not-too-precious metals

summer sandals metallic

It took me a long time to warm up to metallic footwear (and other accessories) thanks to early childhood indoctrination from my mother who railed against them as “looking cheap.” Later, I came to associate them with a certain outdated, frumpy style. But metallics are back and seem to be here to stay, and I’m finding that metallic sandals and shoes can be an incredibly versatile footwear option, can freshen and lighten up an outfit, and fill the same role as a nude shoe, but with more oomph. I like the balance of shine and subtlety in the softer, brushed metallics as shown above, but a streamlined mirrored metallic style can be perfect with more minimalist outfits.

Roll call:

  1. This Dune London embellished sandal would be the perfect thing to wear to an outdoor wedding or festive summer occasion (especially if you’ll be walking or standing on grass…no worrying about those heels sinking in!). But I can also picture these with jeans or chinos and a simple white tee to channel some Casual Glamour. Mixing your casual and dressy pieces looks very modern, and allows you to get more wear from both.
  2. If your travel plans include some warm-weather destinations, I’d recommend giving this lightweight Ecco sandal a try. I’ve traveled with a similar style (though in black) a few times now and found them comfortable for all-day-on-foot sightseeing. The metallic color can go from day to evening seamlessly. I’ve found that when it comes to walking sandals, if you’re between sizes it’s best to go with the smaller for a better and snugger fit.
  3. I can’t rave enough about these Paul Green open toe booties, and you’ll be seeing them in an outfit post soon. I first became aware of these thanks to Angie at You Look Fab, and they live up to the rave reviews. They are not inexpensive, but look smashing and as with most Paul Green shoes, are comfortable right out of the box. They’re great with jeans, but I can also see them working with rolled chinos, a dress, pencil skirt or cropped trousers.
  4. A modern take on a classic espadrille, these from Clark’s have just enough wedge to give a lift, but not enough to make them difficult for walking. Pair these with a full skirt for a Grace Kelly vibe. They’re currently marked down and as of this writing, still available in a full range of sizes.

Are you a fan of metallic footwear? Any favorite styles?

MORE METALLIC SANDALS…

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17 Comments

  1. As I’m half Asian , the 1st metallic shoes I was allowed were to go with my 1st sari at 17 ! They were gold leather with the then trendy heel sloping the ‘wrong’ way . Since then I’ve always had something gold for saris and other metallic embroidered outfits . My latest are flat enclosed toe T-straps which look really good with plain velvet , I discovered . For some reason I’ve never found silver ones I liked as much . I’ve also had shoes with that subdued metallic finish on a colour which looks almost pearly ? The trouble with these was the cleaning which (however recommended & expensive !) tended to remove the finish .

  2. I love the look of metallic and appreciate the pop they can give to an otherwise casual outfit. And I like their neutrality. A metallic shoe can be worn with almost any color. I have a few pairs in silver and a burnished bronze. I tend to wear the silver with the few cool colors I have (and jeans) and the bronze with warm colors (and jeans).

  3. Munro Pisces in Platinum will be my main sandal for a trip to Hilton Head this week. Took me awhile to decide on metallic for the same reasons you state. However, this is a super comfortable shoe and adds a freshness to each of my outfits. The coloring of the shoe looks sleek. The gold and tan upper blends well with the natural cork foot bed. Eliminates that black and cork sandwich look.

  4. When I was younger, I never wore metallic shoes. In fact, I never even thought of wearing them. The nuns who taught me left such a traumatic visual about the evils of patent leather shoes (boys could look at the shoes and therefore look up your dress at the same time), that metallics would damn near kill me. Then I grew up. I have a pair of beautiful metallic pointy-toed, toe-cleavage bearing, kitten heels by Ivanka Trump (I can’t stand her father but her shoes are pretty darn good. I should put a photo of her dad on the shoe’s soles so that I can walk all over him…..) I also have a pair of metallic Tory Burch Reva flats that I’m fond of. Next on my metallic footwear are the Rondini Bikini sandals I’ll be purchasing next month when we are in St. Tropez. I’ve been coveting them for a while now and the time is right……

  5. I am wearing those Ecco sandals now! I had my toes painted a
    In a coral shade and feel very summery with our warmer weather and the sunshine. I like the look of those open toed boots too and I agree that metallics can add a pop of fun to an outfit.

  6. I have a bronze Taos sandal and a mixed metals Ecco – love both for work and travel – so comfortable to me (and the straps are adjustable – nice after walking all day!) Also have some platinum Ecco ballet flats. I love a metal neutral in the summer when I feel black is too heavy for many outfits….

  7. I’ve found that since I wandered into my mid-fifties, I’m liking metallics more and more. I’ve been afraid to buy them for fear of looking like my grandmother. Those Paul Green shoes don’t look like anything my grandmother ever wore. I may have to buy them!

  8. I bought your Taos Freedom sneaker in silver after I saw yours in Pewter. It was a bold step for me, but I haven’t looked back. I love mine, and find they hold a strong place in my shoe wardrobe. I was amazed at how they can make the simplest outfit pop!

  9. I just got those lovely Paul Green’s myself. Wore them to work today – they are stunning! The metallic is sort of a brushed metallic – very subtle. Can’t wait to see them on you 🙂

    1. I wore the Dune London Harrah nude metallic block heels to my daughter’s wedding cocktail party and I got loads of compliments! I then purchased them in black suede and wore those to the theatre and again people stopped and asked where I found them. They are stylish, comfortable, and forgiving of foot problems. They also look great with dresses or slacks, dressy or casual. I hope the trend is around for awhile–in the meantime I’m wearing mine every chance I get! I ordered from Zappos but see only the gold metallic is available at this time, not the nude or black suede.

  10. I saw the Paul Green “Henly” flat in your feed and purchased it in “Truffle” which is an excellent metallic neutral that works with gold or silver jewelry. Absolutely love them. So comfortable and instant update/upgrade for so much in my wardrobe. Thanks (again) Susan!

  11. I recently purchased the Paul Green open-toe bootie in brown (not metallic) – they are fabulous shoes. Also have a pair of the Munro (golden taupe) from last year. Extraordinarily comfortable, but a bit heavy for breezy summer dresses. After reading your post, I will need to be a bit more courageous and wear them with jeans.

  12. Susan, I love the metallic shoes you have shown us. Now I’m wondering what you think of metallic handbags. There’s a gold Tumi tote that’s caught my eye. The gold tone looks quite subtle.

  13. As an aside, I keep walking over to the shoe department and checking out those Paul Green metallic peep-toes. One part of me says “buy–you have the employee discount”. The other part of me says “Don’t buy. You’ll be in France during the soldes”. I’m a torn woman!