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Patent Pending: Patent Leather Shoe & Bag Combos to Love

Woman holding red patent leather shoes

So there’s this “rule” that wearing patent leather shoes with a patent leather purse is a big no-no. For as long as I can remember, the world’s beat it into our heads that we’re supposed to choose patent leather either for our shoes OR our handbag, but NEVER both at the same time — case closed.

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Not so fast. Yup, we’re going to go there — once and for all. Can we wear patent leather shoes with patent leather pocketbooks?

(Count to 10, take a deep breath, then read on.)

Yes.

Patent Leather Shoes and Patent Leather Purse Combinations

The Argument

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Now, before you think I’ve flipped my fashion lid saying it’s a-OK to do something so, well, shiny, let’s take a look at what’s been happening in the fashion world these days. I mean, there are grape-colored shoes and eyeshadow to match, mega-bright skirts worn with combat boots, feathers twirling from our earlobes and nail polish that smells like a bowl of cherries.

Point is, here we are walking around town whiffing our fingernails while wearing head-to-toe banana brights like we’re gearing up for some Fruit of the Loom photo shoot. And yet we can’t fathom the whole patent-leather-shoes-and-bag-combo thing? Seriously?

C’mon, people.

Gals, read our “rules are meant to be broken” post, then hit the stores to get your shine on.

Here are some ideas for how to wear the patent duo.

Go Casual-Chic

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It used to be that patent — especially the shoe — was for dressing up. It was THE churchgoing, special-event must-have. Not anymore. Yeah, patent still works for those occasions, but it’s no longer for those moments only.

Add some oomph to your casual jeans-and-blazer outfit with black patent peeptoe flats and a patent clutch.

Lighten Up

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Although black patent leather works great with the denim-and-blazer look, let’s agree to end all things Darth-Vader-dark there. This season’s all about color, and the patent shoe/bag combo shouldn’t be any different. Think yellow patent wedges and a yellow clutch to bring out one of the colors in your maxidress. Stunning.

Mix it Up

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Who says your patent duo has to be in matching colors? Mix it up by wearing shoes in one shade and your handbag in another, drawing on existing colors and patterns from your main outfit. I love how this makes everything pop while still looking pulled-together.

Take it Easy

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If this whole patent-leather-shoe-and-patent-leather-pocketbook-combo bit still has you on the fence (I say this with an eyeroll), ease into the look by introducing subtle shades and conservative styles.

Colorwise, you can’t go wrong with nudes and soft tones. And think smaller — wear a shoe that has patent leather only at the toe and choose a patent clutch or wristlet over a large hobo bag. Have patience with patents, leery ladies. If it hasn’t already, it’ll grow on you.

What are your thoughts on wearing patent leather shoes and a patent leather pocketbook together?

Marian the Librarian

Thursday 9th of August 2012

My style is what I call "Young Republican," so patent fits right in!

designer handbag imitation

Thursday 2nd of August 2012

Run for my life:-)

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