Patent leather used to be considered a warm-weather material, but in recent years it's evolved to fit any season. More important is the style and color. For example, pink patent leather in the dead of winter probably isn't going to look quite right (unless you're in a wedding or attending a formal), but a black patent pump is considered seasonless.

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.