Patent Pending

WHAT'S IN Remember your first pair of patent-leather Mary Janes? They were shiny, dressy, and usually marked some special occasion. If your mom was super cool, she might have let you buy them in red. But even the hippest mom would be surprised at fashion's latest patent parade. Glossy leather shoes tower over skyscraper heels, animal-print wedges, or metal stilettos. Black-patent boots – from ankle height to mid-thigh – take a walk on the wild side. And any waist looks smaller encircled by a shiny leather belt, whether super-skinny or corset-wide. Then there's the amazing array of patent purses, including rectangular retro clutches and Fendi's coveted buckle-bags. HOW TO WEAR IT Vamp it up in Versace's high-gloss over-the-knee vixen boots. Add passion to the little black dress in red stilettos with lipstick to match. And when it rains, you'll shine wearing patent-leather gloves and waterproof boots.

1. castaner peek-toe platform heel, $325 at Sooki.

2. manolo blahnik “Kirby” loafer pump, $575 at Barneys New York.

3. lanvin two-tone Mary Jane, $790 at Barneys New York.

4. shaneen huxham leather gloves, $215 at Sooki.

5. mika sarolea belts, $210 for narrow one, $200 for wide, at Sooki.