Last month, Alexa Chung posted a picture on Instagram despairing about the fact that her favourite pair of patent trousers had ripped and that she urgently needed to replace them. With that little Instagram update, it was official: last season's patent trend is sticking around ('sticking' being the operative word with the highly Instagrammable but exceptionally sweaty material).
Following Chung's wardrobe malfunction admission, we noticed all of our favourite street style stars and front row faces at Fashion Month wearing patent leather, vinyl and PVC again – whether it was a hyper-shine trench, glossy trousers or patent booties.
But don't worry, vinyl isn't reserved for those who have the time and money to hone their carefully curated wardrobes to perfection, forever immaculate and ready for a street style pap. It's actually a realistic (and reasonably comfortable) alternative to denim and casual wear for us mere mortals, too. Dressed up with chunky heels and a blouse or dressed down with a hoodie or T-shirt, inject some excitement into your spring looks with a hint of vinyl. Click on for the best patent pieces to snap up now...
Camille Charrière wore these Topshop trousers on numerous occasions throughout Fashion Month and now we can't make it to our nearest branch fast enough. Camille paired hers with a Tommy Hilfiger bomber but these would look just as good with a chunky knit or tucked-in tee.
Topshop Vinyl trousers, £55, available at Topshop
Black has been the most popular colour choice among the style set when it comes to patent but why not mix things up with a pop of maroon, like these trousers from Self-Portrait. Extra points for wearing with this asymmetric shirt.
Self-Portrait Maroon patent zip front trousers, £240, available at Self-Portrait
Warmer weather may be on the horizon but until spring properly arrives, this parka from Mango is the perfect transitional coat.
Mango Vinyl parka, £69.99, available at Mango
French brand Courrèges is virtually synonymous with the word vinyl, making some of the most beautifully crafted hyper-shine pieces on the market. Lily-Rose Depp recently wore a vinyl pencil skirt from the design duo, and we're ready to welcome this green number into our wardrobes with open arms.
Courrèges Front slit pencil skirt, £596, available at Farfetch
However, there's no need to spend £600 on a trend-led piece when there's this more wearable Weekday mini skirt for those feeling less bold. PS. It's not as squeaky as it looks.
Weekday Vinyl skirt, £30, available at ASOS
If you couldn't afford the Isabel Marant patent black trench and missed out on Alexa Chung's version for Marks & Spencer, fear not, as Topshop has the answer to your patent prayers. Wear with frayed denim, a polo neck and trainers for everyday elegance.
Topshop Vinyl trench coat, £110, available at Topshop
Courrèges' modernist aesthetic was honed in the 1960s, and pieces like this creased black faux patent-leather jacket have a cool retro feel. Throw this over a simple T-shirt with tailored trousers for a new take on weekend wear.
Courrèges Stand-collar patent faux-leather jacket, £840, available at Matches Fashion
If you're going to try patent trousers you might as well go full-on '80s with white heels and a voluminous blouse.
H&M Patent trousers, £39.99, available at H&M
Elle UK accessories editor, Donna Wallace, has one of the best shoe collections we've seen and has been championing Dorateymur footwear for seasons. Follow in her fashionable footsteps with these patent white loafers, which will transform the plainest ensemble.
Dorateymur 'Harput' Patent Loafers, £375, available at Browns Fashion
Praise be to Urban Outfitters for this versatile skirt which allows vegan dressers to wear the patent trend well, too.
Urban Outfitters Clean black patent vegan leather mini skirt, £49, available at Urban Outfitters
Add drama and texture to your look with this ruffled, vinyl mini skirt from Topshop. To up the ante further, team with a deconstructed shirt and ankle boots.
Topshop Ruffle vinyl skirt, £45, available at Topshop
Gucci's black patent-leather ankle boots are crafted in a distinct '70s silhouette and embellished with the label's iconic silver horsebit. Designed to hit at a flattering point on your calf, this square-toe pair has a sturdy block heel that makes them comfortable for all-day wear.
Gucci Horsebit-detailed patent-leather ankle boots, £650, available at Net-A-Porter
Patent might not sound like a timeless material but this H&M skirt can actually be worn in countless ways. Update your work uniform with this pencil skirt, which is as elegant as it is cool.
H&M Patent leather skirt, £99.99, available at H&M
Ah, Reformation. At first they won us over with their dresses for every occasion and now we've fallen head-over-heels for this cropped patent jacket.
Reformation Soto jacket, £290, available at Reformation
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The Most Expensive-Looking Picks From H&M's New Arrivals
Zara's New Collection Is A Blast From Every Past
Anklets Are Back! It's Time To Dig Out Your '90s Holiday Jewellery