12 Shoes to Convince You to Shine in Black Patent All Season

By Alison Syrett Cleary (text) and Elana Zajdman (market)
Updated: Nov 18, 2016 @ 1:12 pm
Alo Ceballos/Getty

Patent leather shoes: BDSM-level kinky or something one wears with sequined suspenders on Broadway? Lately, it seems, neither cliche rings true. Brilliantly reinvented by fashion these last few years—see the shiny stilettos (worn with stirrup pants!) at Balenciaga and Vetements’ signature up-to-there boots—footwear has become the style set's secret weapon, something guaranteed to make even the most quotidian of clothing more interesting. 

You’ll reap the same benefits with the 12 high shine options below, all in a versatile black you can mix-and-match with anything. Keep scrolling to shop the look now.

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MIU MIU

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$950
from ssense.com
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This one works in two more of-the-moment shoe trends: chunky-cool heels, and a defined vamp line.

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J. CREW

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$420
from jcrew.com
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If your wardrobe leans more classic, a timeless Chelsea is boot is quiet enough to work with more conservative ensembles.

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LAURENCE DACADE

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$1,895
from net-a-porter.com
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Style these as Rihanna would: with an oversized hoodie dress and unapologetic swagger.

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4 of 13

FENDI

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$990
from net-a-porter.com
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Slightly subversive fabric keeps the ladylike silhouette from feeling too sweet.

5 of 13

RED VALENTINO

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$580
from redvalentino.com
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While these certainly work with a skimpy going out dress, you might also consider washed out black jeans and a gray sweater—very Kate Moss.

6 of 13

DIRTY LAUNDRY

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$60
from zappos.com
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Resist the urge to play up the ‘90s side of these combat boots, and counter the grunginess with something more polished, like black trousers and a silky button-down, instead.

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7 of 13

STUART WEITZMAN

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$398
from stuartweitzman.com
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Where matte black may read by-the-book corporate here, a hint of shine adds edge.

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PRADA

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$750
from net-a-porter.com
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If you’re worried the material seems in-your-face sexy, look to menswear-inspired details (think tooling and chunky soles) for contrast.

9 of 13

TABITHA SIMMONS

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$645
from net-a-porter.com
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With a boxy heel and streamlined shape, shiny loafers are far more cool girl than A Chorus Line.

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10 of 13

NEWBARK

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$465
from net-a-porter.com
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A compelling reason to stay on the flat mule bandwagon just a little longer.

11 of 13

H&M

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$149
from hm.com
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Under a cropped pair of trousers or jeans, the skinny, ankle-hugging fit feels like something Lou Doillon would wear for a night out in Paris.

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ANN TAYLOR

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$128
from anntaylor.com
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Ever-so-slightly muted, this one is understated enough for stricter office dress codes.

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