?

• Dark metals: Incense and Carbon, such as the Heidi and the Tia, suit winter black tie.
• Warm metals: Truffle and Peach Fizz, such as the Salima, suit autumn weddings.
• Pale metals: Cameo Rose and Champagne, such as the Alessandra and Mischa, suit summer evenings.

How do I care for a metallic silk gown?

The house says steam refresh only for its metallic tulle and mousseline. Hang it on a padded hanger in a breathable bag and keep it away from perfume.

Can you wear a coat over a metallic gown?

Yes, a long dark coat in wool, and for a winter wedding a textured wrap such as the Fussili cape. Avoid a puffer, which crushes the pleats.

What make-up goes with a metallic gown?

Keep the skin luminous and the eye soft. A metallic eye on top of a metallic gown is too much, so let one strong lip carry the face.

Gold, silver and bronze: which suits your skin?

As a rule, warm skin glows in gold and bronze, cool skin in silver and pewter, and deeper metals such as Incense and Carbon suit almost everyone. Hold the gown at your face in daylight before you decide.

How do you sit in a pleated metallic gown?

Smooth the skirt under you as you sit, and do not sit on the train. Pleated silk recovers with a steam, but a crushed fold looks tired in photographs.

See also how to style a Maria Lucia Hohan gown, how to wear a shawl over an evening gown, how to wear long leather gloves and Maria Lucia Hohan at Coveti.

Frequently asked questions

What shoes go with a metallic gown?

A fine strappy sandal in the same metal as the gown.

What jewellery goes with a metallic dress?

One piece, usually a drop earring. Skip the necklace with a sweetheart neckline.

Can you wear a metallic gown to a black-tie event?

Yes. A floor-length metallic silk gown is one of the safest black-tie choices.

By Gemma Deeks, Fashion Editor at Coveti.