The 2012 holidays are upon us. And so are invitations to gatherings big and small, private and public, personal and work-related. What does a girl wear? Is it time to pull out that LBD again and are you going to wear it to everything? We hope not! There are so many delightful options at your disposal. For example? Metallic looks were a serious trend not only for Fall 2012 but Spring 2013, too. That means invest in pieces now and you'll have plenty of time to don them for the rest of the year. Or, if full-on investment pieces are going to cramp your gift-giving efforts, consider taking some fast fashion and DIY inspiration from our most coveted heavy metal pieces. Then alight on your parties (fashionably late, of course) in head-turning style.
Heavy Metal Holidays: Metallic Looks For All Your Festivities
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Chain Gang
Metal was ensconced in another fall trend: medieval urban warrior. Pick up a chain mail inspired sheath dress or top in an unexpected color, like green, and you're one step closer to surviving the holiday party melee with panache.
Image: IMAXtree
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Silver Surfer
We love the fun California 60s vibe this short-sleeved sheath has. Shining silver juxtaposed with sheer metal is the perfect mix of old school and new. Color blocking mod goes metallic. Let this be a reminder that mixing textures in your looks is an absolute do.
Image: IMAXtree
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Alloy
There once was a time when women disdained mixing gold and sliver together. But thus, no more! Feel free to pair the two standard metal colors together either in one piece or in multiple pieces. Try a chic sweater dress paired with a metallic jacket or top that includes both silver and gold. Then, keep your legs warm with over-the-knee boots.
Image: IMAXtree
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A Metal by any Other Name
This rose gold lame dress is beyond stunning and shows us that the gold standard doesn't have to be strictly yellow. The most subtle hint of pink adds a feminine softness that will simply glow under the soft lighting of a private cocktail party.
Image: IMAXtree
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She's Got Legs
And you thought party dressing was all about little dresses? No way. You can look chic and sophisticated in a pair of well-tailored dress pants. Up the ante and try a metallic pair like Prabal Gurung showed on his fall 2012 runway.
Image: IMAXtree
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Mercury Rising
Mercury is a dull gray color and the only metal that takes liquid form in room temperature. It was the first thing we thought of when we saw this belt. Perfect for defining your waist on a simple sheath dress or adding a touch of modern metal to a boho maxi, if you take nothing else from this show, let it be to keep on the lookout for a waist-cinching belt like this.
Image: IMAXtree
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Foiled
Sexy-sheer, check. Chic drop waist, check. Blouson (perfect for when you've had too many canapés), check. Silver and gold foil-like details that remind us of wrapping and tinsel, check. It's official, this dress screams holiday fete perfection.
Image: IMAXtree
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The Long and Short of it
A long sleeved mini dress is divine for the get-togethers that require a cool-girl look. Take, for example, a gallery opening. If you're handy with a needle and thread, this can be a DIY look in a heartbeat. Grab a simple black body con mini dress and sew on silver sequins in a geometric pattern. Done.
Image: IMAXtree
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Blouson Effect
We have to give a shout out to the mini blouson. Black tights and boots or simple black suede heels, and you've got the perfect understated, yet sexy, New Year's Eve look.
Image: IMAXtree
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Midas Touch
Everything King Midas touched turned to gold. Even his sweaters, we presume. Need something to wear that's a bit more on the casual side? We've seen gold sweaters at several price points in stores. Wear it for day or night.
Image: IMAXtree
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Vested
One cannot underestimate the power of layering during cold weather, which is why we immediately fell in love with this layered vest look. Just like the model, feel free to wear a simple black turtleneck or white button-up underneath this vest for day, then ditch the layers for nighttime festivities.
Image: IMAXtree
