It is streaking across the fashion horizon. And it is not slowing down anytime soon. Silver is flashing an extravagant light show reflecting the growing popularity of shining metallic hues in fashion, jewelry and accessories. It is called gunmetal, platinum, pewter, ice. But whatever the tone, from shoes to swimsuits, silver is gleaming.

Designers mix silver with white, icy pastels, and even black. But it may be most dramatic when it stands alone in satin evening gowns. Calvin Klein, Isaac Mizrahi, Donna Karan, Anna Sui, Badgley Mischka, Linda Allard and other designers all use shades of silver in their latest collections.

Silver is also making an impressive statement in the sales of jewelry this year. Platinum, a new status symbol, is the "in" metal this year. And according to the Platinum Guild International, platinum jewelry production has risen more than 400 percent during the last three years. Sales of sterling silver are also on the upswing, according to industry experts.

In this new age of gleaming glamour, all that glitters is not gold. Silver is the shining star. Here is a list of what is white hot and glowing:

• Stretch it out. If you want to really shine this season, you might want to slip into a slinky little silver shirt that will brighten up anything you are wearing. A stretchy silver top in silk jersey or shined-up charmeuse is the perfect item to update a white linen jacket or a pair of narrow black trousers.

• Long and lovely. If you are not going casual, silver can still light up your fashion life with elegant ease. From beaded columns shimmering in transparent silver organza to pewtery penne velvet sheaths to billowing poufs of shining satin, designers have added new sparkle to evening dresses with the icy metallic hue.

For a simple dressed-up look that is as sophisticated as it is easy to put together, wrap silvery chiffon skirt over a stretchy pewter satin top and voila! Instant glamour!

• In the swim. A new silver metallic swimsuit may be the one piece you cannot do without – on and off the beach. The gunmetal colors are shooting into stores everywhere from one piece maillots to dazzling retro styles slithering in silvery snakeskins.

A silver tank becomes the prefect layering piece under a gauzy cotton big shirt or linen jacket.

• A shoe-in. Your toes will sparkle this year in shoes that reflect the latest metallic trend. While high-heeled silver sandals may not be what you had in mind, there are lots of very career-minded pumps and loafers with not-so-serious silver buckles just waiting for you to wear them out to the office and anywhere else you might want to glow.

• The newest link. What is putting the polish on clean and simple sportswear this year? With all those flat-front pants and low-slung jeans, silver chain link belts are wrapping them up in style.

The most popular belts are chains outfitted with ID bracelet drops, horsebit looks and bold square or oval links.

• Bracing for action. Bracelet watches are fast becoming the shining starts when it comes to keeping time in style. Watch for sterling silver bracelet styles to come on strong in mesh and basket weave looks.

• Ring it up. Silver is ringing in for fashion’s trendsetters with bold cocktail rings that stand on their own as fashion sculpture. Smaller, miniature rings are also sacking up in silver and platinum.

Worn alone or collected on necklace chains, the understated rings are adding up to big style.

• Get an earful. One of the easiest ways to add a little silvery moonlight to your life is with a pair of earrings. But go easy on the big, dangling stuff. This year’s hottest earrings are on the small side, glimmering with cabochon and faceted stones surrounded by silver or pewter metal.

• Mucho croco. The trendiest accessories glisten in pewter and silver croco, embossed patent and colored python. Handbags, belts and even hats get the textured glamour treatment.

• Hanging in there. Silver-toned necklaces are collaring the market this season. While Y-necks are still popular, the silver pendants and chokers are bringing back the ‘70s loaded with charms, crystals and beads.

• Tie it on. Want to add a little sip to white T-shirt you wear all the time? Buy a silvery chiffon scarf or animal-print and wrap it around your neck for quick style.

A little slice of silver may be all you need to make your wardrobe shine.

Jason Ladock

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