Ravel

There’s something undeniably chic about an espadrille, especially in summer.

The woven sole, the easy slip-on feel, the way it instantly evokes sun-drenched coastlines and late afternoon aperitivos, it’s the silhouette that quietly comes back around every year, but for Spring/Summer ’26 it’s having a major moment.

WGSN has already called the espadrille as one of the defining styles for the season ahead, and honestly it makes perfect sense. Fashion right now is leaning into pieces that feel effortless yet still polished, it’s relaxed dressing with intention, and the espadrille sits perfectly in that space.

What makes the espadrille so appealing is its versatility. They’re the shoes you reach for when you’re rocking oversized linen and a white tank for a coffee in the city but work just as perfectly styled with a silky midi for rooftop sunset sipping. Easy enough for the day, polished enough for the evening – they’re exactly what we all want from our wardrobes right now.

But this season’s take feels different. Cleaner. Cooler. More elevated. At Ravel, the espadrille gets a modern refresh through rich woven textures and molten metallic finishes – think artisanal craft meets golden-hour glamour. Natural textures are paired with tonal palettes and hues of metallic details creating that perfect contrast between laid-back and luxe.

Ravel Kennley Espadrille Wedge Sandals

Texture is playing a huge role in the SS26 edit. Braided details and handcrafted touches bring warmth and personality to the simplest of looks, with the modern take stopping everything feeling too traditionally bohemian. The result? Styles that feel fresh, modern and a little more fashion-forward.

Ravel Kennley Espardille Wedge Sandals

Let’s not forget it’s a classic and while the espadrille has obvious nostalgic appeal, this season’s silhouettes feel far more refined. Wedges are sleeker, flats feel more minimal and overall styling leans less beachy cliché and more understated luxury (see below image). It’s giving European summer energy, but in a way that still feels wearable back home.

Ravel Kennley Espadrille Wedge Sandals

So, consider this your sign to lean into those woven textures, because this season the espadrille isn’t just a hot trend piece -it’s the main character…

basically, the shoe of the summer.

If summer had a wardrobe mood board, Ravel SS26 would be pinned all over it. Sun-drenched but sharp. Relaxed but intentional. It’s the kind of collection that feels equally at home beneath towering palms as it does navigating sunlit city streets.  The sweet spot where precision meets effortlessness and where you look like you didn’t try too hard but absolutely nailed it.

This is footwear for the modern muse. The girl who’s always slightly ahead of the trend cycle. Who mixes texture with tone, polish with ease. Who can move from rooftop drinks to a coastal weekend without switching her vibe completely.

Let’s talk about how to wear it… the Ravel way:

1. The Power Pairing: Matching Heels & Bag Duos

Co-ords aren’t just for clothing anymore. Ravel’s matching heel-and-bag pairings are the styling shortcut SS26 needed. Clean. Intentional. Put-together in seconds.

How the Ravel girls are wearing them:

• Co-ord with a Co-ord; grab your favourite sleek two piece and let the accessories do the talking.
• With oversized tailoring and bare skin; think slouchy blazer, minimal top, long-line shorts.
• With a silk midi and undone hair for that “I just threw this on” energy.

It’s giving main character. But understated.

Arten Sandals and Ardee Clutch Bag

Arten Sandals and Ardee Clutch Bag

2. Tonal Loafers: The New Neutral

Loafers are officially back and Ravel’s butter-soft leathers and rich suedes make them feel anything but corporate. Sculptural lines keep things clean, while tonal shades (sand, stone, espresso) tap straight into SS26’s love for head-to-toe neutrals.

Tonal dressing continues to dominate the style agenda, and Ravel’s loafers anchor the look perfectly.

Style them like this:

• With relaxed tailored shorts and barely there socks for that Scandi-street-style moment.
• With wide-leg trousers and a fitted tank — minimal, strong, effortless.
• With an all-cream outfit for quiet luxury energy.

Ravel’s loafer’s ground the look without ever dulling it.

3. Statement Sculpted Heels: After-Dark Energy

Sculptural heels are the heartbeat of SS26. Architectural. Directional. Confident. They’re less about sparkle, more about shape. Think clean lines, bold curves, tactile finishes channelling the shadows of towering palms.

How to wear them now:

• Keep silhouettes loose and playful, so the shoe brings all the structure.
• With a sharp black mini and slicked-back hair.
• Echo the sculptural form through bold jewellery or a structured mini bag.

They don’t just have to be “occasion heels.” They’re everyday icons, just styled with intention.

Farran Yellow Open-Toe Sandals

Farran Yellow Open-Toe Sandals

4. Elevated Espadrilles & Earthy Flats: Soft Power

Textural contrast is everything this season. Woven espadrilles. Rich suede flats. Gladiator-inspired silhouettes that feel refined, not festival.

The palette? Sun-warmed clay, sandy neutrals, vibrant brights that echo coastal skies at dusk.

Wear them like this:

• With an undone mini dress; strip it back to basics.
• With linen tailoring for a polished but breathable city look.
• With relaxed denim and a crisp white shirt –  always a classic.

It’s soft, but strong. Easy, but elevated.

5. Dark Silhouettes: The Summer Plot Twist

While SS26 embraces brights and sun-baked tones, darker silhouettes bring balance and drama. Think deep espresso suedes, inky leathers, luxurious finishes to give that extra bite that feels sleek rather than boho.

Cool girl rule: contrast is key.

• Pair dark sandals with light tailoring.
• Wear them with sheer layers for understated evening impact.
• Keep jewellery sculptural and minimal, let texture and form speak.

It’s the balance between grounded and striking, and Ravel’s collection nails it.

The SS26 Mood: Why It Works

Ravel SS26 understands the assignment. Trend-driven but timeless, butter-soft leathers shaped into sculptural forms and rich suedes adding depth and tactility. It’s all about those refined silhouettes that transition from day to dusk without missing a single step in a palette that reflects coastal sands and vibrant brights, capturing that fleeting golden-hour glow.

This season’s focus isn’t over-styling. It’s about thoughtful choices.

• Tonal layering
• Textural contrast
• Letting shape and material do the heavy lifting

Ravel SS26 isn’t just a collection.
It’s a summer state of mind.

Confident. Effortless. Slightly undone.

Exactly how summer should feel…

There’s something in the air this season, a shift in pace, a pull towards grounding textures, contrasting silhouettes and pieces that feel intentional. Ravel’s AW25 collection is your shortcut to mastering the season’s aesthetic – think countryside charm, rugged sophistication and the kind of boots that do it all.

We’re talking supple leathers, soft suedes and a rich palette of autumnal tones; burnt sienna, deep forest green, oat milk beige and the kind of moody browns that make layering look luxe. Chef’s kiss. These aren’t your throwaway trend tones, they’re building block shades that’ll anchor your whole autumn wardrobe. This is seasonal styling turned all the way up in an unmistakable air of English country charm.

This Season’s Sole Obsession: The Boot

This season, it’s obviously all about the boot. She’s an instant icon.

From autumnal walks and pumpkin spice to city nights, our chunky silhouettes to sleek knee-highs with just the right amount of sass, are the pieces that will elevate any outfit you throw at them.

Detail-oriented Drama

Design details are doing the heavy lifting this season; zipper accents for subtle edge, horse-bit fastenings that scream “equestrian cool” (without trying too hard) and wraparound buckles that bring structure and style. Bold but versatile and meant to be worn on repeat.

How we’re styling AW25

This isn’t your standard fall fashion. AW25 styling is all about contrast. Romantic yet grounded, nostalgic but fresh, polish and play…

Buckle-Up Energy: Channel off-duty British it-girl energy with a chunky buckled boot and a layered midi skirt and a slouchy cable-knit. Layer up with a checkered jacket casually thrown over the shoulders, add a beanie for full countryside impact. Finish with a leather cross body and a fresh face, it’s all about effortless city cool.

Ravel Storr Boots

Ravel Storr Boots

Power Dressing 2.0: Go full seasonal girl boss. Take knee-high leather boots styled under a sharp-shouldered sweeping trench. Bonus points for layering over a mesh dress or a tailored trouser, it’s all about unexpected layering this season. Structured, stylish and gives big main character energy.

Ravel Bywell Knee-High Boots

Ravel Bywell Knee-High Boots

The Layered Romantic: For the girls leaning into softness, ankle boots in rich tan meet floaty layers. Play with drape and texture, create tension between delicate and grounded.

Ravel Bray Ankle Boots

Ravel Bray Ankle Boots

The Equestrian Edge: Take the equestrian aesthetic up a notch by styling detailed boots with a co-ord or even a high-waisted wide trouser, a crisp shirt and an oversized jacket. English countryside? Very much reimagined.

Ravel Ancroft Mid-Calf Boots

Ravel Ancroft Mid-Calf Boots

Sheer Play: Innocent flowy silhouettes are having their moment. Style a soft suede ankle boot & a midi with movement. Timeless and undeniably chic.

Ravel Louth Boots

Ravel Louth Boots

From edgy urbanites to countryside romantics, there’s a Ravel boot for everyone this season. Let’s be real; good boots make an outfit. AW25 is a visual play of strength and softness, exactly what this season demands. Think “Kate Moss in the Cotswolds” meets “street style star Kendall Jenner on the city run”.

So, whether you’re styling mesh layers or anchoring your tailored moment, the AW25 collection is your new seasonal staple. Layered, statement-led and always with the perfect boot.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a vibrant occasion with family traditions, joyous gatherings, and profound cultural significance. More than just a date on the calendar, it is a feeling – a collective sense of new beginnings. At its heart, Diwali symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, a time to invite prosperity and blessings into our homes.

As homes across the globe light up with the warm glow of diyas (oil lamps)and the air fills with the scent of delicious sweets, the tradition of wearing new clothes beautifully reflects the festival’s spirit. From rich colours to shimmering embellishments, every element of Diwali fashion tells a story of light, prosperity, and happiness. This guide will walk you through the key traditions and style tips to help you shine bright this Diwali.

Contents

What is Diwali?

The Meaning Behind the Colours

Dressing for Diwali: The Canvas for Personal Expression

The Finishing Touch: Shoes That Dazzle

What is Diwali?

Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in India and around the world. The festival’s date is determined by the lunar calendar, which is why it varies each year; the main day of celebrations falls on Monday, October 20th in 2025.

The name “Diwali” is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning “rows of lighted lamps.” These lamps, or diyas, symbolise the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It’s a time for homes to be cleaned and lovingly decorated, with the air filling with excitement as neighbourhoods glow with lamps and fireworks illuminate the sky.

The Meaning Behind the Colours

In Indian culture, colours are deeply symbolic, and the traditional Diwali palette is chosen for its promising meanings.  The specific colours chosen may vary by region and personal preferences, but they all contribute to the festive and joyous atmosphere of the celebration.

Understanding these colours adds a deeper layer of significance to the clothing worn.

• Gold & Yellow: These are the quintessential colours of Diwali. Gold, with its metallic lustre, represents wealth, prosperity, and the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Yellow, the colour of marigolds and sunshine, symbolises knowledge, happiness, and optimism.
• Red & Orange: Bold and vibrant, red signifies power, good fortune, and love. It’s a timeless choice for festive occasions. Orange, often seen in the flame of a diya, represents purity, spirituality, and warmth.
• Green: The colour of nature and new beginnings, green is perfect for a festival that marks a fresh start. It represents growth, harmony, and renewal.
• Pink: Associated with happiness and the joy of celebration.

While these traditional hues remain popular, modern Diwali fashion has embraced a wider spectrum of colours, including sophisticated emerald greens, royal blues, and even classic black, often chosen as a canvas to make glittering embellishments stand out.

Dressing for Diwali: The Canvas for Personal Expression

Dressing for Diwali is more than simply choosing what to wear; it is a beautiful canvas for personal expression rooted in centuries of tradition. The outfits you choose are a vibrant reflection of the light and positivity you wish to welcome into your life, with every colour and embellishment holding a deeper meaning.

Bold shades of red and gold are timeless favourites, symbolising love, strength, and prosperity, while softer greens and tranquil blues create an elegant balance that reflects renewal, peace, and harmony. The colours not only brighten the celebration but also carry forward the festival’s message of joy and togetherness. It’s a time for everyone to wear their nicest clothes, with a long-running tradition being matching outfits, where parents and children, and sometimes entire families, coordinate their looks to celebrate the holiday.

For women, classic options include elegant lehengas – ankle-length skirts that come in a wide array of colours and patterns – or beautiful sarees. For men, stylish kurta pajamas and silk sherwanis in bright, festive colours are perfect for the occasion.

No matter the outfit, the hallmark of Diwali dressing is the use of luxurious fabrics and glittering details that catch the light of the fireworks and diyas. Look for garments made from silk, velvet, or brocade, and then add the sparkle. Sequins, beadwork, and intricate embroidery are essential for creating that festive glow.

The Finishing Touch: Shoes That Dazzle 

For a festival that involves visiting family and friends, dancing, and celebrating long into the night, your footwear needs to be both stylish and comfortable. The right pair of shoes can complete your look and give you the confidence to shine.

For an outfit that’s rich in colour or detail, a metallic shoe is the perfect complement. It adds a touch of glamour without overpowering your ensemble.

For those who want to make a true style statement, consider a heel that’s as vibrant as the festival itself. The Ravel Mallow heeled pump features a dazzling upper embellished with sparkly gold gems. Set on a kitten heel and finished with a classic pointed toe, this sling-back pump is the perfect way to add a touch of shine to your festive look.

A classic gold heel or a shimmering block heel is a timeless choice. Our Gold Metallic Ornsay Heeled Sandals are set on a stylish block heel, offering both height and stability – ideal for navigating any party venue or family gathering. 

If you prefer a lower, more comfortable option, our Gold Ellon Ballerina Shoes are a sophisticated choice, finished with exquisite bow detailing.

Remember, the goal is to create a harmonious look where every element, from your jewellery to your footwear, feels balanced and intentional. If you’re looking to add a touch of golden radiance to your look, explore our collection of gold shoes.

Key takeaways

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a vibrant celebration observed by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains, marking the triumph of good over evil.

Cultural Attire: The tradition of wearing new clothes and coordinating family outfits is central to Diwali, with a focus on rich fabrics and intricate embellishments.

Symbolic Colours: There is meaning behind traditional Diwali colours, including gold and yellow for prosperity, red for good fortune, and green for new beginnings.

Festive Styling: Metallic shoes, gold handbags and stacked bracelets can serve as a perfect, sparkling final touch.

Happy Diwali

As you prepare to celebrate this wonderful festival, we hope you’ll embrace the joy, tradition, and light that define Diwali. The outfits you choose are not just clothes; they are an expression of celebration and a reflection of the beautiful spirit of the season.

Related Links:

• Explore our collection of gold shoes.

Navy shoes are a timeless staple, worthy of any stylish woman’s wardrobe. However, despite its versatility, navy is a colour that many find notoriously difficult to style. 

Whether you’re looking for ways to style your navy shoes for the office, evenings out with friends, or off-duty dressing, this guide will share our top tips on the best outfits and colours to pair effortlessly with your navy shoes based on colour theory.

With our top navy shoe recommendations included, it’s time to embrace navy this season…and beyond!

Table of contents: 

Why choose navy shoes 

Navy and the colour wheel

How to style navy shoes 

Things to avoid when wearing navy 

Why choose navy shoes 

Navy shoes are the epitome of stylish dressing. A classic, timeless colour that’s always in style, navy footwear can be a sophisticated choice for any formal or relaxed setting. 

A softer, less harsh alternative to black, navy is surprisingly easy to style. Pairing beautifully with several colours and shades, including white, beige, grey, and even other shades of blue, navy footwear works beautifully with lighter shades where black footwear may be too severe a contrast. 

Choose navy shoes to maintain a polished look, whatever the occasion. 

Navy and the colour wheel 

If you’re unsure which colours to pair with your navy footwear, utilising a colour wheel can help you get started. 

Navy and other shades of blue sit between indigo and aqua on the colour wheel. These are known as analogous colours, and when used together, they create harmony and a seamless flow that’s easy on the eye. 

Colours that sit together on the colour wheel often share a common hue but vary slightly in saturation. Many analogous colours are often seen together in nature, blending perfectly and creating a harmonious flow. 

With this in mind, navy tends to pair well with its neighbours, aqua and indigo, and this is a great place to start when putting together an outfit.

In contrast, pairing colours opposite on the colour wheel can also make for a winning combination. These are known as complementary colours. When combined, each hue is amplified to create a stylish statement. 

Warmer-toned shades such as burnt orange and mustard, sitting opposite shades of blue on the colour wheel, pair beautifully with navy’s cooler tones to create a vibrant yet harmonious ensemble.

Of course, it’s important to remember that colour theory is just a guide. Other factors need to be considered, such as skin tone and the shades of the colours you’re pairing together. Still, the colour wheel can be a great starting point if you’re unsure which colours work well.  

How to style navy shoes

Now that you better understand the ideal colour pairings for your navy shoes, here are our top tips for making them a staple in your wardrobe. 

Navy shoes for the office 

The timeless and sophisticated allure of navy shoes makes them the perfect choice for elevating your office attire. As navy pairs beautifully with neutrals, it’s the perfect opportunity to put together a classic and stylish look.

Navy Suede Bute Loafers

Our Navy Suede Bute Loafers strike the perfect balance between comfort and style. Pair yours with light grey, beige or navy trousers and a crisp white shirt for a refined look perfect for the office. The soft suede upper and traditional moccasin stitching also make these chic loafers a great choice for casual summer looks.

If you prefer a more polished office look, why not switch out your navy loafers for our Navy Patent Edson Court Shoes? 

Navy shoes for off-duty days 

Despite their sophisticated charm, navy shoes are also ideal for casual dressing. They are a chic choice to complement chinos and blue or white denim. 

Navy Canvas Sulby Lace-Up Trainers

Our Navy Canvas Sulby Trainers are just the ticket if you’re searching for a casual shoe to complete your off-duty style. This lace-up plimsoll features subtle branding, stylish metal eyelets and white retro foxing for a chic, put-together finish. 

The beauty of our navy Sulby trainers is their versatility; wear yours with dark blue denim jeans and a Breton-striped top or jumper for a chic, nautical-inspired feel. Or why not pair these stylish plimsolls with maxi skirts or dresses in soft floral prints for a sweet yet casual warm-weather look? 

Navy shoes for formal occasions 

When party season comes around, navy shoes can take centre stage. 

Whatever your heel height preference, our navy occasionwear shoes can help elevate your formal looks. 

Our Navy Satin Rainsville Heeled Pumps epitomise elegance for weddings or special occasions. Featuring a sleek, pointed-toe and a crossover strap that fastens with a delicate buckle to the ankle, these chic 9 cm stiletto court shoes are ideal for curating a glamorous evening look. Decoratively finished with sparkling diamantes, why not complete your outfit with the  matching Navy and Diamante Ardee Clutch? 

Pair yours with a body-con dress or a chic navy gown for a sophisticated, all-navy look. Or, for a style statement, why not opt for a fuchsia pink dress to make your navy accessories pop?

Need a smaller heel? Our Navy Satin Mallow Kitten Heel Shoes provide just as sleek a finish but at a more comfortable 6 cm heel height and look super chic when paired with a neutral cocktail dress.

If you plan on painting the town red, or in this case, navy, our Dark Navy Satin Kelso Heeled Sandals should be your go-to shoe. These shoes will help you dazzle everyone at any party or event, crafted from luxurious dark navy satin. Pair with a chic silver skirt to make the diamante embellishments pop, with a tailored jumpsuit to add a touch of seventies glamour or with a chic cocktail dress in matching navy satin; these are the navy shoes you’ll continue to reach for season after season! 

Things to avoid when wearing navy 

We’ve already established the versatility of navy footwear, making them a staple you’ll keep returning to for all your sophisticated looks.

However, there are a few things to avoid when wearing navy footwear to get the most out of your outfits:

• Don’t overcomplicate your outfits with too many colours. If you don’t want a colour clash, use your knowledge of navy colour theory to mix and match colours with stylish results. Remember, colour theory is just a guide, so be brave with shades, but don’t overdo it!
• Don’t ignore the tone of your navy shoes. Some navy shoes may be warmer than others, which could impact what you wear them with. For example, we know that navy and mustard work well together, but you may need to adjust your shades slightly if, when worn together, your shoes feel like they clash with your outfit. 
• Don’t overcomplicate with too many accessories – particularly if pairing your navy shoes with bold colours. Sometimes, it’s better to let your outfit do the talking.
• It’s hard to avoid looking nautical when pairing together navy and white. If nautical isn’t the look you’re going for, stay away from stripes and instead opt for geometric or floral prints. 

Shop timeless navy shoes at Ravel 

With many navy shoe outfit ideas, it’s time to shop for some navy shoes to complete your look. Find perfect navy heels, party shoes, sandals, flats and more when you explore our exceptional navy shoe collection at Ravel. Prepare to curate your most sophisticated looks yet!

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