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

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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 Miu Miu available at ssense.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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 J. Crew available at jcrew.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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 Laurence Dacade available at net-a-porter.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Style these as Rihanna would: with an oversized hoodie dress and unapologetic swagger.

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FENDI

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$990 Fendi available at net-a-porter.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Slightly subversive fabric keeps the ladylike silhouette from feeling too sweet.

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RED VALENTINO

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$580 Red Valentino available at redvalentino.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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.

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DIRTY LAUNDRY

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$60 Dirty Laundry available at zappos.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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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STUART WEITZMAN

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$398 Stuart Weitzman available at stuartweitzman.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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 Prada available at net-a-porter.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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

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TABITHA SIMMONS

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$645 Tabitha Simmons available at net-a-porter.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

With a boxy heel and streamlined shape, shiny loafers are far more cool girl than A Chorus Line.

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NEWBARK

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$465 NewbarK available at net-a-porter.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

A compelling reason to stay on the flat mule bandwagon just a little longer.

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H&M

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$149 H&M available at hm.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

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 Ann Taylor available at anntaylor.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Ever-so-slightly muted, this one is understated enough for stricter office dress codes.

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

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MIU MIU

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J. CREW

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LAURENCE DACADE

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FENDI

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RED VALENTINO

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DIRTY LAUNDRY

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STUART WEITZMAN

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PRADA

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TABITHA SIMMONS

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NEWBARK

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H&M

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ANN TAYLOR

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

1 of 12

MIU MIU

1 of 12

2 of 12

J. CREW

2 of 12

3 of 12

LAURENCE DACADE

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FENDI

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RED VALENTINO

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DIRTY LAUNDRY

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STUART WEITZMAN

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PRADA

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TABITHA SIMMONS

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NEWBARK

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H&M

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ANN TAYLOR

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