Leather is a personality material. It's impossible to put on a moto jacket or dark leggings (or even a nail polish) without a gradual but noticeable change in demeanor. My favorite Veda vest makes me smize more and say sorry less. Patent has a similarly strong, if less commonly utilized, effect. But where standard leather reads rough, patent is soft but powerful.
Whistles Skinny Waisted Patent Belt: Among the best-ever black dress, investment heels, and the like, every woman should own a waist-defining belt. Really.
Jil Sander Patent Leather Shoulder Bag: This bag comes with jewelry built right in—a double strap situation allows you to wear the chain hanging low like a necklace for the purse, or on your shoulder alongside the leather strap.
Gianvito Rossi Patent Leather Pumps: Here, two tones of patent and plenty of PVC keep things interesting. And that's all you can really ask for in a shoe, right?
Mackage Lucia Patent-Leather Biker Jacket: This classic, reliably-cut jacket feels special, but far from precious, thanks to a slick finish. (And it's on sale!)
Dieppa Restrepo Penny Loafer: A loafer in a warm tone with a wooden heel practically begs to be worn with knee high socks and miniskirts or long, plaid trousers. Fall, is that you? Yes, yes it is.
—Claire Knebl
Photos via i-D, Vogue Paris, Vogue Turkey, Self Service, Elle France, Flare, Elle, Isa Arfen, Vogue Spain, McQ by Alexander McQueen, Industrie, and Vogue Italia.
