Yet another Polyvore example!
Metalics have been popular the last few years. You can find gold bags, bangles, belts and more. But incorporating metalics stylishly and not garishly can take some thought.
I suggest pairing metallics with solid dresses and sweaters. You want to match your metallics, and make them match your outfit: look at the shoes.
I would not pair bold patterns with metallic accents. Nor would I wear gold with a color too close to yellow. Pair bright metallics with dark solids.
The red sweater adds texture to the outfit, without minimizing the elegance of the gold. The belt cinches in at the middle to maintain the feminine form. The flowing sleeves also add a graceful, feminine shape.
The heels elongate the legs (good for short legs, like mine :P). The metallic accents are edgy as well as elegant. The overly feminine shape of the clothing prevents the edginess of the accents from making the look "hard."
Duplicate this look from your closet:
Remember the flowing sleeves popular almost 10 years ago? Dig 'em out! Pair under a sleeveless dress or tunic--something short, to elongate the legs (if your short). And then follow with either 2 skinny belts or 1 corset belt, to get the same effect. Toss on your metallic accents, and you're good to go.
A Note on Gold:
Gold-- the most perilous of metals, the easiest to create an accidentally gaudy look. If you don't trust yourself to be able to pull off gold, don't try to.
Silver-- easier to work with, especially if your color scheme leans towards the cooler end.
Copper-- presents a rustic or unique look. If you look good in bright colors, using a deeper, ruddy metal can create the inverse of this look.
Bronze--which has a darker cast than gold can be used as milder substitute.
Our ranking of metals is generally based their price and that influences their perception of value/desirability. But creating a classy look means setting these ideas aside to play with color and shape. Trust that when you put cloth and metal together in the right proportions, you will exude a classiness that does not depend on how much you spent on your jewelry.