When Alexa Chung wore a pair of black Saint Laurent vinyl trousers to Glastonbury back in June, it was confirmed: patent leather, vinyl, gloss, PVC – whatever you want to call it – was set to be one of the biggest trends this winter. Hyper-shine and glossy finishes were seen at Isabel Marant, Louis Vuitton, Kenzo and Lanvin during the AW16 shows but fear not, this popular trend is not one that can be pulled off by models alone; PVC is far more forgiving than it looks.
The key to cracking the patent/vinyl trend is teaming a glossy skirt, trousers or coat with more simple, classic pieces – maybe a slouchy cardigan or T-shirt à la Alexa, an oversized coat and big boots as seen at Louis Vuitton, or with a casual hoodie and jeans to tone down the high shine.
Click ahead for inspiration on how to get the glossy look now...
Stylist Diletta Bonaiuti wears an Isabel Marant patent red coat (we're pretty certain it's one of the most popular of the season) and Loewe loafers after the Mugler show during Paris Fashion Week SS17.
If a shiny coat like this is the focus of your outfit, follow Diletta's lead and wear with something simple like a white T-shirt and slim-fit trousers.
Photo: Vanni Bassetti/Getty Images.
Again, as patent or hyper-glossy garments can be eye-catching, wear with something classic and low-key.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Linda Tol wears her green Courrèges skirt with a Christopher Kane jumper, Rika Studios striped shirt and Salle Privée camel coat. Tone down a shiny mini with an oversized coat and masculine shirt and sweater.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Another fine example of how to rock a patent mini. Here worn with a Shrimps shirt, fishnets and pink boots.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
If patent clothing is too far out of your comfort zone, try the trend in a more discreet way with a pair of glossy heels.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Chelsea Leyland in a Topshop patent skirt, velvet Prada shoes and a Ganni bomber.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
These shiny black ankle boots look great with this pleated skirt but would look just as good with cropped jeans and a cosy winter coat.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Dress up a casual look like a simple V-neck and jeans with a vinyl jacket.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Sofie Valkiers wears a Cédric Charlier coat and Saint Laurent bag. Channel your inner Paddington Bear in a yellow mackintosh this winter.
Photo: Vanni Bassetti/Getty Images.
Not for the faint-hearted. Trousers this tight and squeaky require a LOT of talc but look amazing; even better when accompanied by the Louis Vuitton Star Trail ankle boots.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Tired of your entirely black wardrobe? Add shine and instant glamour to your look with patent leather. Pernille Teisbaek wears a black version of the much-loved Isabel Marant coat with Loewe trousers, glittering Miu Miu shoes and an acid green Acne bow bag.
Photographed by Victoria Adamson.
Don't worry, patent leather and glossy pieces are as easy to find on the high street as from luxury brands. Lisa Hahnbück wears an OffWhite knit with a Mango asymmetric patent leather skirt, finished off with a Louis Vuitton denim bag and Fendi sunglasses.
Photo: Christian Vierig/Getty Images.
Third time's a charm. Hong Kong fashion editor Justine Lee in the Isabel Marant coat, cropped hoodie, Vetements shoes and frayed jeans. We love how the hoodie and sunglasses completely change the coat from the way it was worn by Pernille.
Photo: Vanni Bassetti/Getty Images.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Paris Fashion Week Street Style Just Keeps Getting Better