Trends come and go, but there are certain rhythms and colour trends that repeat every single year – one unofficial rule is that metallics and silvers are reserved for the festive season, but don’t get much airtime beyond New Year’s Day. In 2023 that idea is getting turned on its head, as silver was a theme that dominated the spring collections, including the likes of Gucci, Versace and Chanel. This is arguably the most notable colour trend for the season, and feels really fresh after seasons of rainbow brights and saturated shades.
Read more: Autumn/Winter 2023 Colour Trends
There were plenty of extravagant party dresses on the horizon for 2023, with silver taking its usual disco-ball form with bold sequins and lames. Gucci’s knotted sleeved midi dress with white boots was a particularly knock-out look. However there are also plenty of less obvious ways to wear metallics, too, such as foil trousers or mini skirts, which will look really cool when paired with simple T-shirts or knits in white, black or navy, and boots or even trainers.
The silver obsession is also having a significant impact on the accessories world, too. Many of the iconic styles that we know and love look like they have been dipped in aluminium, such as Le Monde Beryl’s Mary Janes and Gucci’s classic Jackie bag. This is also filtering down to even the smallest touches on an outfit, as after years of gold hoop earrings and chain necklaces dominating, silver is starting to regain popularity when it comes to every day jewellery.
“We buy into silver every season – it is so modern and versatile for both day and evening.” says Liane Wiggins, Head of Womenswear at Matchesfashion. “For SS23, we loved 16 Arlington’s high shine silver and grey python print sequin pieces, and we predict Valentino’s embroidered silver coat with feather trim will be a standout piece for the season. We have seen silver come through in footwear, too, from Simone Rocha’s ballet flats to Prada’s loafers and heels from Amina Muaddi, Mach & Mach and Nodelato.”
Keep scrolling to shop our edit of stand-out silver pieces, across all areas of your wardrobe.
Silver separates
This is perhaps the easiest way to add a touch of silver to your outfits in 2023: one high-shine item, toned down with other basics or more muted pieces. Raey’s silver foil mini skirt would look amazing with a navy jumper and black opaque tights, and Toteme’s metallic cable-knit proves that silver can be surprisingly versatile.
Silver dresses
You’d be forgiven for thinking that a silver foil dress should be reserved for New Year’s Eve and suitable for little else, but so many designers have reimagined silver dresses as something you don’t need to save for end-of-year festivities. This Altuzarra pleated dress is surely going to make an appearance during at least one promotional tour this year – or will make a fabulous wedding guest outfit.
Silver shoes
Nothing says “disco” quite like mirrored heels, and a pair of foil platforms will go with a surprising number of outfits. Either go all-out fabulous with Loewe’s silver bow heels, or opt for a simple style you can wear every day, like Le Monde Beryl’s flat Mary Janes.
Silver jewellery
When it comes to jewellery, gold has dominated for several years now, but we are starting to see a return to silver – either with more dramatic costume jewellery or your every day hoops. For Lucy Williams’s latest collection with Missoma she gave her every day gold staples a silver upgrade, with fine chains and hoop earrings.
Silver bags
Again, this is another item that seems like the pinnacle of magpie dressing, however many designers have reinterpreted their key styles in metallic versions, such as Gucci’s Jackie and JW Anderson’s bumper bag.
