1 Piece, 3 Ways: Metallic Pants For Work & Weekend

It's not hard to see why metallic pants are tricky to style: The fancy fabric makes them feel occasion-worthy and the work-friendly silhouette isn't the easiest to dress down. But, the answer to that conundrum isn't "wear them once in a blue moon" — it's "wear them whenever, wherever you want."

That's right: We're on a mission to prove that this super-chic staple is for everyone, not just those with black-belt-worthy sartorial prowess. Click through for three inspiring outfits that take a gleaming pair of trousers and make them look spot-on for a work day, girls' night out, and a cocktail party. Mission: accomplished.

When you're climbing the corporate ladder, you need outfits that help you look and feel polished and put together. Start with the statement pants, but tone them down with a classic black turtleneck for an Audrey Hepburn vibe. A chic ankle-strap heel, modern jewelry, and a bright satchel finish the look off with pretty-meets-peppy flair.

Clockwise from top left: Topshop Metallic Snake Print Cigarette Trousers, $84, available at Topshop; Zero+MariaCornejo Gaban Reversible Tweed Kimono-style Coat, $1,095, available at Net-A-Porter; Uniqlo Women Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater, $59.90, available at Uniqlo; Maria Francesca Pepe Spike Ring Set, $175, available at Otte; DvF Pretty Wedge, $298, available at Piperlime; Kate Spade Carroll Park Penelope Satchel, $448, available at Kate Spade.

Friday night is finally here — so it's time to plan the perfect look for making the rounds at your favorite night spots. Give a cool, street-wear edge to otherwise dressy pants by adding a loose tee, cropped biker jacket, and the coolest high-tops you can find. Polish it off with a bright lip, menswear watch, and a playful clutch, and you're ready to roll.

Clockwise from top left: Topshop Metallic Snake Print Cigarette Trousers, $84, available at Topshop; H&M Top in Slub Jersey, $9.95, available at H&M; Benetton Biker Style Jacket, $169, available at Benetton; Boots No. 7 Sheer Temptation Lipstick in Tempt, $9.99, available at Beauty.com; MM6 Maison Martin Margiela High-top Sneaker, $395, available at Zappos; Pixie Market My Little Pony Clutch, $38, available at Pixie Market; Nasty Gal Good Times Watch, $30, available at Nasty Gal.

For a festive get-together (like the dozens of holiday parties on your calendar), opt for the one-two punch of color and shine. Pair your gleaming trousers with a structured, scuba-inspired top and pile on the bright and sparkly touches — think fluoro-bright heels and crystal-laden baubles.

Clockwise from top left: Topshop Metallic Snake Print Cigarette Trousers, $84, available at Topshop; Reiss Emily Fitted Top, $210, available at Reiss; MaxMara Gileti Gilet, $1,809, available at Matches; BaubleBar Amethyst Feather Bib, $44, available at BaubleBar; J.Crew Etta Suede Pumps, $238, available at J.Crew; Accessorize Leopard Print Clutch, $88, available at Accessorize.