Fashion's silver lining

There's a futuristic alternative to a golden glow this season. Just don't think of it as a runner-up in the fashion stakes, says Gemma Hayward

With all its opulent charm, this season gold can be found gilding everything from stiletto heels to intricate brocades, upping the va-va-voom factor at every glittering turn. But lovers of precious metal beware: silver is taking its turn to shine.

Used in an entirely different way to its metallic counterpart, silver is being given a leading role in this season's minimal story and is no less desirable. Fluid lines and modern silhouettes are the guidelines to stick to here. Of course, the shiny hue is synonymous with the Sixties and sci-fi, but the look this season is modern rather than retro. So unless you're planning on making an impressive Hallowe'en appearance, stay away from anything that too closely resembles Barbarella.

Instead, take note of Nicolas Ghesquière's Balenciaga, where silver trousers are worn oversized, cinched tightly at the waist to exaggerate the womanly, voluminous shape. They wouldn't look out of place worn aboard a space shuttle, but pairing a simple sweatshirt with these trousers brings the outfit right up to date.

Acne's approach to trousers came with a tighter silhouette: designer Jonny Johansson sent skinny leather shimmering down the catwalk, while Simone Rocha's structured metallic pieces were delivered as boxy biker jackets and miniskirts.

The same high-shine approach has been given to accessories – Rocha's silvered brogues and blanket-stitched clutch bags were some of the accessories of the season, after all. Chunky silver-chain jewellery, simple lace-up shoes and industrial-looking watches will all serve well to polish the look. This season, there's nothing second best about silver.