20 Ways to Style Patent Leather Boots to Work
Ever since I graduated college and got a full-time corporate job, I started challenging myself to look a little less homeless.
It started small: a little lip gloss here, a (slightly) nicer blouse there. And then it kind of became a constant thing - I stopped wearing leggings in public, donated all my ill-fitting pieces, and realized that (despite my begrudgingly unbelief) mules can actually be super cute if styled right.
And then it kind of became fun, and I started challenging myself to get more creative and a little out of my comfort zone.
And then I bought these bad boys. They're very black, sleek. gorgeous, and (let's be honest) a little intimidating.
Actually verrry intimidating, especially when I thought about wearing them to Casual Fridays at work.
But after some serious Pinterest stalking and a whole lot of bathroom mirror try-ons, I finally learned how to incorporate them into my own style. (Which you guys have been absolutely loving!) So I decided to share my Pinterest collection of ways to style and wear these gorgeous boots for anyone else who may need an extra boost of inspiration!
Because hellloooo, there's 20 days of Winter left. Why waste it? :-)
Of course, all of the looks lean more towards the casual side, so if you work in an office with a dress code, use these as inspiration and then modify them to fit your own style and occasion!
If you want a pair of faux patent leather boots of your own, I linked my Forever 21 boots and a few other within different price ranges at the bottom of the post!
Here are 20 Ways to Style Patent Leather Boots for Work
1. WITH A FUN WHITE DRESS
PHOTO: COLLAGE VINTAGE
Make your boots pop by contrasting it with light colors, such as this cute white dress and checkered blazer. A perfect way to wear your boots on a Casual Friday in the office and grab happy hour with a friend after!
2. WITH A PATTERNED BLAZER
Nothing screams, "I'm ready for business" more than a nice blazer. Make it extra cute by grabbing a plaid, checkered, or printed one. If you keep the blazer in neutral tones, then you can get super fun with the pattern and still be professional enough to rock it to work!
3. WITH A BRIGHT COLORED SCARF
PHOTO: CAMILLE OVER THE RAINBOW
Scarves serve as the perfect fall and winter accessory because you can stay warm and look cute at the same time. Pair your patent leathers booties with a bright colored scarf to give your outfit a pop! Not sure how to tie a scarf? I got you, girl. Check out this post by One Crazy House to learn 15 Chic Ways to Wear a Scarf.
4. WITH A SWEATER DRESS
PHOTO: UNKNOWN
It's officially sweater weather, so don't leave them out when rocking these patent booties. Try a dark toned sweater dress to balance the shiny boots and get a more professional look. If you don't want to show too much leg, opt for a sheer or completely black stalking.
5. WITH A STATEMENT JACKET
PHOTO: BRE SHEPPARD
Wearing fun boots could also mean complimenting it with other fun items. Pull out a beautiful statement jacket you've been dying to wear and match it with your new leather booties. Extra points if your boss compliments you when you walk in!
6. WITH A PRINTED SKIRT
PHOTO: CHIC TALK
Who says you have to be corporate and boring? Grab your favorite printed skirt to pair it with your new stunning boots. As long as your skirt has some type of black or dark shade in it to match your boots, your look will be cohesive, professional, and fun.
7. WITH CUFFED JEANS
PHOTO: UNKNOWN
Whether you can only rock this look once a week or you have free range when it comes to denim (jealous of you), nothing is classier than a good pair of cuffed jeans. Fold over the bottom of your jeans in order to create a nice frame for your new booties. This will work with skinny or straight legged jeans, but probably won't look as great with a bootcut or flare.
8. WITH A FLORAL PRINT DRESS
PHOTO: MARGO & ME
For all my ladies who love a good print, this one's for you. Rock your patent leather boots with a beautiful floral dress to achieve a chic professional look. The floral soften ups the boots and gives the perfect feminine touch.
9. WITH LEATHER PANTS
PHOTO: UNKNOWN
Just want to keep it simple? Pair your black patent leather booths with leather pants to keep the look simple but bold. The similar materials blend together to create a nice balance. Don't forget to pair with a structured bag to continue the look through out the rest of the outfit.
10. WITH A STATEMENT BAG
PHOTO: THE VIVA LUXURY
Grab a beautiful statement bag to tie your entire look together. This is perfect if you have a purse in your closet that you absolutely adore but doesn't get enough play time.
11. WITH LAYERS
PHOTO: A LOVE IS BLIND
Brighten up your look with your favorite layer item such as a bright-colored jacket or a cozy cardigan. Keep your other pieces on the neutral side to make your layers stand out and compliment the boots.
12. WITH ALL BLACK
PHOTO: OLIVIA CULPO
If you're a little shy to flaunt the shoes, go the classic route by rocking your leather booties with an all-black fit. Not only will the black neutralize the trendy boots, but it will also make you look sleek and professional.
13. WITH A TURTLENECK
PHOTO: UNKNOWN
Pair the shiny patent material with a classic turtleneck to create balance and harmony within your fit. Look for stripes, solid colors, or neutral tones to get this classic look.
14. WITH A SOLID COLORED DRESS
PHOTO: THE VIVA LUXURY
There's nothing like a beautiful pop of color to brighten up any work day! Pair your patent leather booties with a nice red work dress to get a vibrant-chic aesthetic that'll make any corporate babe jealous.
15. WITH A LEATHER JACKET
PHOTO: FASHION ME NOW
It's only right that you pair your new leather booties with a classic leather jacket. Throw it on with a button up to make the look a little more professional and be able to rock it to your Casual Fridays!
16. WITH TIGHTS
PHOTO: UNKNOWN
Class up your leather booties by pairing it with sheer or opaque tights underneath your skirt/dress. This is perfect if your office is a bit more on the conservative side, and can really dress up your entire look.
17. WITH... MORE LEATHER
PHOTO: LE FASHION
Leather on leather, anyone? This look is perfect for the fall, and for a Texas winter. Pair neutrals with a whole bunch of faux leather to get a edgy-chic look you can still rock in the office.
18. WITH A FULL SUIT
PHOTO: SYLVIE MUS
Style your new booties all the way up in a full 90s-inspired suit. Super professional and super chic. We love.
19. WITH WIDE LEG PANTS
PHOTO: COCO & VERA
If you're into pants with loose legs, pair your leather booties with a shorter cut for a more fashion-forward look. If you're going to do this, make sure your booties are super sleek and tight or your outfit may look a little strange.
20. WITH A CLASSIC BLAZER
PHOTO: THE VIVA LUXURY
You can never go wrong with pairing your leather patent booties with a classic black blazer. It's effortless simplicity and style leaves the boots to do all the talking, and guess what they're saying? "We're gorgeous."
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HERE'S THE THING --- at the end of the day, what's most important is that you actually like what you're wearing. God created you you for a reason, which means that what you like may be extremely different from what someone else likes. And that's okay. Own your "STYLE" whether that's oversized sweatshirts or designer jeans.
You can't expect to be the best version of yourself and kill it at work if you're feeling self-conscious about your outfit. Trust me, I've been there and it was the worst 8 hours of my life.
Girl, style the boots the way YOU love them, because when you love it, everyone will too.
And if they don't, who cares?
Until next time,
The Corporate Queen
P.S. Thanks so much for reading! If you loved this post and HAVEN'T subscribed to my blog yet for witty and wonderful things to arrive directly in your inbox --- what are you waiting for?! Click here to subscribe!
Also, comment below if you made it all the way to the end and are so totally inspired to rock patent leather this fall/winter! :-)
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1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.