PATENT LEATHER

Shine bright with the glossy material

Mention patent leather and one immediately thinks of ’80s disco nights, Michelle Pfeiffer’s iconic portrayal of Catwoman, or even scenes from the game-changing film, The Matrix. There’s something about the material’s polished sheen that lends it an element of drama—which means it lets you turn heads with relative ease.Wearing patent from head-to-toe gives the ensemble a slick finish, but with the many iterations available these days, the sensual hide works just as well when juxtaposed with other textures and patterns.The trick? Don’t hold back.Add dignified checks or punkish tartans to the mix, then seal the deal with glittery studs or high-octane embellishments. mb

Choose deep purple for a point of difference

Bag, Versace Show off the shoulders by sliding down a sleeve

Earrings, Lizzie Fortunato at Pedder on Scotts Sunglasses, Dior

Up the finesse with an attentiongrabbing logo t-shirt

Coat, $9,890, Brunello Cuccinelli

Patent leather layers well with patterns, too

Jacket, Giuseppe Zanotti

Sweater, COS Belt, Hermès

Pants, about $1,755, Petar Petrov at Net-a-Porter

Pump, Tom Ford