Style Me Chic: Patent Leather Shoes

Reader Xuan is looking for guidance on when to wear patent leather shoes and what to pair them with. She has always believed that the shiny leather was only appropriate for dressy occasions, far too fancy for work, and was curious what my thoughts were on the subject. I put together a few outfits that can easily be worn during a day at the office or shopping around town. Typically I only pull out my patent during the fall and winter, but some of the flats I've seen recently could easily be transitioned into the other seasons, specifically nude shades.

D G ruffle front blouse, £255  J Crew tweed pencil skirt, $148  Christian louboutin heels, £375

Vince Camuto blouse, $99  Theyskens' theory cuffed pants, $425  Yves Saint Laurent nude heels, $795

Banana republic dress, $98  Christian Louboutin black heels, $595

GUESS by Marciano white shirt, $108  J Crew wool pants, $168  Sam edelman flat, $125