The New Matching

I still don't get the matching thing. You wrote about wearing black patent shoes with a mostly-brown shades dress.
Then, you nixed black patent for a mostly black print. Please explain.

This is a change. That's what makes it difficult. And, it's tricky. That's what makes it so nice.
There was a time when we dyed shoes to match our dresses, if you can remember back that far. Then we stopped.
Later, we wore shoes that matched a color in our ensembles, and we never mixed brown and black, or navy and black, either.
Now, instead of looking for shoes, or bags, that match our outfits, we look for ones that support or enhance the effect, but don't necessarily match. It's tough to make a big turn, but it's worth it.

If the main part of the outfit (the mostly brown shades) is well coordinated, it's nice to add something outside of the box as an accent. Black patent is a true neutral, and if there is a color that it can't support, let me know. Some matte black leathers won't support a brownish ensemble, because they look like a near miss, but black patent will do the job nicely. BTW, patent was once worn in the summer only (and suede in the winter) but that's over, too.

For the black print, black patent will work, but we are missing an opportunity to create a truly smashing outfit by adding another color, like red. If it's for a conservative event, try a darker red. If you want to add a terrific bag to this ensemble, instead (one tricky item per outfit) then wear peanut (tan) shoes, and add a bright turquoise, bright yellow, bright green or bright red/deep pink bag instead.

BTW, for the brownish print dress, with the black patent shoes, I'd add a (small) yellow bag.
This is the new mix, not the old match.