Ever since Burberry’s blinged-out campaign struck gold last season, metallic hues and all things shiny have been high on the radar for fashion’s more daring devotees.

Not so long ago, we saw sequined tanks and shiny tops, shoes and belts hitting the shelves, but the metallic look has since matured and become more refined for this season. This time round, sparkle is less gaudy-dressup and more slick, sleek and shiny. It’s all about fluid, light-reflective pieces contrasting with a very tight, ultra-streamlined aesthetic – not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure.

Metallic mania hit the catwalks at RAFW recently, adorning everything from dresses, jackets and shoes to leggings, belts and swimwear. Collections shown by designers Marnie Skillings, Lisa Ho, Nicola Finetti, Life with Bird and Kirrily Johnston were heavily influenced by shimmer and shine, while Ksubi also impressed with their out-of-this-world styling and the juxtaposition of all things dark and light.

While it was a little tamer than the robo-babe styles spotted hitting the runways of Europe, fashion week was not entirely without a little futurism. Alice McCall sent models onto the runway sporting silver parachute pants and acidic-lime green trimmed mini-dresses, tops and heels - word is to expect more of the same at MMSFW this coming September. Who says the 80’s are over?

Rising star Shakuachi have also successfully interpreted this season’s take on all things shiny, adding plenty of sparkle to their autumn/winter range. Sequined dresses, leggings and embellished tee’s feature prominently in the label’s current range, ensuring you’ll be shining even when the sun isn’t.

Color-wise, designers have been experimenting with both sides of the shiny-shade spectrum, embracing the subtleness of soft greys and pewter or turning up the heat with full on gold-foil and liquid-look silver.

But it’s not just all things cloth that have had the magic metallic treatment: platform gladiator-esque heels, representing the new take on a summer favorite, are replacing last season’s metallic 80’s inspired point-toe heels as the new must-have footwear. Robust zippered versions, sky-high in shades of gold, are battling it out against silver paired with plastic for intergalactic fashion supremacy.

How to master this tricky trend? At night, wear it tight and wear it bright or keep it loose and fluid pared back with neutrals for daytime. Shine on.