Metallics are back, as designers offered interesting versions of the scintillating trend for their Fall 2012 collections.

Barbara Bui went for slightly Asian-inspired ’70s glamour with tuxedo jackets, jersey and lamé maxi dresses, and loose leopard-print trousers. Elie Saab featured red carpet-ready frocks decked in gold and silver sequins, some made sexier with thigh-high slits.

Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig of Marchesa and Michael Kors took a similar route. Marchesa paired the trend with embroidery and tulle, while Kors featured cocktail hour pieces. He showed a drop-waist gold number with sheer insets and a floor-sweeping iridescent dress, but tamed an eye-catching gold lace skirt with an ivory fisherman sweater.

Proving the perennial trend’s versatility was Prabal Gurung, who came up with polished basics: billowy knee-grazing skirts, trousers and cinched dresses.

Take metallic pieces from nighttime glam to daytime chic, with these easy style tips.

Since a metallic dress already  packs a visual punch on its own, there’s no need to go overboard with accessories, or to wear any at all.

Gold dress with sheer hem, Myth

2. Pair a metallic dress with neutrals

Easily incorporate metallic pieces into your wardrobe by balancing them out with nude pieces, like wearing a lamé dress with simple nude sandals.

Lamé pleated dress with appliqués, Myth; Nude sandals, Zara

3. Wear one metallic piece at a time

Keep your look polished by choosing one metallic piece and accentuating it accordingly. Top off slightly metallic culottes with a sheer pastel button-down shirt to keep the overall look toned down.

Sheer button-down shirt, Zara;

Culottes, Emporio Armani