My friend Lucy and I went on an all-too-rare shopping spree last weekend. For her birthday, her mum had given her some money to treat herself, so our boys looked after our babies and Lucy and I hit the shops. (Best birthday present ever?). Lucy bought some lovely bits, including a pinafore dress, a ditsy floral cropped shirt, and the gold top that’s in the header image above. Which got me thinking. Metallic fashion at the peak of summer? I had always associated sparkles and shine with Christmas. How wrong was I? Turns out glittering golds and shimmering silvers look pretty darn good in the sun.

Now I reckon if you’re going to pull off this look then I would say avoid going top-to-toe in metallics. Keep it sophisticated by sticking to one metallic piece and toning it down with other non-metallic clothes and accessories.

Tops and Tees

In my humble opinion there is nothing easier to wear than a T Shirt and jeans. In fact it’s what I’m wearing as I type. So I am loving the thought of being able to easily update my wardrobe and inject a bit of sparkle with a glitzy tee.

Dresses

There are so many glam frocks on the high street at the moment that I am tempted to stockpile them for upcoming weddings and – dare I say it – the festive season. I reckon all of the slip dresses below would look perfect teamed with a black blazer or biker jacket. And if you are not a fan of flashing your flesh in a strappy dress then pop a plain white T shirt on underneath, a la Cher from Clueless. 90s fashion is back in, right?

Skirts

One of the girls in my office – I’m going to call her Stylish Susan – has a pleated midi skirt a bit like the River Island one below which I am very envious of. I think all of these skirts would look fab with either a plain bodysuit or cami, or a tucked-in white tee and trainers.

Shoes

Now our shoe connoisseur Lolly got me on the case with metallic shoes and pointed me in the direction of these silver leather flats from Jigsaw. I’m pretty sure I need the Topshop Vinnie Mouse flats too….just look at the little mouse ear detailing to the toe! I can totally picture Alexa Chung in them.

Bags

A gold or silver bag is an easy way to add some subtle shimmer to your wardrobe. I have waxed lyrical before on these pages about rucksacks, and the gold and silver shoppers below have also caught my eye. And if you’re a new mama or mama-to-be (or dada for that matter) then you might want to check out the ultra practical but uber stylish Tiba and Marl changing backpack, as favoured by Tom from McFly.

Knitwear and Long-sleeves

It’s nearly the weekend so you know what that means, yep the good old British weather is probably going to take a turn for the worst. Cosy up in a long sleeved top or knitted jumper like this one from French Connection which is currently in the sale for a mere £19.

I struggled to find any stylish metallic legwear, the exception being these super skinny jeans from Boden. And I will leave you with the description for the shimmery V-neck jumper on the Boden website:

“Please, no more sparkles”, said no one ever.

My point exactly.