The rules for wearing gold in midlife without looking garish
We are all used to seeing plenty of gold during awards season. As Cate Blanchett, Angelina Jolie and Ariana Grande all ably demonstrated at last month’s Golden Globes, gold is uniquely flattering on everyone.
Which is why it shouldn’t be confined to the red carpet. And now, thanks to Kay Burley, perhaps it won’t be. When Burley, 64, announced her shock retirement from her £600,000-a-year job as a Sky News presenter, she did so not in a businesslike black suit, but in a shimmering gold one that looked more appropriate for Studio 54 than for a news studio.
Appearing as happy as anyone looking forward to retirement armed with a healthy pension would have cause to be, the veteran presenter cheerfully told viewers, “After over a million minutes of live TV news, it’s time for me to indulge in some of my other passions, including my love of travel.” And her love of metallic gold.
Credit: Sky News
Burley’s metallic gold trouser suit, by Ralph Lauren, is such a favourite that she first posted a photo of herself wearing it on social media app Threads last December. On Wednesday morning, she reaffirmed her devotion by posting a video on Instagram. “I’ve put my posh suit on,” she smiles – and it certainly is. Described on the Ralph Lauren website as a “modern rendition of a women’s smoking jacket”, the “Quinton” costs £2,865. For the matching “Dean” trousers, you’ll have to shell out another £1,645.
Happily, you need not spend upwards of £4,000 to buy into the majesty of metallic gold. Nor do you need to be a newsreader or an Oscar nominee. We’ve long evolved past the age when metallics should only be worn on “special occasions”. Anything can be a “special occasion” – or made to feel like one – when you harness the uplifting powers of gold.
The Spanish designer Celia B is a firm advocate of wearing gold for the day. “It’s the perfect statement-maker, instantly elevating any look. There’s no right or wrong occasion to wear gold, but to make it look more effortless, tone it down by pairing it with sneakers or sportswear.”
Granted, gold is a scarier proposition than beige, but worn judiciously, it doesn’t have to be. Gold comes in myriad hues, from high-shine lame to burnished, the latter really being not that different from caramel. Those who’ve enjoyed the current brown trend shouldn’t think of the darker shades of gold as being such a leap. Case in point: Yumi’s relaxed balloon-sleeved shirt (£50), a burnished iteration of gold with a subtle texture.
Yumi Metallic relaxed shirt, £50, John Lewis
Another friendly way to wear gold is by choosing a fabric that shimmers rather than shines. Boho-esque British brand Faune has utilised metallics ever since launching five years ago. “We always include a hint of gold within our collections,” says co-founder Nicola Niblett. “My preference is to pair it with a soft colour palette so that the metallics don’t seem too garish. Teamed with black, it offers a real contrast, but against a soft vintage pink, for example, the colours compliment each other so well that the gold remains subtle.”
For spring 2025, Faune’s “Shiva” dress exemplifies this effect. Until the weather arrives to wear it, gold-flecked knitwear can provide a similar effect. I have a Cos knit in gold lurex that must be at least ten years old, and remember hesitating over its purchase – would I really find use for gold lurex as a fortysomething working mum? Yet it’s proved surprisingly useful, adding a sprightly touch to any outfit, as well as bathing my skin in a radiant glow.
That’s arguably the best thing about shimmering gold – its unfailing ability to brighten any complexion. Lurex will do this in a subtle way, but for maximum “buttercup under the chin” effect, try lame, or even sequins. Unlike silver’s cool, icy tones, gold adds warmth and lustre – two qualities we could all do with embracing in February. “Paler, faded golden tones look pretty on fair skin, especially blondes and red heads,” counsels the stylist Shelly Vella. “Yellow gold can be trickier on fair skin and looks better when toned down with a more neutral, earthy palette.”
Those nervous of gold could first try wearing it on their bottom half, teaming gold trousers or a knife-pleat skirt with a simple black or beige top. “Or start with accessories to ease yourself into the trend,” suggests Vella. “For bags and shoes, look for vintage-feel old gold tones, as these will work with most colours in your wardrobe.” Whether you consider gold to be a neutral, an accent or a colour suitable for presenting the news, the trick is to have fun with it. As Burley would agree, life’s too short to think any other way.
