If there’s one thing women in Paris and New York City have in common, it’s this: They know how to dress in a high-value way. Whether they’re stepping out of the Ritz or having lunch on the Upper East Side, stylish Parisians and New Yorkers are highly skilled at putting together expensive-looking outfits. Over the years, they’ve used a variety of items to achieve this, but in 2025, one of their tried-and-true tricks is patent-leather shoes—Chanel’s new moccasins being every fashion girl’s favorite.
TikTok’s favorite model-turned-chef Nara Smith is one such fan. Over the weekend, she was spotted in NYC wearing a luxurious chocolate-brown fur wrap coat, black trousers, and a pair of the viral, hard-to-find Chanel flats, which debuted on the runway at the French fashion house’s resort 2025 show in Marseille. She completed the look with a chunky gray sweater, black tights, gold jewelry, and a black top-handle clutch.
On Nara Smith: Chanel Patent Leather Moccasins ($1225)
Smith was hardly the first fashion person to put the popular shoes to work, with big-deal content creators like Veronika Heilbrunner and Sophia Roe both wearing their pairs to Chanel’s Haute Couture show that took place last week in Paris. Heilbrunner styled hers with tights adorned with floral brooches and a tweed skirt set, while Roe took a simpler approach, donning her flats with sheer tights and a leather knee-length dress.
But Chanel isn’t the only brand making footwear more elevated with the use of patent leather. Saint Laurent, Khaite, Alaïa, and Toteme all too have used the glossy material to level up their shoe collections in recent seasons, much to the delight of chic women everywhere. Scroll down to shop the best pairs on the market right now.
Shop patent-leather shoes:
-
J.Lo Just Ditched Her Skinny Jeans to Wear This 2025 Denim Trend With $170 UggsCasual yet chic.
-
8 Flawless Outfits the Celebrity Set Is Wearing in Paris Right NowKelly! Zoë! Kendall!
-
Katie Holmes Just Wore the Cheap Styling Trick That Instantly Adds Outfit ValueLow cost, high look.
-
Sure, Black Leggings Are Timeless, But This Colored Alt Is Much More 2025It's inspired by a rare gemstone.
-
I Never Thought I'd Wear This Weird Sneaker Trend, But I Can't Stop Getting Compliments on ItThey're kooky in the best, most Miu Miu way.
-
Suddenly, All the Chicest People I Know Are Upgrading Their Outfits With This Winter Accessory TrendInspired by the early 1900s.
-
No Offense to Sweatshirts, But This Elevated Basic Will Make Your Leggings Look Much ChicerA French-girl favorite.
-
The Elegant Outfit Hailey and Zoë Pack for Every Destination, From London to NYCNo matter what.
