Patent Leather Boots Are The Biggest Fall 2023 Shoe Trend - How To Style Them

Shoes are an essential, yet fashionable finishing touch to an outfit. For fall, boots are our obvious shoe of choice. Cozy Uggs, riding boots, Doc Martens — there is an option for every event. This fall, though, one option is shining above the rest: The classic leather look amped up a notch as a shiny patent finish is being added to all our favorite boot styles.

Patent leather boots are made for walking, no matter the occasion. Whether you are running errands, heading to the club, or simply taking Instagram photos, patent leather boots are sure to spice up your fall look. It seems that experts agree. Co-founder of luxury fashion brand Jimmy Choo and founder of her namesake label Tamara Mellon lists patent leather shoes as a personal favorite for this fall, telling Who What Wear: "Shiny patent-leather boots, for me, are very '90s. They have that '90s minimalistic, iconic-woman feel."

Early-aughts-inspired boot-cut denim is making a comeback, too. With patent leather boots also being a common style in the late '90s and early 2000s, it makes sense that the pair together creates the ultimate nostalgic outfit. Finish off your ensemble with a cozy sweater and chic sunglasses to make the look more modern.

Another '90s fashion staple reentering the conversation is the pencil skirt, and it's a great option to style with your patent leather boots. Shoe designer and footwear mogul Tamara Mellon tells Who What Wear, "I love the look of the boots with pencil skirts. A pencil skirt and a big sweater thrown over the top is a really chic fall look."

If you love showing off your legs, a micro-mini skirt paired with ankle-height patent booties may be a better option for you. For less leg showing, try a higher shaft boot, such as thigh-highs. Finish the look off with other party pieces, like a faux-fur coat and a top-handle purse.

Patent leather boots are extremely versatile in how they can be designed. While sexy thigh-highs and traditional ankle booties are good go-to options, the look comes in various styles, so you can have multiple pairs to match different outfit types. Expand your fall looks by adding patent leather cowgirl boots or patent combat boots — just two of our favorites — to your collection. 

Why not make patent leather the focal point of your entire outfit? Try pairing patent combat boots with leather leggings of the same style. Leather leggings are a great way to stay comfortable while remaining fashion-forward, similar to how patent leather combat boots offer a casual but still trendy look.

Dresses are essential in an autumn wardrobe. With holiday parties seemingly every few weeks, you are constantly looking for shoes to wear with your dresses that aren't uncomfortable stilettos or ballet flats that will leave your feet chilly. Luckily, patent leather boots are just as stunning, pair well with dresses, and are warm enough for colder days.