Gold Dresses

The golden dress standard has been set, and we'll let this ornate hue speak for itself. There were more than a few Spring '12 variations to choose from. Marchesa presented rich metallic fringe, Emilio Pucci sent out luxe beaded minis, and Gucci offered up '20s-inspired gold-infused pieces to start. And it wasn't just the runways that were dripping in gold — Jennifer Lawrence stunned in Prabal Gurung's fierce gold gown, Michelle Williams was the picture of sweet sophistication in a cap-sleeved Miu Miu frock, and Stacy Keibler radiated in Marchesa's liquid gold creation. It's an effortlessly glam option and we love that its many shades and finishes allow for a versatile day-to-night transition. Don't believe us? Click through now to see what runways featured it, which celebs are wearing it, and shop the dresses our editors are coveting most.

Last night's Met Gala was a feast for the sartorial eyes. The dominant colors of the evening — red, nude, and gold — were at opposite ends of the color spectrum, but they carried an equally big impact. Some stars chose sexy red gowns, some mixed nude tones with a bit of sparkle, and others went for pure gold. Jessica Alba and Kate Hudson shined in their gilded dresses, while Victoria's Secret model Lily Aldridge and Kristen Bell were a vision in liquid gold. Click our slideshow to see the best of the golden girls.

Fall 2009 was a season rich with metallic options but if you're not keen on investing in Chris Benz's metallic blue blazer or Preen's watermelon pink trousers not to worry. Classic little gold cocktail dresses were in many of the collections, and touch on the trend without being necessarily trendy. To that end, here are ten great examples from the Fall 2009 season. Our favorite? The yellow-gold number at Calvin Klein.