I first fell in love on a trip to New York about two years ago – no not with a person but with a pair of metallic silver converse. After some initial panic of not being able to hunt down a pair in my size, I was prepared, as I often am, to work through the pain of wearing a size smaller just to have them. As fortune would have it, a shiny pair of size 10’s was waiting for me in a little shop in Soho.

Like any good pair of converse, they’ve matured well and to this day I relish popping them on with a pair of dark navy jeans – they give the perfect amount of ‘pop’ to any outfit.

Over the past couple of seasons womenswear runways have been shimmering with shiny colors and all sorts of metallics, a look that is set to continue into Spring Summer 2010 with new trends such as Future Warrior. As is often the case, a couple of seasons later the trend really takes hold in menswear, trickling down to the highstreet.

On a shoe, a belt or a bag, metallics remain a constant source of stylistic pleasure. Depending on your own personal style and how brash you like to be with it, there are metallic garments to suit all. From subtle detailing to accents, fabric highlights through to full on metallic overhaul, the highstreet has plenty to play around with. If the thoughts of gold and silver seem a little too adventurous then dabble with shades of bronze, copper and pewter for a softer look.

My top tip for anyone unsure how to do metallic is don’t rush out and buy a full on metallic blazer or jeans (Yes Dior have a fab pair!). Instead ease yourself in to it and use accessories, a bag, tie or belt for example with hints of metallic to introduce it to your wardrobe. Remember the most important thing is that you feel good in what you wear. Only ever take from trends the elements you like.

Are you mad for metallics? If so post a comment or email darren@helpmystyle.ie – I’d love to hear how you like to wear them and any tips you have for novices out there.