Nu Metal

While Fall '07 brought metal belts the size of small cars in eye-watering shades of gilt, metallic chic has gotten a whole lot more, well, chic for this spring/summer season.

Metals are becoming softer and more genteel in shades of pearl, bronze and pewter for the warmer months. Here in London, Reiss has some gorgeous, fine-heeled chunky sandals with leather straps, alternately in black suede and metallic leather and python. Meanwhile, Topshop (aka mecca for all trend-loving Londoners) is running with not-quite-white V-neck sweaters and cardigans with metallic thread running through the lambswool. They also have some round, peep-toe platforms in a shade of pearl that screams "country wedding" louder than a Hugh Grant film.

And if last summer's black Ray Ban revival has left you wondering what to protect your eyes with this spring, fret not. Ray Ban has re-issued the Wayfarer in a delightfully transparent shade of gold. In fact, the Wayfarer nicely encapsulates this new metal trend, with its gilded, "granny chic" retro style. Simply put, metallics this season are less Pretty Woman than Driving Miss Daisy.

—Alex Butt