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How to shine all summer long in the disco-tastic silver trend

Stylish celebrities have sparked metallic mania this season. By Katie Wright.
Stylish celebrities have sparked metallic mania this season. By Katie Wright.

Silver was a major trend on the spring/summer 2023 catwalks, with models at Michael Kors, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci sashaying down the runway in dazzling eveningwear looks.

From glittering, diamante-encrusted maxi skirts to mirror-like metallic gowns and shiny shoes, designers seem to think silver is the colour of the season.

Beyoncé performs onstage 2023
Beyoncé performs onstage 2023

Then, in May, Beyonce commenced her long-awaited Renaissance World Tour and the disco-inspired craze really went into overdrive.

Queen Bey wore a series of silver looks on the opening night – including holographic and diamante bodysuits – and has continued to introduce more shimmering looks at later concerts.

The singer was inspired by house and disco music while creating hit album Renaissance, and her fashion choices reflect the decadent outfits seen during the Studio 54 era.

Fans have been getting in on the action too, with fashion resale platform Depop reporting searches for ‘mirror’ going up by 65% and ‘silver’ spiking by 21% when the tour hit the UK.

A model walks the runway during the Dolce & Gabbana Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2023
A model walks the runway during the Dolce & Gabbana Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2023

Celebrities have also embraced the look, with actors Sarah Michelle Gellar, Halle Bailey and Jamie Lee Curtis all rocking glittering ensembles on the red carpet.

Kim Kardashian sent out a series of silver looks when she art directed the Dolce & Gabbana SS23 show, and wore a pair of gleaming gowns from the brand herself.

But you don’t have to don a floor-length gown to get the disco diva look.

From party frocks to everyday shoes, here’s how to wear the silver trend this summer…

Party dresses

Sarah Michelle Gellar attends the 34th annual GLAAD Media Award (Alamy/PA)
Sarah Michelle Gellar attends the 34th annual GLAAD Media Award (Alamy/PA)

For a sensational summer party look, you can’t go wrong with a sassy silver dress.

For maximum impact, take a leaf out of the Paris Hilton playbook (who can forget the chainmail Julien Macdonald number she wore on her 21st birthday?) with a sparkly mini dress.

Paris Hilton celebrates her 21st Birthday Party
Paris Hilton celebrates her 21st Birthday Party

To really nail the Beyonce look, add matching heels and handbag, or let your dress do the talking and team it with neutral accessories.

Shiny separates

A model walks the runway during the Michael Kors Collection Spring/Summer 2023
A model walks the runway during the Michael Kors Collection Spring/Summer 2023

For a slightly more laidback take on the trend, silver separates can be dressed up or down.

A swishy sequinned coord set is the ultimate cool-girl party outfit, while metallic shorts or trousers are the on-trend alternative to denim.

Metallic bags

Florence Pugh attends the Valentino Womenswear Fall Winter 2023-2024
Florence Pugh attends the Valentino Womenswear Fall Winter 2023-2024

In previous years, a silver bag would only be an after-dark accessory, but this season it’s a daytime staple.

A Noughties-style metallic shoulder bag is the perfect partner for baggy jeans, relaxed tailoring or preppy skirts.

Disco heels

Halsey attends the Paco Rabanne Womenswear Fall Winter 2023-2024
Halsey attends the Paco Rabanne Womenswear Fall Winter 2023-2024

No disco diva ensemble is complete without a pair of metallic high heels for dancing the night away.

This season the high street is awash with Seventies style ankle-strap heels perfect for teaming with your summer party dresses.

Flashy flats

A fashion week guest seen wearing a total Paul Smith look before the Paul Smith
A fashion week guest seen wearing a total Paul Smith look before the Paul Smith

Bring a dash of disco into your everyday wardrobe with a pair of metallic flats.

Silver trainers or ballet flats elevate even the simplest of outfits, while shiny sandals are a great day-to-night option on holiday.

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