Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Can you really (not) mix silver and gold?

There are a couple of dumb pieces of style "wisdom", that each and every self-appointed fashion expert will always try to stuff in our faces, whenever opportunity knocks. You know what I mean... no white after Labor Day, no hot pants with knee-high or higher boots, never mix this and that color, and so on. While I whole-heartedly agree that print mismatch is a bad idea and that sweatpants are strictly for trips to the gym and the laundromat (I don't care if they're Juicy Couture, OK?), I believe most of these other "rules" should be challenged as often as possible. After all, it's very often the unpredictable clashes that make for great fashion statements!

That said, however, for every style clash out of nowhere that comes out as a brilliant fashion innovation, there are about 10 or more that just read as terrible examples of wardrobe mishap. One of the classic mismatch hit-or-miss combos is indeed the mixing of different metallics... in particular silver and gold.

I have yet to see a full silver-gold ensemble that actually works - the Marc Jacobs AW07 look to the left is an extremely lame example; Doutzen Krous for German Vogue (April 2009) to the right comes off as a little better. However, I believe the way to successfully mix gold and silver is steering clear of shiny Barbarella clothing and instead adding metallic accents, in the form of shoes, accessories or even makeup, to an otherwise neutral outfit. Usually, I would add a disclaimer here, emphasizing that this is not necessarily true for looks intended for stage, editorial photography or runway, but honestly.... the gold-silver combo might be one of the few cases where catwalkers, primadonnas and 9-5 office slaves can all benefit greatly from the less-is-more philosophy!

Some inspiration: a smokey silver eye paired with golden hoops on Kate Moss for Vogue Nippon (July 2009); Anna Jagodzinska and Sigrid Agren for the Bottega Veneta AW09 campaign; silver-gold jewelry combos by Jason Wu and Thea Grant, respectively; metallic-mix accessories by Marc Jacobs, MaxMara and YSL (MJ pewter handbag, MaxMara ankle wrap gladiator, YSL slingbacks, MJ satchel, YSL pewter handbag, YSL belt.)


























In general, I think you get the best results working different metallics into the same item (as in the case of the Jason Wu necklace or the MJ/YSL bags - even though I am not particularly crazy about the latter) or, alternatively, wearing them very close together to create the illusion of one single piece (as in the Bottega Veneta ad). On the contrary, mindlessly pairing gold and silver all over the place looks sloppy and thoughtless - see Raquel Zimmermann's gold jewelry and silver handbag pendant as a reference (image from W's November '09 "Art and Commerce" editorial). Just lose that pendant or at least get it in gold! I know, matchy-matchy sucks, but it's sometimes to prefer over total mismatch - at least in the case of metallics!

And for yet another horrifying example, scroll up again to the very first picture in this post. Someone got dressed in the dark the other day and forgot she was already wearing a silver necklace and a dress with a built-in fake silver chain belt, when she grabbed a purse with a gold chain-strap on the way out to walk the doggie.... yes, that would be me. Evidently, even fashion bloggers screw up now and then. At least that little mishap inspired me to write this post....!

What's your opinion on mixing metalllics? Are you a total Barbarella or do you at best prefer to wear some mixed bling on your wrist or so, leaving it at that? Let's hear it!

76 comments:

  1. I prefer to mix metallics when it's within an item, such as a bag or a shoe. When it comes to jewelry, it just really depends how shiny it is. If the gold and silver is more vintagey, I don't really think it's as noticable or awful. I don't generally have this problem, because I'm not a huge fan of gold, but I do remember getting annoyed at a friend of mine, who tends to wear silver rings, but all other jewelry is gold...

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  2. OK: the punster in me wants to say that the Marc Jacobs ensemble is actually a lamé example. (Did my accent agiu show up?)

    My wedding ring is a mix of white and yellow gold and I like it very much . . .

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  3. Miss C: for sure! I did mean lame as in unimpressive, though! And I am not a fan of silver lamé paired with golden clutches! :)

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  4. Style is about breaking the rules. That's what makes it fun and crazy and sexy. :) I love mixing silver and gold. I think it looks pretty freaking cool!

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  5. I really love mixing silver & gold but better is Gold & grey !
    Intersting post !

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  6. Being my oh-so-boring self, my penchant for just a single color... I don't definitely mix pieces. In fact, I prefer silver. I find gold too loud for me.

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  7. I will admit that I have mixed silver and gold in jewelry - but only when it was something that people wouldn't really notice. I really think that it depends on the items being mixed - bangles could work, but when it comes to rings I tend to wear all gold or all silver on any given day, never a mix. It's not that I feel like I have to follow rules, I just prefer how it looks when metals match, I suppose. :)

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  8. I think it all depends. This morning, I had on a real gold necklace and put on a silver thick banded watch. Realizing what I just did, I took it off immediately. That, in my opinion looks awful. However, some metallic mixes work just fine.

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  9. Great post, Honey! :-))))
    I love silver with gold. So vintage feeling...

    X♥X♥

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  10. I will confess that I have long listened to what I thought was the hard and fast rule not to mix. As a rule, I am a silver wearer, and as a result have never ventured to the realm of gold....AT ALL..for fear of the ever frowned upon mix. You've made me feel more adventurous, and perhaps soon i'll take the "mixing" plunge...(in a very tasteful way, of course)

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  11. i think mixing gold and silver is great. i also do it and i think it looks interesting. cool written

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  12. It can be done...just make it look like you did it on purpose! I find if my accessories are chunky and bold, it works better than fine jewellery. I'm a mixer.

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  13. I completely agree with you! There's absolutely nothing wrong with mixing metals. We have to challenge the old way of thinking or we'll all be bored to death!

    www.bagpoor.com

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  14. I admit these rules are quite stupid- we have learnt them during our lives from our mothers who have learnt them from their mothers and so on... :) however, I never mix silver and gold- I am a silver (or white gold) type of girl :)) the funny thing is that I like these kind of things (I mean mixing things) on other people but not myself... weirdo! :))
    have a lovely day, xoxo

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  15. very cool take on it-I wear silver and gold jewelry together often, but I don't have a ton of metallics in my wardrobe outside of accessories xo

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  16. I mix metallics a lot......but I just can't get myself to mix brown and black

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  17. i think if it works for you then go for it!

    Missy
    For all things fashion:
    http://thefashionfusion.blogspot.com

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  18. You and I couldn´t have a more similar point of view! I agree with all that you state. Did you have a chance to see my mixing gold and silver post! http://www.balamoda.net/2009/11/mixing-silver-and-gold-mezclar-plata.html
    I love the way you express your point of view since it is very respectful.

    xoxo
    B* a la Moda

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  19. I mix it too, but sometimes I do think it looks strange, as if it's not right... but then again, I still do it! whatever... :P

    loves

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  20. I've done it, but usually in the form of accessories. Like with several layers of different colored metallic chains.

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  21. I like to mix my bling a bit. I never have a problem with mixing silvers and golds. I make sure that if I am mixing the 2, that neither are big statement pieces.

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  22. I think you're right, for the most part gold and silver paired together just looks... strange. But I have seen it pulled off, and as you point out, there a few ways to ensure the look is not overdone. Part of it is mixing different shades of gold and silver - like color, different hues go better with one another.

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  23. Oh gawd! I'm sure I'm a culprit of mixing my metals constantly. Maybe I don't do it with pieces of jewelry, but I'm sure I rarely think of my purse hardware. I do like it when metals are intentionally mismatched, but not scattered all over. I'm going to have to think about what I'm wearing with my purse tomorrow ;)

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  24. I'm okay with mixing as long as it looks good! I used to be very against it. Gold is with gold, silver is with silver. However, sometimes being all one color is a bit too much!

    xo

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  25. I definitely think you can. You just gotta look in the mirror and make your own judgement. I hate sticking to hard and fast rules.

    Great post!

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  26. I think you can. I used to be a little OCD about mixing metallics, I would avoid it at all costs. But now I do all the time, especially if I'm laying a whole bunch of necklaces.

    xo Niki
    http://ahautemess.blogspot.com

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  27. So nice post ! I think we can mix !
    http://mimietnini.canalblog.com/

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  28. I only mix it within jewelry. I don't stress over it. I may have a gold belt buckle, but wear silver jewelry.

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  29. I face this dilemma as well - I say yes! The other day I had a big gold necklace on and then looked in the mirror and noticed that my belt buckle was silver - it looked totally weird. But I still think you can make it work - especially the silver eye combo with the gold hoops!

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  30. i'd mix gold and silver. it makes a diff statement :D

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  31. Gorgeous post and inspirations... I don't mind mixing metals!

    xoxox,
    CC

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  32. im not a big wearer of metallics but i did have this amazing vintage bag that was made from scraps of gold, silver and bronze leather. it was beautiful. I think they are quite common. Also I am a big believer in mixing prints! well not all but I think its okay to mix stripes with polka dots or polka dots or stripes with floral. great post though! and its good to see that even the stylish (you) make mistakes sometimes x

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  33. oh i love to mix it. i wear mostly many bracelats in silver and gold

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  34. you're right, complicated ...maybe if they are parts that are mixed as part of the design, things change !!!!! Many, many many thanks for your comment

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  35. I love the mix of silver and gold if its done right!

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  36. I mix 'em sometimes when I have no choice. :)
    You have to be really good when you mix things up. It could be a cool twist! :)

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  37. mixing and match gold and silver can be very stylish. my sister got an anya hindmarch clutch which is gold and silver and it is very stylish. it really depends on the outfit and the whole look. so go ahead with mix and match but take it case by case.

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  38. This is such an interesting topic, and the comments from everyone are *wonderful*! We swore up and down that never-ever-ever would we mix the two, and then a few years back found ourself in a situation where it was "mix or go without," and we elected to mix. (Gasp!)

    It works in certain circumstances, and depends not only on the items, but also the demeanor and mien of the person wearing/carrying them, how they carry themselves can impact whether or not they pull it off.

    Sending you a smile Miss Couture,
    tp

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  39. I stack my bangles...they're all vintage and gold and silver...I like the lil twist. But other than that, I keep it streamlined!

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  40. Fashionwise, I like to play it safe when it comes to mixing metallics.

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  41. I mix them everyday. Only in jewelry though. I prefer them to be a bit dull, and not as shiny. Almost kind of vintage. I don't want like a bright gold and a platinum mixing. In that case it doesn't really float my boat!

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  42. i don't like to mix. its a bit like wearing brown and black for me. i should get over my phobia of mixing!

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  43. I don't usually mix them, but I've done it and I like it :) but it has to be kind of old gold color and the silver not too light, I mean there are different tones of metals, I like the ones that look vintage.
    Great post!
    xxx
    Giovanna
    ❉ ✿ ✿ ❉
    www.bohomarket.blogspot.com

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  44. That is what it is said -but I don't really think so!

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  45. Hi, sorry for the late response, this is crazy! lol ;)

    @ MAISONCHAPLIN.BLOGSPOT.COM

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  46. Lovely post!!

    Thanks for the visit, and yes, I know what you mean :) xoxo Laura

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  47. yep people innovate yourself and clash out once in awhile!
    VIVA LA REVOLUCION!!!!

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  48. lovely post!
    thankyou for the comment on my blog :)
    XOXO, BECCA
    http://fashion-train.blogspot.com

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  49. I believe we're very much past that moment! Mix whatever you like.

    xx

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  50. Of course you can mix silver and gold! Just take a look at these Rolex watches...

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  51. M!

    I mix it all the time and I love it!!

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  52. I mix them all the time. I believe you can do anything if it makes you feel good!

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  53. the only person who can pull off print clashing is Ms Deyn

    http://fashionindie.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/agyness_deyn_style.jpg

    x

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  54. YES, GREAT POST! i have always wondered about that and to be honest i have no idea. i guess sometimes it really depends on the outfit, because some people can really pull it off, other times they just look silly. but yeah its annoying to winder if the silver embellishment on my bag will go with my gold jewelry. its like black and navy, or black and brown. and i for one absolutely love a black and navy combo. so yeah i'm gonna go ahead and say gold and silver can go together!

    www.amoreeggrorr.blogspot.com

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  55. I don't have anything about mixing metallics but I can't wear them:))

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  56. mixing gold and silver is fine, in my opinion. but there's something to be said for all gold and all (oxidized/dirty) silver...
    xx
    neutraltuesday.blogspot.com

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  57. Dear M,

    After reading your blog for a while, I am charmed that you started to follow mine, although silently ;), thank you.

    I would say liking the mix effect on small bangles. As for sweatpants strictly for exercise, agreed. Although we call them tracksuit bottoms here!

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  58. love the bag! nah, i think silver and gold jewelery are fine together~

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  59. actually, I use not to do it, but it can be very interresting!
    you gave me an idea.....

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  60. i DO believe that sometiomes it's the best combination ever... but sometimes it just doesn't fit. just like brown and black! or red and pink...

    PL ♥

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  61. haha i usually don't mix metallics but i saw the olsen twins do it and ROCK IT
    so i might have a change of heart :)

    myglitteringcreation.blogspot.com

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  62. I mix metallics a lot......but I just can't get myself to mix brown and black.


    Work from home India

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  63. hm, i'm not sure. i'm more of a gold fan so i wear a lot of gold compared to silver

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  64. hmm I thnk you just have to pull it off really well haha
    olivias-pizzazz.blogspot.com
    xx

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  65. I like clashy and mis-fits. It much funner to be origanal and stand out!

    I would really appreciate if you visit my site http://flashingfashionx.blogspot.com/ and consider becoming a follower.

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  66. iv been mixing silver and gold for years however i have heard that it is bad luck x

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  67. I tend to not like to mix, but i say hell with it...mix it up!

    Great blog by the way!

    Hope you can check out mine:
    www.thesocietyofstyle.com

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  68. I agree. I never mix silver and gold...but never wear hot pants with knee-high boots? What about leggings with knee-high boots?

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  69. I'm all for a bit of mix and match...tastefully of course.
    -Tawney

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  70. i'm not a fan of gold, but i o mix gol and silver sometimes

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  71. I used to be more accurate about not mixing white and yellow gold but now I'm doing it and I like it! Even better with adding crystals, diamonds or other transparent gems!

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  72. I will always wear what I want when I want including everything you mentioned. Those "rules" were made waaayyy back in the olden days lets get with the times
    http://pinacoladakisses.blogspot.com/

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  73. CC - I absolutely am in love with the WASP-y chic thing right now, too! Did you see the preppy page in lonnymag.com? such cute things!

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  74. Absolutely fine!Great design with best colors looking amazing.
    Indian Wedding Shoes

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  75. I'm personally a big fan of thecouturecookie blog. Thanks for sharing this post.
    clipping path

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