Ua young Julia Roberts striding down Hollywood Boulevard, stride determined and shiny patent leather boots that capture every reflection. Vivian Ward, the protagonist of Pretty Woman played by the actress in the famous 1990 film, she is an icon, of course, but also the symbol of bold femininity. And the credit goes, among other things, to his unforgettable shoes: a real cultwhich shines again on the Autumn-Winter 2025/2026 catwalks.
Vinyl takes the form of tall, soaring boots, black patent booties and red lacquer versions. Brilliant, scenographic and (which doesn’t hurt) waterproof: their versatility lies entirely in the leather, which is glossy and resistant. How to wear them every day without fear of smudging? The answer, in 5 outfits with a cinematic allure, but daily look proof.
Seventies spirit
Patent boots today match boho dresses with light flounces, ruffles, gypsy prints. But also to the classic Penny Lane style coat, soft and enveloping thanks to the fur collar. The paint, shiny and modern, breaks the nostalgia effect. And adds a sophisticated note, transforming the boho look into a sexy one.
With masculine tailored trousers
To ennoble the paint nothing works like an impeccable cut. The tailored suit trousers, straight or slightly wide, tone down the bold accent of the boots and give balance to the outfit. The result is a shiny and clean elegance: the most contemporary way to wear them even in the office.
Men’s tailored trousers with black patent boots, for an elegant contrasting look (Photo by Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images).
Patent leather boots and midi skirt
The skirt underlines the natural femininity of the boot with grace, while the patent leather adds that graphic twist that makes the look immediately more modern. A contrasting midi skirt or animal print version for the more daringa simple pencil skirt for the shyest ones: the look is still sensual, but without losing taste.
Animal print skirt and red patent leather boots, for the more daring (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images).
Pretty Woman 2025 version
A tribute that is not at all literal. The high and shiny boots, combined with a short dress like in the film or longer, recall the iconic strength of Julia Roberts aka Vivian Ward in Pretty Womanbut in a chic version. No to cut-outs and metal rings, the secret is to focus on dresses in compact fabrics, clean and minimal lines and colours: so the paint is bold, but not too much.
High patent leather boots and white dress, sexy chic (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images).
With dark jeans
The coolest duo of the season. Patent boots with jeans are a foolproof pair: better to focus on long and wide models, which skim the floor and reveal only the very shiny tip.
The coolest duo of the season? The patent leather boots with wide jeans that reveal the toe (Photo by Moritz Scholz/Getty Images).
Dark indigo, black or gray jeans make the ensemble more sophisticated.
It is the urban look par excellence: simple, but with that intrepid twist of style that makes the difference.