When to Wear Patent Leather--Day or Night??

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You can wear patent leather for day or evening, if you follow a couple of simple guidelines. Black patent leather pumps, for example, can add a whimsical and feminine touch to menswear-inspired clothing during the day--and it's also a beautiful complement to a sophisticated cocktail dress.

For evening, the old adage of less being more applies. An all-patent leather pump will be too heavy for more delicate evening wear, so a strappy sandal is a better bet.

Unless you're like me and love that "Sex and the City" look of the black patent stiletto (I just wore this shoe on a killer first date with a guy I really wanted to impress...but I digress), you'll probably get more mileage out of a shoe that combines patent leather with suede or another type of material. And don't be afraid of color! Pink patent leather can be fun.