The Fashion Folks

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Trend Alert: Patent Leather 2017

The Fashion Folks

Trend Alert Series 2017: Ruffles | Green(ery) | Silver Metallic | Blue/White Striped Shirt | Statement Sleeves |

Long time readers of The Fashion Folks knows that I love different materials and how to style them. It’s a fun contrast to mix different textures and creates a subtle yet effective statement. So next out in the series #TrendAlert is patent leather 2017!

Trend Alert Patent Leather 2017 Giambattista Valli | The Fashion Folks

Courtsey of Giambattista Valli (Pre-Fall 2017)

Patent Leather 2017

When I first wrote about patent leather months ago I honestly thought it’d be a bigger trend by now than what it is. It’ll hardly grow bigger now as summer is soon arriving and patent leather + hot temperatures is not a favorable combination. Perhaps it’ll hit big in the fall? However, patent leather is partly trending and I’m happy about what we got. Patent leather has undoubtedly been big for shoes, a lot of OTK but also regular and Chelsea boots. Also, a lot of pants, mini skirts and accessories! The pants have mainly been regular cigar pants or even some culottes whilst the skirts have mostly been done in short version and with “edgy” details as zippers and studs. I feel like patent leather has so much more potential though and would be fun to see as a coat, a pleated midi skirt or why not a structured t-shirt? Patent leather 2017 feels like a great alternative to the well-worn leather pants as they’re similar in their appearance. Patent leather with its more shiny feature feels like one step further though, as it reflects the light even better.

What To Think About

As with any match of material the one thing to keep in mind is: contrast. Contrast the materials you’re working with a counterpart. As patent leather is quite the heavy material, and has some edge, lighter and softer textures will do. Why not patent and lace, or match with crochet? A knitted sweater to a patent skirt sounds terrific. Or denim and patent leather is interesting as denim is mattifying and patent leather is luminous (yup, I just went makeup terms). To all of you who love and are familiar with leather pieces (as skirts and pants that have been trending) keep the same styling hacks in mind but apply them to patent leather. There’s a reason why leather is in the name of patent leather: they’re that similar.

If you’re unsure on how to incorporate patent leather in your everyday style, the key figure is to keep it toned down. As stated above, the material can be quite the shiny one, so keeping it toned down can make it wearable for more situations. For instance, if you’re working the patent leather pants, add a long coat or cardigan to cover a bit of the shine. Or go full on knit oversize to make the contrast more about the mattifying feeling of the knit rather than the statement material you’re working. Contrasting pieces, that are typical for the situation you aim to work patent leather in (like, for the office), are a great way of keeping it on the right side of the style. For instance, add a more preppy blouse or a blazer to keep it office-styled. Or go for a preppy top as in ruffles to keep it sweet. It’s all about knowing what you want to communicate and adjust the styling thereafter.

An Outfit That Works

I know I’ve showed this outfit before, but it’s too genius not to bring up again. I think it’s a perfect example of how one can dress simple but yet remain fashionable and a matter of statement. The outfit is really just a sweater and skirt which sounds kind of ordinary. But the statement here lies within the material of the skirt, patent leather, and the fun details of the sweater. It’s a great contrast of materials that highlights the best of one another, as talked about above. To  be noted is also the denim of the bag, which adds another fun layer of material. This outfit works perfectly for spring too as there’s a balance of short skirt/warm sweater. I think the shoes works well too as they add a detail of leisure as well as connecting the colors. 

Folks! If and how are you working the patent leather 2017? A yay, nay? Drop a line or two in the comment section! Xx

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48 thoughts on “Trend Alert: Patent Leather 2017”

  2. I love the patent leather look but it won’t be something I’ll be buying into, as I know how difficult it can be to clean if it gets dirty! It’s a lovely look on others though and youv’e shown some great examples of how to wear it.

    Hope you are having a lovely start to the week 🙂

    Away From The Blue Blog

    1. Yes, the styling is so specific when it comes to this one! Xx

  5. I would personally have to wear patent leather when the temperature drops because spring and summer here are much too hot to wear it haha. I still love the trend though because of the many things you can get in this fabric. I just wish I could wear it more. We have more hot months than cold!

    http://www.thebeautybeau.com

    1. Hahah hope you’ll be able to wear it when it gets cold again! Xx

    1. Haha well, what comes around goes around! Hope you at least feel a bit more inspired! Xx

    1. It is indeed, lovely material to creat chic contrasts with! Xx

  12. I have to say that I had the same impression of you when I’ve seen this trend for the first time: it’s pretty cool and fun, but…for summer??!! Well, seems so, but we’ll see…
    Anyway I hope they’ll bring it out even for next autumn and so on, since I think it’s with colder teperatures that it works at its best! Great tips and suggestions, sweetie! 🙂
    XO
    S
    https://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it

    1. I hope it’ll grow bigger for fall, such an interesting material to experiment with! Xx

  13. Ooh, this is one gorgeous trend (though maybe one to avoid on a boiling-hot day, in fear of sliding out of said patent-leather outfit, haha!). Your style picks are really gorgeous, especially the last look – as you say, it really is the perfect example of how a look can be both simple, and fashionable!

    aglassofice.com
    x

    1. Hahah yes, that’s why I wrote that it’ll hopefully expand in fall! Xx

  15. I really like incorporating leather or patent leather into an outfit! It pairs so well with knit or lighter fabrics and is such a great way to add more texture to your outfit!

  19. I also thought that it was going to gain more momentum than it has, but I do feel that come fall, we’ll be seeing more of it. I’ve noticed that more street style babes were wearing it the most for PFW, so maybe that’s an indication? I love the tips you’ve given on styling it, especially pairing it with pieces that will help bring a mattifying effect. As we’re transitioning into spring, though, I love your suggestions on wearing it with lace or crochet, even more so the latter, SO pretty! Thanks so much for sharing such a great trend report and ideas on how to wear it. I hope you’re having a wonderful start to your week so far, gorgeous girlie!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

    1. Oh yes, I hope it’ll go big in fall. Hahah I have so many different ideas on how to style it! And yes, I think it would work lovely with crochet, such a fun anc unexpected combo?! Xx

    1. That’s lovely, can’t wait to see some outfits with it! Xx

  23. I like this trend and like you, I hope it will get bigger. I love the idea of mixing textures and wearing leather with very feminine pieces to achieve the contrast.

    Thanks for the inspo!

    Ivona from http://www.thesmokedetector.net
    xoxo

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