Metallics Sparkle as New Color Trend in Fall 2010

When Shakespeare said "All that glisters is not gold," he was right. Silver, bronze, copper and other metallic colors glitter just as brightly, especially this fall. These go-with-anything colors (hey, what doesn't match gold?) make almost any outfit more lively.

No longer limited to cocktail parties or disco dancing, metallic colors are now acceptable, if not welcome, at the office- perhaps to brighten up the mood in these gloomy times. Metallic accessories are most appropriate for day wear, whereas larger metallic pieces shine at night. Even Ellen Degeneres glammed up her look for New York's Fashion Week this fall, strutting down the runway in a shiny silver pants suit.

Whether you're looking to update your look or add some sparkle to your style, here are some of the best ways to ride the metallic fashion wave this fall.

Fall 2010 Metallic Fashions: Dresses

If the recent MTV awards are any clue, metallic dresses are a hot trend this fall. Lo Bosworth from "The Hills" glowed in a one-shoulder gold mini-dress while singer Selena Gomez shone in a strapless silver dress made even more glittery with a blue sequins trim. Don't have your own personal fashion designer? No worries. Metallic dresses come in all price ranges, and you can find one for less than $25.

Fall 2010 Metallic Fashions: Shoes

Metallic shoes are not exactly a new fashion trend, but they fit into the new fall 2010 metallics trend as comfortably as Cinderella into her glass slippers. Metallic golds, silvers and bronze work with all sizes and shapes of shoes, from sensible ballet flats to high-heeled boots. You don't even have to rob Fort Knox to get in on the metallic shoes trend. This fall, discount shoe stores are featuring stylish flats with ghillie laces for only $35.

Fall 2010 Metallic Fashions: Clutches and Purses

Metallic purses are a great way to jazz up a more conservative look. Whether you tote a petite clutch or hang a slouchy hobo from your shoulder, a metallic bag shows you have a fun side, even if you crunch numbers in your cube all day. A trendy, gold pleated convertible hobo allows you to go short or long with a versatile add-on long shoulder strap.

Fall 2010 Metallic Fashions: Nail polish

Metallic nail colors have graduated from gaudy gold and silver into more subtle hues. Clever nail polish designers have incorporated metallic colors into their fall palettes to create a more sophisticated, sparkly look. Hot nail polish colors for fall 2010 include a smokey brown polish with gold, copper and rich mahogany highlights.

Fall 2010 Metallic Fashions: Eye makeup

Eye makeup is another great way to jump on the metallic fashion trend, especially if you're on a tight budget. For the mere cost of an eyeshadow, you can update your look and sparkle with the best of them. One great way to use metallic eye shadow is to match a glittery bronze or gold eye shadow to your face bronzer. Cosmeticians this year are taking metallic eyeshadow to the next level, with a palette that includes such shimmery colors as metallic khaki, gold, bronze and metallic cabernet, any of which can be layered with matte colors for a spectacular contrast.

Metallic fashion trend: Channel your inner diva

Whatever aspect of metallic fashion appeals to you, why not take advantage of this fall's chance to sparkle? You don't have to be a fashion fiend to add a dash of fun to your Marian the Librarian look with a hint of silver eyeshadow, bronze ballet shoes or gold cami - and savor the look of surprise in other people's eyes.

Sources:

Christa Joanna Lee, "The Metallic Eyeshadow Debate: Do You Stick with the Silver or Go for the Gold?" Glamour Beauty.

Joy Rojas, "There Are No Boundaries for the Smoky Eyes - Or Red Lipstick," Inquirer Lifestyle.

Blair Fowler, "Lela Rose Runway Showcases Budget-Friendly Shoes," Marie Claire.

Nicole Leigh, "Fall 2010 Handbag Trend: Metallic Bags," Handbago.com.

Dylana Suarez, "Fall 2010 Color Trend: Metallics," The Fashion Spot.