NEW YORK (CNM) -- If you plan to ring in the year 2000 at a party, fashion's arbiters have one word of advice: shiny. Department stores report brisk sales of silver lamé dresses, metallic jackets and sequined everything.

A silver lamé gown from the 'Countdown' collection

"This is the one night in history when you can dress like a robot and nobody will say a word," said designer Viviane Okonkwo, whose "Countdown" collection features dresses with built-in digital clocks.

Men are also embracing the trend, though more cautiously. Silver ties and metallic vests are popular. One retailer reported selling out of a tuxedo jacket made of material resembling aluminum foil.