Fashion Loves Patent Leather Looks
Patent Shoes and More Are Back in a Big Way in UK High Street Styles
Patent leather is a perfect Valentine's Day staple for shoes, bags, accessories, even clothes
Everywhere in the streets of London and most noticeably in the tube and trains is the latest trend…patent! Patent leather is leather that has been given a high gloss and shiny finish, and derives from New Jersey, where a man called Seth Boyden (who knew what women were after) came up with a leather that would be durable, yet always look as desirable as new. In fact, patent was supposed to be a haute couture sort of thing, classy and uptown. But thanks to the proliferation of high streets, now UK women can sport the trend even on the high street!
Tough Chick Trend
Instead of going for leather or gothic accessories, patent lends a more womanly touch as it smacks of the naughty. The daring will go for patent jackets and large bags, in bright red or black, but be careful not to spill over into Matrix territory and look like a Keanu Reeves wannabe.
A patent red jacket will look great against no-nonsense black, and red lips are all you need to shout sexy. A large patent bag is also loud, and so these options should really be limited to younger, funkier women. Can the more mature carry off patent? The trick will be to go with smaller touches. At Burberry Prorsum, woollen and leather coats are cinched together with ultra-shiny belts, which goes to show how easily patent can glam up an outfit. Women with shorter hair can try patent earrings. Otherwise, stick to a nice-sized bag or shoes, and even in your 40s, you can still be fashion-forward.
The New Sweetheart
With Valentine’s coming round the corner, patent red is a big favourite. Stopping short of patent nurse uniforms, women who want to keep their men guessing can sport the oh-so-sexy patent peep-toe shoes. They bring one back to the schooldays – albeit naughty ones – where schoolgirls sport short skirts and Mary Janes. And if your getup screams siren but you prefer subtle, go for the new trendy floral prints and offset the traditional with your red patent leather shoes! Needless to say, the sharper the heel, the more attractive. Patent peep-toes are like garters, sexy without telling too much.
Taller girls need not shy away – just imagine Daryl Hannah decked out in patent, ready for fun, yet thoroughly a woman. As patent immediately attracts attention, you can be sure it will not escape your man's notice. Complete your look with dark coloured stockings (any weave) and you’re ready to seduce!
Great as a Neutral and Colour
Best of all, patent is neutral yet dressy. Patent shoes can go with opaque tights – dark blue, grey, black or red – glamming up the neutrals or complementing bright colours. It really depends how well you handle loud. An all-black ensemble is given a shot of energy with black shiny patent shoes; an acid-colour ensemble will look complete with coloured patent shoes. With fashion’s current love of bright and clashing colours, wearing patent will ensure you don’t run out of ideas to finish off the fun look.
Coloured patent, like bubblegum colours, will instantly brighten your day and yet be dressy enough for special occasions. A bright patent yellow purse lightens the mood and takes you out to play, and the more colour patent you buy, the better your look gets! No need to match the colours: a yellow purse, acid green shoes, a red bag... once you get in the spirit of it, you will be surprised how audacious this trend makes you.
Patent for Workwear
Lace-up shoe boots, in black, or black-and-white, are perfect for work. The skate boot that has been in since the fall season, is re-interpreted here with the short shoe boot. Just as high as the peep-toe stiletto, the lace-up shoe has the advantage of chunkier heels, for better balance. It is like the last touch to a tuxedo, reminiscent of Marlene Dietrich in her feminized tuxedo, all shine but no shout. If you dare to go all the way, slick your hair back and wear a figure-fitting (not tight) suit with wide trousers.
With patent leather, you can’t not be daring. For those a bit shy of this trend, let Valentine’s Day inspire you to grab a patent item or two, and very soon you’ll be loving the attention your item gets you. A great way to highlight your assets, whether it be your legs, narrow waist, or brilliant fashion sense.
