A metallic blouse — in silver, gold or bronze — can be your go-to piece while attending winter weddings. Glam up a plain solid-coloured sari with it, or add sheen to an already lustrous look

Despite it being a no-no in fashion and believed to be dull, I’ve always had a passion for greys and it’s worked. When you add a shine to it, it evolves into a metallic silver. It’s a colour that goes with everything and has a relaxed, chic vibe to it, with luxe undertones. On evenings when I’m too exhausted to dress up, a monochromatic silver metallic ensemble from head to toe would be my lazy girl’s guide to inimitable style, just put it on and go. Maybe an ivory clutch or a touch of wine red in my shoes.

A pair of metallic trousers can be your style staple, paired with anything from kurtas and tunics to wraps

Clothes that are quite discreet, yet make a statement, a subtle embossing here and a hint of texture there, just visible to the naked eye. Clothes for those who are so used to having the best of everything, nobody really needs to know besides themselves. Pretty much like the pleasures of real diamonds and expensive understated lingerie, and if that sounds smug, so be it.

Metallics have taken the place of black in the autumn-winter 2014-15 wardrobe. Here’s how to work it:

A bold blingy neckpiece amidst the subtlety of antique metal works

Let the hue be the hero

I love when metallics are worked so to play matte and shine and varied textures in one look. Full-on silver grey or pewter, done perfectly for the evening. Specially when the look is a little bit more thought out.

Or then, gold or bronze metallic if beautifully constructed, sophisticated, is yet enough of a new idea, perfect for evening wear. Slip it on and the transformation is magical.

Style and practicality are not always easy bedfellows, but our need for beautiful yet truly useful outfits is overcoming that. The simple metallic trouser — matte silver or gold — seems to have hit the style and substance jackpot. Wear them under kurtas, tunics, wraps; they just lift an ensemble.

A metallic cape can see you through many occasions. Accentuate with a narrow belt if you have a waistline worth flaunting (above), or let it hang casually over your shoulders (top)

What to wear it with...

Just accessorise with a grown-up watch, something simple, understated that screams sophistication, but with the ability to still have a sense of humour while wearing it. Somewhere in the recesses of my designer heart, there is a yearning to wear my metallic dresses over the comfort of my Dior sneakers... sounds crazy but true.

Metallic silver or pewter with wood looks super. Think silver metallic shoes with wooden heels.

Wear the ensemble with metallic hoops, they are the jewel du jour.

A little irreverence works too, a bold bling neckpiece amidst the subtlety of antique metal works the look, embracing tongue-in-chic.

Kiran Uttam Ghosh’s winter collection will be available at 85 Lansdowne & Zenon (76B Chakraberia Road, North) from November 17

Pictures: Kaustav Saikia and Sandip Das