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Pairing shoes with a matching clutch bag can help to pull an outfit together seamlessly, offering flawless and timeless appeal, ideal for formal occasion dressing. 

However, in 2025, is the tradition of pairing your shoes with your handbag somewhat outdated?

With the rise of fashion trends, including the ‘Old Money Aesthetic’, which encourages traditional, classic dressing and ‘The Sandwich Rule’, matching the top and bottom outfit with a contrasting shade or texture in the centre. It seems the opportunities to wear matching shoes and a clutch bag are destined to grow. 

In this guide, we’re offering our take on matching shoes and clutch bags for modern-day styling to help you reawaken this trend to suit your wardrobe. From trending styles to what to avoid, you’ll reach for your matching shoes and clutch season after season with our top styling tips!

Table of contents: 

1. All-in-one colour
2. Pattern matching
3. Texture twinning
4. The Sandwich Rule
5. Familiarity in formality 

1. All-in-one colour 

Dressing head-to-toe in the same colour is a perfect way to modernise wearing matching accessories.

Kavan Slingback Court Shoes and matching Alston Pale Gold Clutch Bag

Choosing a single colour or hue to make your outfit magically monochromatic is a really simple way to make shoes and a matching clutch bag work effortlessly without needing to give your look too much thought.

If you’re unsure where to start, choose a matching set in a neutral colour that will pair easily with most things in your wardrobe for those days when you might want to wear your shoes without the matching clutch. 

Rich creams, gold or ballet pink, are all classic shades that work well with this trend if you want to embrace a timeless, flawless, old-money-inspired look. Or, for a statement style, why not choose a rich cherry or emerald tones for a bold, fashion-forward look?

2. Pattern matching 

Blue Floral Holms Ankle-Strap Sandals and matching Blue Floral Ardee Clutch Bag

Add personality and a pop of colourful energy to an outfit with perfectly matched patterned shoes and a clutch. A cool, white summer dress or a formal monochrome classic is an ideal backdrop for a playful pattern, such as classic floral heels with a matching clutch bag. 

Unsure of the shade of dress to choose? Take inspiration from your patterned accessories and choose a single shade that creates a perfect base to help your accessories pop!

Don’t restrict your pattern choice to simple florals, either. Polka dots, cute hearts or animal prints offer a modern take on this traditional style.

3. Texture twinning 

If you’re shopping for your shoes and clutch bag separately, it’s important to consider textures; otherwise, even if the colour match is perfect, your overall look could appear messy and mismatched. 

For best results, aim for textures that perfectly match or carefully complement each other, for example, pairing smooth, metallic shoes with a matching metallic clutch or a sequinned bag with glitter heels to complement the shimmer. After all, the devil is in the details!

4. The Sandwich Rule 

Pastel Lime Patent Arten Heeled Open-Toe Sandals and matching Lime Green Patent Ardee Clutch Bag

‘The Sandwich Rule’ or ‘Sandwich Dressing’ is ideal for modernising your matching accessory style, extending your colour pairing techniques beyond just your accessories. 

’The Sandwich Rule’ is a styling technique that involves matching the top and bottom of your outfit but adding a contrasting piece in the middle to create balance and proportion in a ‘sandwich effect’. 

For example, pairing the colour of your matching shoes and handbag with your jacket (the bread) but wearing a skirt or wide-legged trousers in a contrasting shade (the filing) to bring cohesion to your look would be a great example of sandwich dressing. 

Play around with the sandwich rule with classic, key pieces in your wardrobe, and you’ll find numerous stylish ways to work your matching clutch bag and shoes into your everyday outfits. 

5. Familiarity in formality

Pink Floral Edson Court Shoes and matching Pink Floral Ardee Clutch Bag

If you really want your clutch bag and shoes to match, but you’re not as confident playing around with style, then formal events, such as weddings and summer balls, are the perfect places to match your accessories without worrying about having an outdated style. 

If you’re unsure how to build your outfit around your accessories, choose a neutral outfit, such as a little black dress or a classic navy jumpsuit, as the base of your outfit and allow your accessories to do the talking! 

Your matching accessories will tie your look together, giving it a more sophisticated finish!

Shop matching shoes and clutch bags at Ravel 

Shop our occasionwear collection at Ravel and find timeless matching shoes and clutch bags ideal for modern styling. Whether you’re looking for a formal style for a special occasion, you want to experiment with all-in-one colour outfits, or you’re trying on the Sandwich Rule trend, you’ll find perfect options to suit your style. Or, if you’re looking for a new clutch bag to pair with your existing shoe collection, why not browse our clutch bags available in bold and classic colours and a selection of textures? 

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How To Style Ankle Boots

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Ankle boots are the ultimate stylish footwear staple!

Popularly worn in autumn and winter, but making the perfect transitional footwear between seasons, our selection of ankle boots are available in various  heel heights, styles and materials.

A versatile style worthy of any woman’s wardrobe, in this blog, we feature our favourite ankle boots this season and offer tips on how to style them, whether you’re heading out for the evening or to the office, to help you get the most out of your new favourite footwear!

Table of contents: 

How to style ankle boots with jeans

How to style ankle boots with dresses

How to style ankle boots for work 

How to style suede ankle boots 

How to style ankle boots with jeans 

Ankle boots and jeans are the perfect pairing. 

Whichever cut of jeans you prefer, whether skinny, boyfriend, boot cut or flared, ankle boots can help to add a stylish finishing touch. 

If your jeans are straight or skinny, why not cuff them at the bottom so they sit level with the top of your boots for a chic finishing touch? 

Or, if you’re more of a wide leg jeans lover, let your jeans drape over your ankle boots and opt for a boot with a high heel to elongate your legs.

Whichever style of jeans you choose, an ankle boot and jeans combo is perfect for a number of occasions! Pair yours with a plain T-shirt and a leather jacket, or an oversized sweatshirt for a stylish, everyday look. Or, why not choose high-heeled boots and a blazer if you’re heading out for drinks with friends? 

Unsure which colour ankle boots to go for? Tan ankle boots look super stylish with blue denim, whereas black denim worn with black ankle boots can add a chic finish to your look. 

Tan Suede Ebert Heeled Ankle Boots effortlessly styled with a blue denim dress

How to style ankle boots with dresses 

Whether you’re trying to curate a formal or casual look, ankle boots and dresses (and skirts!) are the epitome of stylish dressing and a great choice if you want to carry your look from day to night. 

The key to nailing this look is balance; if you want your boots to make a standout style statement, tone down the rest of your look to make them the focal point. Or, play around with colours, pairing complementary shades together.

As we’ve already mentioned, tan ankle boots look super chic with blue denim, and pairing yours with a blue denim dress creates a sweet, everyday look perfect for hitting the shops or heading out for brunch. 

If you want to create an alternative look, biker boots add an edgy contrast to an otherwise put-together look. 

Our Black Leather Bowmont Zip-Up Boots style perfectly with several looks. Their eye-catching stud and ring detailing draw the eye, adding a grungier edge to your outfit. Wear yours with a flowing floral dress or a spaghetti strap slip dress teamed with a black leather jacket for a balanced look perfect for a gig or curating statement everyday style. 

If you have a fitted, formal dress, why not wear a pair of Bronze Leather Hawick Ankle Boots to add a seventies-inspired vintage finish to your outfit? Metallic boots are also a chic choice if you want to add a touch of glamour to your evening look. 

For extra style points, pair yours with a matching clutch bag, like the Ravel Ardee. 

How to style ankle boots for the office 

Although not always an obvious go-to for the office, the versatility of ankle boots makes them both a stylish and practical choice. Whether paired with tailored trousers or dresses, they are a perfect option, particularly when the weather begins to take a turn. 

If choosing boots to pair with tailored dresses or midi skirts, opt for heeled or pointed-toe boots to add a sophisticated finish to your outfit. 

Our Pewter Croc-Print Largo Pointed-Toe Ankle Boots (pictured above) are ideal if you dream of a sophisticated look. These boots’ meticulous attention to detail and stunning craftsmanship add a stylish finish  to any look. Also available in black, they’re ideal for heading straight from the office to the bar for post-work drinks. 

When pairing your ankle boots with trousers, opt for an ankle-grazing style or slim-fit trousers that hit the leg just above the top of the boot for a clean silhouette.  Layer smartly, adding a tailored jacket or coat to maintain a professional finish.

Finally, although classic coloured ankle boots are best for an office setting, subtle textures or patent leather can help to create a style statement whilst helping you maintain a balanced outfit.

How to style suede ankle boots 

Suede ankle boots are a chic choice for casual, professional and smart-casual off-duty looks. Offering many versatile dressing options, the beauty of suede is that you can show it off perfectly by contrasting it with other textures, such as denim, wool or leather. 

However, suede does require extra care during the colder and wetter months to keep it looking its best. Before wearing your suede boots, brush and spray them with a suede protector to protect them from the weather.

With jeans and a cosy jumper, suede boots look effortlessly stylish! Our Black Suede Laxey Heeled Ankle Boots are perfect for elevating this everyday look. Their stylish fringing creates a chic finishing touch to an otherwise relaxed outfit. Finish with an oversized scarf to complete this cosy, autumnal look. 

Or, for a chic, smart casual aesthetic, why not opt for our Black Suede Yarrow Flat Ankle Boots (pictured above)? When teamed with a jumper dress and a long coat, they provide a chic look that stylishly blends elegance and comfort. 

The Yarrow’s brogue detailing draws the eye and adds a touch of flair to your everyday style, making it the perfect boot to pair with jeans, dresses and warm leggings for winter. 

Finally, if you like a suede ankle boot that provides contrast, our Black Suede & Patent Esk Heeled Ankle Boots were tailor-made for formal and casual occasions. 

Ideal for day-to-night dressing, their patent detailing makes them a great choice for pairing with leather-look leggings and an oversized blazer when heading to a gig, whilst looking equally as stylish when paired with tights, a leather midi skirt and pussy-bow shirt in the office. 

Shop ankle boots at Ravel 

Now you know how to style your ankle boots, why not browse for the perfect pair at Ravel? Available in a chic range of colours, including classic black and tan and in a choice of leather and suede, finding your new go-to pair has never been easier. Shop the collection to find the perfect style to fit your wardrobe!

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Top 5 Party Shoes For The Festive Season

How To Get The Office Siren Look 

Party season is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to choose your stylish festive party shoes.

With so many choices available, decision fatigue can sometimes make choosing your perfect pair of party shoes difficult.

Don’t worry; at Ravel, we’ve got you covered! 

In this blog we’re highlighting our favourite party shoes for women from our collection that align perfectly with the type of party you might be attending. 

So whether you want to look glam at your family Christmas get-together or elevate your style to new heights at your office Christmas party – it’s never been easier to find the perfect party pair!

Table of contents: 

What shoes to wear to a party

Cocktail Party

Christmas party with the girls 

Office Christmas party 

Family house party 

What shoes to wear to a party

Before settling on a pair of shoes for your Christmas party, there are some key things to consider to ensure style is secured without compromising your comfort! 

Location of the party 

The location of your festive soiree may influence your footwear choice. For example, will you walk to the party, take public transport, or hire a cab? 

If it’s one of the former, it’s probably worth considering your comfort! 

Unless you’re planning on travelling in flats and changing at the party, then comfort is key. Choose a lower heel or flat shoes and avoid anything that’s open-toed to ensure your feet stay warm during your travel.

If you’re arriving by cab or car, you can be a little more daring with your footwear choice! 

The type of party you’re attending 

The formality of the party you’re attending may influence your shoe choice. If it’s a house party, trainers provide comfort without compromising style. Whether paired with a dress or jeans and a festive jumper, trainers are a stylish go-to for off-duty dressing.

However, if you’re attending a cocktail party or a black-tie event, party sandals are a much safer bet and are more in keeping with a formal dress code.  

Carefully curating a colour scheme 

Choosing your perfect shoes for a party is a personal experience and whatever makes you feel fabulous is always the correct choice! However, if you’re struggling to mix or match your colours, here are some failsafe tips:

Black shoes never go out of style! 

Black shoes are super glamorous, and because they go with almost everything, they are the perfect core staple for your occasionwear wardrobe. 

If you’re heading to a fancy festive event in your little black dress, why not complete your look with chic black heels and add some accessories in a contrasting colour to break up the look? 

Match your shoes with your bag 

If you enjoy playing around with colour blocking, why not pair your shoes with your handbag and accessories? This is a great way to style a look made from two contrasting colours, adding a striking chic layer.

Don’t be afraid to put your toes on show

Just because it’s the festive season, don’t be afraid to wear open-toed sandals! If you’ve spent a fortune on that stunning pedicure, party sandals are the ideal way to show it off! 

Now we’ve given you some ideas towards the perfect party shoes for you, here are our top tips and shoe choices for each type of festive occasion. Whatever event you’re heading to this festive season, prepare to step out in style! 

Cocktail party 

When it comes to formal and glamorous Christmas parties, a cocktail party is the creme-de-la-creme! 

Most cocktail parties or Christmas balls come with a formal dress code, such as a black tie for men and cocktail dresses for women. With this in mind, rich colours and luxurious textures are a glamorous choice, helping to elevate your look from the floor up! 

Our Burgundy Velvet Surina Heeled Sandals were made with glamorous settings in mind.  Wear yours with your most lavish cocktail dress and accessorise with statement earrings and a contrasting clutch bag. Then, when the party’s over, style them with cropped jeans and an oversized, flowing blouse for a chic, casual look.

Or, if you’re looking for a similar style with an added wow factor, why not try our Dark Navy Satin Kelso Heeled Sandals? Adorned with all-over diamante embellishments, these chic sandals were made to turn heads!

Christmas party with the girls 

Is there anything more fun than a Christmas party with your friends? It’s the perfect excuse to get dressed up in a bold, statement outfit and dance the night away with your favourite people!

Christmas parties are an ideal opportunity to embrace festive glamour, so why not opt for rich jewel tones or festive shades when choosing your outfit? Or, if you prefer a more subtle, classic style, let your shoes do the talking!

Our chic Red Mulben Stiletto Heel Court Shoes add a touch of festive glamour to any party outfit. Stylishly embellished with edgy, rock-stud detailing and carefully balanced with a soft, rounded point-toe, they are the perfect combination of attitude and sophistication! 

Whether worn with jeans and a blazer, or a sparkly dress, these shoes offer statement style, whatever the occasion and their sleek 7cm heel makes them ideal for dancing the night away with your favourite ladies! After all, it is the season!

Office Christmas party 

It’s your office Christmas party, so you want to make an impression! Office Christmas parties are the perfect opportunity to showcase your personal style whilst still maintaining a degree of professionalism. 

If your office Christmas party has a dress code, you may want to choose your shoes based on that. If, however, you’re left to your own devices, and nothing has been suggested, then a smart casual outfit is a safe bet!

Loafers are always stylish if you’re looking for sophisticated, smart, casual footwear for your office Christmas party. 

Our Black Spey Loafers perfectly exemplify timeless style and on-trend detailing. The statement gold chain detailing to the vamp helps to add glamour to any outfit, whereas the chunky 6cm sole embraces the latest footwear trends whilst providing much-needed comfort for time spent on feet.

The ideal pairing to skirts (add in lace socks for a chic look -pictured), jeans and your workwear wardrobe; they’re the epitome of statement style meets versatility. 

Wear yours for your office party and create a sleek and sophisticated statement.

Family house party 

During the build-up to Christmas and across the festive period, family parties are a fun way to celebrate, exchange gifts and spend time with some of your favourite people. Whether you’re planning an ‘ugly festive jumper’ party or gathering together to see the New Year in style, the best thing about family events is that you can prioritise comfort when choosing your footwear!

If the dress code is relaxed or smart casual, embellished trainers are perfect for style and comfort! Our White Leather Berwick Lace-Up Trainers feature chic gold and silver metallic detailing to the toe box and side panels and are finished with a coordinating gold heel tab.  

The ideal trainers for festive events, they pair just as well with jeans and a sparkly Christmas jumper, as with a chic shimmering jumper dress and leather jacket. Also available in black leather, they’re a chic addition to any winter wardrobe! 

Shop for your festive party shoes at Ravel 

Now you’ve had time to explore our top 5 party shoe picks, why not shop for yours at Ravel? Whether you’re looking for party sandals, flats or heels, we’ve got an extensive selection of styles available in a range of classic and statement colours. Turn heads this party season by choosing your favourite pair today! 

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Cowboy Boots: A Timeless Fashion Staple 

If there’s one thing that the Autumn/Winter ’24 runways taught us, it’s that metallic shoes and boots aren’t going anywhere! After making a resurgence on the Spring/Summer runways, metallic footwear has proven that it is more than just a fad – it’s a must for any stylish woman’s wardrobe!

Metallics are ideal for classic and trend-focused wardrobes and can seamlessly transition across occasions and seasons. 

In this blog, we offer style tips on how to wear metallic shoes and boots for any occasion and showcase the best of our A/W ’24 metallics.

Table of contents: 

How to style metallic trainers 

How to style metallic loafers

How to style metallic boots

How to style metallic heels and sandals

How to style metallic trainers

White Leather Berwick Lace-Up Trainers 

In contemporary dressing, the role of trainers has changed. Once seen as a casual wardrobe staple, trainers are now widely accepted as a smart casual footwear choice that can be styled for everything from party wear to meeting friends for coffee. 

Whether you’re looking for a stylish footwear staple to pair with a new dress or jeans, metallic trainers are the ideal footwear choice this season, merging practicality with any style. 

If you’re unsure about wearing full-blown metallics, our women’s trainer collection features many classic styles finished with eye-catching and stylish metallic detailing.

Our chic White Lowther trainers feature decorative gold metallic studs instead of traditional eyelets and pair perfectly with everything from skirts to wide leg trousers! This exquisite metallic detailing elevates this everyday trainer’s profile for a sophisticated yet on-trend finish!

Or, if you want to go one step further with metallic styling, our Black Leather Berwick Lace Up Trainers feature gold and silver stud detailing to the toe and side panelling, complemented beautifully with a metallic heel tab. 

Their chunky sole gives these trainers a contemporary feel, making them the ideal accompaniment to many stylish everyday looks, including jumpsuits or jeans with a graphic tee and leather jacket. These stylish trainers are also available in white (pictured above). 

Silver Metallic Leather Carlton Trainers  Silver Metallic Lowther Trainers

Or, if you’re ready to embrace metallics fully, why not choose our Silver Metallic Leather Carlton or Lowther trainers? The sleek cleated sole and stylish detailing of the Carlton’s make them the perfect pairing to smock dresses.  They also look chic when paired with tailored trousers, chinos or jeans for the epitome of smart-casual dressing. The silver Lowther is stylish enough to be your go-to flatform trainer, whatever the occasion!

How to style metallic loafers

 Silver Metallic Tavy Loafers

If you’ve been searching for a new office shoe, a metallic loafer is a great way to inject fun into a classic look. Showcasing all of the formality of a regular traditional loafer, a metallic loafer creates a chic style statement when paired with an otherwise neutral outfit. 

Our Silver Metallic Tavy Loafers are essential for curating on-trend office chic. Featuring stylish tassel detailing, whether paired with jeans and a blazer or more tailored office outfits, this smart transitional shoe will be your go-to, irrespective of season. Or, if you prefer timeless style, why not try our Silver Talla Loafers?

How to style metallic boots

It goes without saying that boots are the perfect autumn and winter style staple.

Metallic boots can make a bold style statement. Inspired by all things ’70s disco and hazy party days, they help to add a shimmering and stylish finishing touch to your outfits. Choosing boots that best match your wardrobe and style is the key to maximising wear. Whether your style is alternative or overtly glamorous, here are our top metallic boots picks for the season and advice on how to style them.

Pewter Croc-Print Largo Pointed-Toe Ankle Boots

If you prefer your style with a glamorous twist, our Pewter Croc-Print Largo Ankle Boots (pictured above) are the perfect choice. 

An ideal option to help you elevate your everyday style, whether paired with a pencil skirt and T-shirt or with split-hem jeans and an oversized blazer, Largo boots offer a sophisticated silhouette and a polished chic finish to any outfit.

Just as stylish in the office as when worn for having drinks with friends, they’re ideal if you want a boot that easily transitions from day to night.

Gold Croc-Print Leather Louth Heeled Ankle Boots

If you covet stylish everyday dressing, then the Gold Croc Print Leather Louth Heeled Ankle Boots are the boots for you. A versatile boot, whether paired with a maxi denim skirt, tights and a black leather mini-skirt, or flared jeans for a ’70s-inspired vintage look, the Louth boots offer a striking finish. Crafted with exquisite attention to detail, you’ll reach for these chic gold boots all season long! 

Silver Metallic Leather Cline Cowboy Boots

Thanks to Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, Cowboy boots have been big news in 2024, and they aren’t showing any signs of going anywhere soon! If you’ve been dreaming of Western-inspired dressing, our Silver Metallic Leather Cline Cowboy Boots are the perfect addition to your shoe collection!

Featuring intricate detailing and the signature pointed toe associated with the style; they achieve the perfect blend between style and elegance – making them a stylish and versatile fit for day and night dressing. 

To curate stylish looks with your Cline boots, why not pair them with an all-black ensemble and delicate silver jewellery to allow them to take centre stage? Or, for a laid-back look, pair them with jeans, a blazer and a plain white T-shirt. 

Cowboy boots are a chic match to ditsy, floral-print dresses. They can make a bold statement when paired with denim shorts if you’re looking ahead to spring and summer, proving that Cowboy boots are a stylish and wearable option whatever the season!

Pewter Metallic Leather Leith Zip-Up Ankle Boots

If you prefer an edgy, alternative style of boots that make a statement, the metallic boots trend can still work for you! 

Our Pewter Metallic Leather Leith Zip-Up Boots offer a contemporary, chunky sole, contrasting black laces and a convenient side-zip, for stylish and practical dressing that helps you to make a strong style statement with every wear. 

Whether pairing yours with distressed jeans and a leather jacket or leggings and an oversized jumper, these statement boots offer many versatile dressing options whilst allowing you to show your true personality. 

How to style metallic heels and sandals

‘Tis the season to sparkle and shine, and what better way to do that than by adding some metallic heels or metallic sandals to your occasionwear wardrobe? When the festivities creep in, metallics always come out to play and whatever your style, you’ll find stunning metallics to suit it in our collection at Ravel. 

From chic metallic sandals to head-turning metallic embellished heels, it’s time to party in shimmering style!

Black Patent Lisset Heeled Open-Toe Sandals

Our chic Black Patent Lisset Heeled Open-Toe Sandals (pictured above) are the touch of glamour that your occasion wardrobe has been crying out for. Their exquisite silver pyramid studs allow you to embrace the metallic trend without stepping too far out of your comfort zone, epitomising effortless sophistication.

Featuring an elegant ankle strap and a unique sculptured heel, they’re the perfect choice for a night on the town, a wedding party or a luxurious office Christmas party. Pair yours with a bodycon dress, bold silver jewellery, and the Alston clutch bag for a glamorous and sophisticated look. 

 Bronze Croc-Print Edson Court Shoes

For timeless style, look no further than our Bronze Croc-Print Edson Court Shoes (pictured), the epitome of metallic glamour!

In a chic bronze shade, with a sleek pointed-toe and stiletto heel, this classic court shoe is a perfect choice for that important business meeting or for painting the town red, in this case, bronze! 

Pair yours with a little black dress this season, and let these sophisticated shoes do all the talking. These shoes boast meticulous attention to detail and offer a luxurious finish to any glamorous look, looking equally stylish with tailored trousers and an oversized blazer. 

Embrace the metallic shoe trend with Ravel 

Now you know how to take on the metallic footwear trend, why not shop for your perfect pair at Ravel? From showstopping gold sandals for the more glamorous occasions in your calendar to chic silver trainers for your everyday looks, adding stylish metallic footwear to your wardrobe has never been easier. 

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