Editor’s Note: Fashionistas Julie Wilson and Abigail Bruggeman have translated more world fashion trends into ballroom creations for our USA Dancers! This season, our fashion experts are ready to Mambo in metallics, Cha-Cha in copper, and Samba in silver!
Say Goodbye to Spring and Summer
Spring/Summer 2025 shone in silver and gleamed in golden hues, donning an air of metallic mod. Christian Dior’s Spring 2025 Couture collection showcased models in poufs of shiny, champagne-colored organza, silver fringe on sheer slips, and golden ivy adorning gilded gowns. The collection was a fairytale polished with precious metals. These shimmering shades were the season’s most dazzling trends: bronze, copper, gold, oh my!
Hello Fall and Winter
As we begin our Waltz into the winter season, metallics are making a comeback. The New Year always rings in some sequins, but this season they’re sparkling sooner.
We’re already seeing metallics grace this season’s red carpets. Teyana Taylor and Rose Byrne shone in pearlescent silver at the 2025 Governors Awards. While Alex Consani and Cindy Crawford glistened in Gucci gold at the 2025 LACMA Art + Film Gala.
Starters
Ballroom Dancers are not shy of sequin styles, but if this is your first step into a sparkling soiree, then start small. Perhaps a sleek black gown with silver embellishments like Starlit Starlet. Or a hint of gold sewn on the reverse of a ruffle, like Goldissima. Or stick with a classy look reminiscent of Hollywood’s golden era with Silver Screen!
If you’re already embracing the allure of metallics in the ballroom, which metal is your go-to? Sterling silver or glitzy gold? Can’t decide? Then our ballroom fashion experts are here to help you shine! Your skin’s undertone determines which metallic shade suits you best. Cool undertones shine with silver, while warm undertones gleam with gold.
Shine with Silver…
A silver gown is for the dancer who carries herself with confidence, someone who shines effortlessly without ever needing to say a word, like Eiffel or Sterling Silver. She isn’t afraid to stand out with subtle, stunning radiance, like Shimmy & Shimmer or Steel Magnolia.
…or Gleam with Gold!
A gold gown is for the dancer who embraces her radiance – bold, luminous, and unafraid – to make a brilliant entrance onto the dance floor. This dancer carries an air of timeless luxury, exuding warmth, elegance, and effortless sophistication. She captivates a room and turns heads. We present: Prosecco, Dripping in Gold, Neptune’s Folly, and Midas Touch.
Metallic Mod
Silver or gold not your style? Take an avant-garde approach to Metallic Mod. Opt for a burnished bronze in Desert Rose or metallized maroon with one of our latest arrivals, Cherries on Ice.
About Hairpins to Hemlines:
Hairpins to Hemlines is a Fashion Trend Report produced exclusively by Encore Ballroom Couture. It explains the upcoming fashion trends in mainstream fashion, so you can stay on point and current in your dance wardrobe selections.
Hairpins to Hemlines is produced four times a year, spring, summer, fall, and winter. Each report will be emailed directly to your inbox.
About our Fashion Correspondent:
Abigail Bruggeman, a graduate of Marymount University with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Public Relations, possesses a remarkable ability to convert runway trends into breathtaking ballroom attire. She is the go-to expert for American Dancer when it comes to insights and trends in ballroom fashion.
