Hed: Get your shine on

I don’t know about you, my fellow students and classmates, but being a senior and having to trudge through four Seattle winters, I have never wanted spring to come sooner.

The constant off-and-on of rain, the persistent shadow of clouds and the slight windows of sunshine cracking through the overcast skies are just enough to throw me into a state of dormant insanity.

For fashion, the transitional state between winter and spring in Seattle isn’t the most visually appealing. Cartooned rain boots branded by Crayola clash with trench-coat wearers who scurry under umbrellas and are simply trying to maintain their sense of style. Unflattering rain jackets litter Red Square, and the abundant use of North Face jackets gives the campus a monotonous and clone-like aesthetic.

What’s a fashionista to do but to wait it out, wishing that glimmer of sunlight would last longer than a few cozy moments or that these warmer afternoons over 60 degrees would sequel into tomorrow. The thing to do is be prepared. To those of us who are fashion-conscious, our worst nightmare is stepping outside not wearing the appropriate clothing for the climate, however bleak or beautiful it may be.

Luckily this spring, you can make the brightest and boldest of statements in your new wardrobe, as metallic apparel is back with full force. Whether it is lamè, metal or sequins, illuminative attire packs the one-two punch of being creative and fun ­— without being too farfetched.

Although they can seem approachable and fun, metallics can be tricky. One must be meticulous when picking out a shimmery top or dress. It shouldn’t be too form-fitting. Try to apply this season’s styles to the appropriate look you’re trying to achieve — high-waisted pants, low-cut shirts, etc. A metallic bodysuit would be even more awesome.

Try wearing a slouchy, low-cut, long metallic tank along with that belt sitting in your closet, then add leggings and some strappy sandals. This will not only make your legs look long, but you’ll look super retro-chic.

If you’re concerned about standing out too much on campus, there are still tasteful ways to have a slightly shinier closet.

Try simple accessories first, such as a shimmery silk scarf, headband or some leggings underneath a long skirt.

Metallics can also be applied easily to footwear. As the weather becomes more applicable to open-toed shoes, metallic strappy sandals — in gold, silver or shiny pewter — offer an easy, yet bright solution to a simple or bland outfit. Just remember: Metallics can go with just about anything.

Reach columnist Ben Schock at opinion@dailyuw.com.