Are Patent Leather Shoes Appropriate for the Office?

Are patent leather pumps appropriate for the office? Can they be the basis of a stylish work outfit? Reader M wonders:

I always thought patent leather pumps were an office no-no, but I’ve seen quite a few pairs posted on your site. Under what circumstances are patent leather heels okay to wear in a fairly conservative workplace? Is it all about the style of the shoe? Is color a deal breaker? I think the pairs I own are pretty innocuous (nude, black, deep red, dark-dark purple croc), but I could be horribly, horribly wrong. My work wardrobe is very safe (for lack of a better word) and I’m not the kind of girl who wears lots of accessories, so I tend to rely on shoes to wake up an outfit. I want my pretty patents to come out and play during the week! Can they, pleeeease?!

Interesting question — my theory has always been that patent leather, in the abstract, is fine. After all, black patent leather shoes are part of the military dress uniform — how could they not be conservative enough? (Pictured: First — patent leather can be more susceptible to what I’ll call “eau de hooker.” If a particular shoe has suspect color and styling, then — combined with the shine of the patent — there may be a whiff of a “working girl” about the shoes. Avoid that at all costs. Five-inch lipstick red platform stilettos aren’t going to get you very far, for example; I would also avoid any patent-leather over-the-knee boots like the ones in Pretty Woman. (But honestly: I know the over-the-knee boots are trendy right now, and I have seen some outfits with them look almost preppy, but still: Proceed. With. Caution at the office, even on the weekends, whether patent leather or not.)  That said, I think your collection of patent leather sounds perfect — including the dark wine and the dark purple. Second — maintenance is key! Scuffs are far more noticeable on patent leather, as are nicks. Keep those puppies well buffed. For example, these are some great patent shoes that I think would be fine, just fine, for the office (from L-R):

That’s my $.02 — readers, what are your thoughts? Are patent leather pumps appropriate for the agency ? Can they be the basis of a stylish work equip ? Reader M wonders : concern question — my theory has always been that patent leather, in the abstract, is ticket. After all, black patent leather shoes are contribution of the military dress undifferentiated — how could they not be conservative enough ? ( Pictured : Pretty Woman, available at Amazon. ) There are some caveats to this theory, however.If a finical shoe has defendant discolor and style, then — combined with the radiance of the patent — there may be a puff of a “ working female child ” about the shoes. Avoid that at all costs. Five-inch lipstick crimson platform stiletto aren ’ thyroxine going to get you very far, for example ; I would besides avoid any patent-leather over-the-knee boots like the ones in Pretty Woman. ( But honestly : I know the over-the-knee boots are trendy right now, and I have seen some outfits with them look about preppy, but placid : Proceed. With. caution at the office, even on the weekends, whether patent leather or not. ) That said, I think your collection of patent leather sounds perfect — including the dark wine and the dark purple.Scuffs are far more noticeable on patent leather, as are nicks. Keep those puppies well buffet. For example, these are some great patent shoes that I think would be fine, equitable fine, for the office ( from L-R ) : Kate Spade – Kylie ( Black Patent ) – Footwear ( love the sweet bow ; they come in black, camel, empurpled, and red for $ 298 at Zappos ), Butter Women ’ s Shy Peep Toe Pump ( a bit daring with the cheep toe ; they come in black, camel, and a magenta for $ 145- $ 171 at Endless ( were $ 265 ) ), and Calvin Klein Carrie ( Women ’ mho ) – Black Pearlized Patent Leather ( love the significant cad ; Shoebuy has them for $ 108 in black, an ivory “ litchi ” ; Zappos besides has ’ em in red ).

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Category : Fashion