Patent leather shoes, bags and accessories

Patent leather accessories played a big role this past fall and winter, and the glossy look is destined to be a huge hit for spring and summer, too.

Shoppers are scooping up "it" colors such as green, purple, grey, pink, black and blood red -- and style selection abounds -- from ballet flats to high-heel shoes, peep-toe to booties, handbags to belts right down to apparel.

"The patent leather trend has taken its hold on fashion in a way we haven't seen in years," says Shari Shakun, VP and General Merchandise Manager at SmartBargains.com.

Love it -- but don't overdo

Just a touch of patent leather will update your wardrobe and keep you right on trend this season. Ideally, one piece per outfit, or sticking to accessories is ideal. (Unless you are going for the S&M look!)

"Patent leather is huge... do it only in the bag or shoe. Women now have a choice of bigger or smaller bags -- they are both in -- so decide how much of the trend works for you and buy your bags large or small in the trend accordingly," says Celebrity Fashion Stylist and LUKASTYLE Designer, Wayne Scot Lukas.

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First row, left to right: N.Y.L.A. Devon Flat, Enzo Angiolini Brette, Pour La Victoire Korrinne Flat
Second row, left to right: AK Anne Klein Merci Sandal, AK Impress Flat, Gabriella Rocha Myls

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From budget-wise to luxe

The great thing about patent leather is it's available in a variety of price points, so enjoying the look of the moment doesn't have to break the bank. Even fashionistas on a budget can update their existing wardrobe with a splash of patent leather. A great patent leather belt, whether wide or skinny, can instantly update a coat or jacket!

 

Observe how the addition of this pink Cynthia Rowley Patent Leather Belt (at left) completely updates and redefines the trapeze dress style, making it more sleek and figure-flattering.

Patent accents can also be found on jackets, tops, pants and dresses -- offering an unexpected but welcome twist on this popular fashion trend.

"You either love it or hate it, but either way [patent leather] is back for another season," says Rachel Fauman (ensemble-consulting.com), a personal shopper in San Francisco. She adds that patent leather has been showing up stronger then ever on both handbags and shoes. Designers are mixing it with suede this season as a nice juxtaposition of hard and soft fabrics.

 

Polish and shine in all sorts of unexpected places has my shoe bin aflutter. Rockport Shoes is showing shiny inspiration in their Friant metallic two-tone sneakers and Warmbat Australia's Gecko Grip Short Sheepskin Boots come in black with a hot strip of patent leather trim.

"High-heeled platforms in deep rich hues of black and blue and croc-embossed shades of brown are one of the most versatile way to wear patent leather shoes,"Shakun says. "Look for cap-toe Mary Janes mixed with supple suede for a refreshing new spin on an established look."

Patent leather has been a blowout for shoe stores, from women's dress sandals and peep-toe pumps to flats that can be worn with jeans or dressed up for the right occasion, says Anne Crays, vice president of merchandising and fashion forecasting for Shoebuy.com.

She notes that patent leather gives a great shiny accent to any outfit and "everyone seems to be having fun with it." Indeed, it is everywhere: Burberry's famous trench coat has suddenly appeared in patent, and Eric Javits -- the king of straw -- is showing bags in the shiny leather.

 

Beginner's patent picks

Looking for an easy to way to add some patent to your wardrobe? A single detail can indeed change the entire scope of an outfit. Marshalls style expert Amy Cafazzo weighs in:

 

• Swap your everyday handbag out for a patent clutch or purse.
• Add a thick patent belt in red to a form-fitting black pencil skirt and white blouse.
• Wearing leather pumps? Swap for patent ankle boots!
• Wear flats during the day, then switch to patent heels for evening.
• Add a fun clutch to your traditional work outfit.

 

Going vegan?

Patent leather doesn't always need to be made of real leather. There's a huge selection of patent goodies made without any animal products at all. Check out stores like Vegetarian Shoes & Bags or Alternative Outfitters for some great looking cruelty-free alternatives to true patent leather.

 

These Doc Martens is just one of the brands using "faux patent" for some of their shoes -- like these fluorescent 8-eye boots (shown at left -- can't miss 'em).

 

Shine like it does

If you are ready to add an exclamation point to your gray slacks or sexy-up your worn-in jeans, a splash of shine is the way to go. The richness of patent leather and the variety of colors available can add timeless (yet right-on-trend) class and excitement to any outfit.

 

Keep your eyes out for patent leather accessories in shoes, handbags, belts -- and even wrist accessories, like the watches and cuff bracelet below.

"Patent leather is a classic that never truly goes out of style, but happens to be super hot right now since there's a lot of shine this season," says Marshalls style expert Amy Cafazzo.

Pretty and practical, the patent look is versatile enough that it will stand the test of time!

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Above: Marc Jacobs Women's Resin Patent Strap Watch, Juicy Couture 'Jane' Patent Band Watch, Bvlgari Pink Patent Leather Cuff Bracelet

Handbags at right, from top to bottom: Cole Haan Aerin Patent Mini Satchel, Cynthia Rowley Patent Diaper Bag, Rafe Lotus Lindsay Satchel - Flower Patent, Kenneth Cole New York 'Handle It' Tote, Steve Madden Chain-Strap Patent Tote

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