The Luxe Look of Lurex

© ASOS / NW3 by Hobbs Madely

Tis the season for sparkle, and Lurex is our new favorite way to work it. Let us turn you on to the textile terminology; Lurex is the metallic thread responsible for making stretchy sweaters shimmer and nubby tweeds subtly shine. Sometimes the luminous threads are abundant, lighting up a glamorous piece with multifaceted reflections, while other pieces utilize a few strategic threads to set-off a texture or pattern.

Sparkly stuff was seen on the runways at Etro, where Lurex threads infiltrated jackets, striped sweaters, and checked skirts; then there were Ralph Lauren’s demure Lurex-infused pencil skirts and high-shine suit separates. Even Missoni’s trademark Technicolor knits got a shot of the sparkly stuff, metallic threads weaving in and out of zig-zagged dresses and short skirts, jackets, scarves, and leggings. Lurex made repeat appearances at Marc by Marc Jacobs, Comme de Garçons, and Max Mara.

So step up your seasonal garb with some shimmering threads – here’s six ways to work it Miami-style.

© MFb

Metallic pieces are go-to for cocktail hour – swap out your LBD for something sparkly. The ASOS Midi Dress in Metallic Knit ticks off three Fall-trends (slits, midi-length, and metallic) in one awesome dress. Bronze metallic stripes set off a background of aquamarine, while the pared-down shape insures you can easily layer a cool cropped jacket on top if it gets chilly. We’d love to see this with a sleek pair of opaque tights and impossibly strappy metallic heels for contrast.

Another cool cocktail option is this Miu Miu Knit Dress with Lurex Details. It has the appearance of an oversized sweatshirt, but is glammed-up with a bevy of shiny fibers woven throughout the knit-like stars in a violet sky. Go bare-legged if you dare – add chunky wedges or solid suede ankle boots to keep the proportions right – or easily wear it on top of leggings and flats to dress it down.

A Bronze Tee by Gucci is a fab alternative to a cocktail dress when paired with slim black pants, pumps, and a leather moto jacket. The all-over metallic tee would also go nicely tucked into a voluminous, midi-length party skirt, especially in a femme floral or polka-dot print. On the shorter side, there’s the ASOS Metallic Striped Knitted Skater Skirt; team this figure-flattering, fit-and-flare skirt with a silky black blouse, Mary-janes, and gold and silver bangle bracelets. Experiment with making it feel more casual, maybe by pairing it with a distressed denim jacket or chambray skirt and sneakers.

Finally, two twinkling toppers; a tweedy, metallic jacket adds instant polish to even the simplest jeans + white tee combo. This Virginie Castaway Jacket in Lurex Tweed has structure, shine, and versatility. Wear it to dress up denim or a simple black shift, or treat it like blazer and pair it with a sleek jewel-toned blouse and a curvaceous pencil skirt. Also, know that sparkle doesn’t have to feel too fancy; case in point, a stripey mohair cardigan delicately dotted with Lurex threads by Markus Lupfer. We love the bright orange and navy, a classically preppy color-combo updated by the metallic-factor. Throw it on to add personality to basic jeans, or button it up over a collared shirt and add a pleated skirt, loafers and knee socks for school-girl appeal.

Image at top is the NW3 by Hobbs Madeley Knit Metallic Dress.

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