Adding a pair of fabulous dressy shoes and clutch handbag to an outfit is one way to lift its style quotient. It injects a dose of modern refinement into the ensemble that looks feminine and current. The dressy shoe and clutch complement is NOT restricted to dressy skirt, frock and formal trouser ensembles. We’re talking about all sorts of outfits. Even ones that incorporate casual items, like distressed jeans, short shorts, T-shirts, upscale sweatshirts, dungarees, and silky track pants.

Visuals speak louder than words so take a peek at these greatly varying outfits that all have one thing in common — they put the dressy shoe and clutch complement into stylish action: 

• Fluid trousers and mandarin collared blouse. 
• Two-piece white dress with opaques and head scarf.
• Voluminous white-out with oversized moto and baggy trousers. 
• Slouchy trousers and sweatshirt. 
• A feathered coat dress. 
• Distressed boyfriend jeans and pajama shirt. 
• Cobalt two-piece dress with orange trim. 
• Skinnies, fluid sweater, and baseball cap. 
• Full skirt with bomber jacket and socks. 
• Patterned skinnies and moto jacket. 
• Shredded jeans and sweatshirt. 
• Leather dungarees and sweatshirt. 
• Sleeved romper.

All but one of these street style looks showcases high heels, but I want to reassure the non-heel and low heel wearers that dressy shoes needn’t be high heeled. Three of the outfits below showcase dressy flats. Also, a two inch heel can be “your version” of high heels. 

The complement works well with casual outfits, so it’s handy to have it represented in your wardrobe in case you need to dress up, but not look too dressed up. Add the complement to jeans and a fluid sweater or top and you’re ready for a casual party. 

I love the daytime clutch, but fully understand that you might find a shoulder bag or cross body bag more practical. In that case, reserve the dressy shoe and clutch complement for fancier occasions or evenings out.