How To Incorporate Patent Leather Into Your Wardrobe This Spring
No matter how many stylish jackets or amazing co-ord sets you own, a wardrobe slump is inevitable. While items like biker shorts remain a tempting warm weather style staple, try a new approach to your outerwear and go for a fashion classic: patent leather. Patent leather is not new to the rodeo, but it's made a very refreshing comeback.
Rethink the way you wear your patent leather items this spring and check out three ways I styled it.
If you prefer to start slow, try wearing patent as an accessory piece; think shoes, belts, bags, or hats. This is probably the most subtle approach. Detail is everything darling, you can make an equal statement with a small detail just as much as you can with a bold statement piece.
I paired a corset style patent leather waist belt with some distressed jeans, an oversized white tee, platform boots, and white leather jacket. Notice the detail in the belt, it's shaped to sit right underneath the chest to accentuate your shape and has a fun exposed silver zipper in the back. The great thing about this look, is that it can be dressed up or down. Make a quick wardrobe change into a short faux fur coat and a pair of boots or heels and you've gone from day-time-play, to night-time-chic just like that.
If boots were made for walking, then why not go for the shiny ones? Am I right? Now when it comes to patent shoes, you can really have fun. Think outside of the box and outside of the tap class you were in at five years old. Consider colors beyond the black family, like a deep maroon, olive green, cream, brown, or even red.
I personally don't discriminate when it comes to heel height. You can rock patent on everything from an oxford flat to a thigh high boot. To avoid having a Julia Roberts Pretty Woman moment with the thigh highs, make sure the rest of your outfit is balanced. Style them with something oversized or flowy versus short and tight, for a more fashion forward look.
In this look, I styled a pair of Steve Madden stiletto boots with a denim skirt, oversized jacket, and off the shoulder sweater. The skirt is on the shorter side, so with the heels being so high, I offset the look with both an oversized sweater and jacket. Boom, balance.
Now, if you're really feeling like a badass, then dive right into a shiny patent jacket. Jackets are so fun because even with this type of leather, there's still room to play around with the material and finish. Options can range from the classic shiny patent leather finish, or even a crushed patent leather look where the jacket looks a little more toned down and worn in.
I purchased this jacket from ASOS a couple of years ago and it is truly one of the best purchases I've ever made. You can style a cropped oversized jacket like this one over a dress, with jeans, shorts, or even over a formal dress for extra edge. The options are endless! Using the same thought process mentioned before with accessories, you can also think outside of the black color family when it comes to jackets. Looking to make a statement? Go for red. Looking for something a little more versatile? Stick with black.
If you're looking for a simple way to amp things up when it comes to your wardrobe, it may be time to branch out and take a much needed fashion risk! Patent leather is timeless. The ways we wear it will continue to evolve and change over time, and every girl should have at least one patent item in her closet. Remember, winter style doesn't have to be boring. So the next time you notice a slew of patent leather pieces hit nearly every retailers' new arrival page, go for it.
This season's patent leather is unlike any we've seen before.
Original photography by Sanniyah Sloan for xoNecole.
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Original photography by Sanniyah Sloan for xoNecole.
Originally published January 10, 2019
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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The West is in the building! From music to entertainment, beauty, and bolder-than-bold content creators. Whether she moved to the West to chase her dreams or came from the soil, these women treat the West as their playground. They’re not just chasing dreams, they’re walking it like they talk it, all while ensuring our beloved West’s commitment to progress and preservation.
Read about five of our ItGirls here, but be sure to check out the full ItGirl 100 List.
Char & Lani Edwards
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Sisters, Char and Lanie Edwards launched Black on the Block as a premier monthly celebration of Black-owned excellence in California. Their goal was to elevate the festival experience and showcase a carefully curated selection of over 100 Black-owned businesses spanning diverse industries and offering attendees an unforgettable experience that focuses on community.
DJ Red Corvette
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Red Corvette is a DJ, Music Director, and co-creator of the women empowerment platform Women Sound Off. With a 10-year journey as a thriving DJ, she is the epitome of a multi-format DJ with real-time troubleshooting skills as she has cultivated an unforgettable musical experience.
Ivy Coco Maurice
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Ivy Coco Maurice is a stylist and community organizer. She serves as the vice president and creative director of WalkGoodLA, a family-driven nonprofit uniting diverse communities to pursue racial equity through wellness.
Kaylin Cotton
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Kaylin Cotton is the Head of Operations and Strategy at HOORAE. Previously, she worked at Shondaland, building out the company’s brand guidelines and events. Her career focuses on creative leadership strategies and advancing organizations with a contemporary and inclusive approach.
Storm Debarge
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Storm has been dancing since she was a baby and has always aspired to be a leader in the dance industry. Storm worked with some of the largest brands in the world including Nike, Pandora, Snapchat, Red Bull, BET, NFL, and Def Jam. Storm has also worked with award-winning artists including Ciara, Blxst, Busta Rhymes, and Megan Thee Stallion.