Don’t put away your New Year’s Eve outfit just yet. Although the seemingly over-the-top sequin skirt or dress may be deemed unwearable by most, the common student can easily dress down either piece in order to sport the gilded spring trend.

Sequined and metallic fabrics have continuously made appearances in Spring 2012 fashion shows, including Ralph Lauren, Rodarte, Rag and Bone and Tory Burch. In Vogue’s February “Fashion Flash,” it is said the “metallic sheen can be more than just an accent” and is popular among numerous celebrities, such as Michelle Williams and Felicity Jones.

Both the fashionista and the student with a classic style can partake in these spring fashion trends. Depending on your level of bravery, gold and silver apparel can be worn in many different ways.

If shiny fabrics seem kitschy and aren’t your thing, you may opt for a chunky gold necklace or a set of oversized metallic bangles. Chokers and tribal necklaces were shown in Prada’s new advertisement and are paired with 1940s inspired clothing and hairstyles.

For a toned-down, casual accent, they work best over a solid shirt with a higher neckline. Another subtle way to sport a shiny accent is in your footwear, be it silver flats or metallic capped heels. Gold and silver can be substituted for neutrals and go great with any color.

There are endless ways to pair metallic flats with jeans or leggings. A gilded accessory works great to amp up any lifeless outfit.

Reusing that sequin skirt you bought for New Years Eve may seem like a feat but with careful planning can easily be a functional, casual go-to outfit for spring. In the unpredictable Tuscaloosa weather, a lightweight neutral sweater would accompany any sequined skirt perfectly.

When pairing the bottoms with your perfect top, it is important to play with proportions. A loose sweater or T-shirt in combination with a short skirt and tight leggings is much more pleasing to the eye and functional for daytime wear. In transforming this look from day to night, simply swap the leggings for patterned tights and the sweater for a blazer.

It is important to keep an open mind in the spirit of fashion. Even if your goal is not to stand out in a crowd, subtle changes in your everyday style can be fun and add adventure to the monotony of weekday classes.