Whenever I wear Opening Ceremony, I feel like the nerdy kid who got a free pass into the cool kids’ club. I admit it: I lap up whatever Carol and Humberto decide to serve. Because whether they’re doing avant-garde, ironic, or their quirky take on a classic, it’s always ahead of the curve.

For Fall 2012, it’s shiny shoes. But these aren’t just any shiny shoes, of course. Recreating the look of precious metals, it’s super-shiny boots of leather with buckles and brogue trim, to boot (pun intended). In copper or silvery-baby blue, wear them with Fall’s essential LBD. Like this stretchy sweetheart mini, complete with a cutout back ($420, at Barneys New York), also courtesy of OC’s dynamic duo. A chunky shoe makes for a surprising partner to a sexy dress. At Opening Ceremony for $510.