going for the bold

Elizabeth Cole bracelet, grey denim

When I attended Garance Doré’s book signing back in December, I was inspired by her chic outfit of grey denim, a black top and pumps, and bold, art-deco earrings. Ever since, I’ve been dabbling with my own interpretations of that look.

In general I tend to prefer bold, striking accessories. I think they better complement my style, which most often includes simple separates in solid colors. I added the scarf here for some color but could also see this working with just some statement earrings (perhaps also with a bit of color). The trick has been finding earrings with visual impact that aren’t too heavy.

earrings | scarf (similar look) | top (similar) | bracelet | bag | jeans | shoes (similar style)

Elizabeth Cole, Givenchy

The gold and turquoise bracelet (c/o Halsbrook) is by Elizabeth Cole. The jewelry line was founded by Stephanie Owen in 2005, and is inspired by the American West, antique and vintage jewelry. All of the pieces are hand-made in the United States. Many of her styles hit that sweet spot for me between modern and bohemian. I love the more unusual mix of gold and turquoise, which makes it wearable with both casual and more dressy looks. It fastens easily with a push clasp.

What style of accessories do you wear most…bold, classic, bohemian, eclectic?

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34 Comments

  1. Fabulous look and so versatile. I love, love, love the scarf, but you are right. A great pair of statement earrings would also be sufficient. While I am being excessive with the “loves”, I also love the ankle strap demi wedges from Bloomingdale’s. I can see getting much wear out of something so stylish that look so very comfortable. You look wonderful, Susan.

  2. I love the gray denim on you. Especially flattering with your lighter hair color. My accessories are a bit over the map, but I tend to wear bold pieces now. Smaller ones feel insipid for some reason and I shy away from them.

  3. I love turquoise with gold. Your outfit looks great, but it would also look good without the scarf and some great earrings (if you’re going for more of the GD look)

  4. Love this look! The bracelet is beautiful. I recently bought a pair of gray jeans (inspired by one of your earlier posts) and find them very versatile.

  5. You look beautiful! I love your scarf. I’ve been wanting a pair of grey jeans since you posted about them last year. I even borrowed a pair of my daughters to see how I’d look, but haven’t bought a pair for myself yet.

    I’m in the “classic” set as far as jewelry goes. Simple elegance is where I usually end up. Small gold or silver hoops; some have diamonds others not, diamond studs, and I have a pair of Small teardrop gold dangle earrings I’ve had since my twenties I adore.

    A medium size hoop is Bold for me. 🙂 I do love to layer necklaces though. I probably would make my statement with that and keep my ears simple.

  6. Hmm. If you’re going for the Garance look, I’d say less is more. I’d do away with the scarf and the bracelet. Her look is restrained, almost strict — difficult to pull off when you’re drawn to color.

    1. Sisty, I find I can’t do as “strict” a wardrobe as many French women can pull off. I agree about the scarf in this instance, and will work on fine tuning the mix.

  7. It’s funny — right after I posted above, I saw an entry in Marie-Anne LeCoeur’s blog (How to be Chic and Elegant) about the French color rule. This rule was news to me, but I think it explains quite a lot. Under that “rule,” you wear no more than 3 colors at once, including your accessories. I thought there was something a little off about my own outfit today. I’m wearing dark blue jeans, a navy blazer, a white silk shirt, and brown shoes. And green onyx earrings. Just took off the earrings, and it’s an entirely different vibe. (Now I just have to hide my black handbag inside something brown — a paper grocery bag, perhaps?).

  8. Love all of your suggestions and ideas. Very helpful! Going to Italy in late August for almost 3 weeks…Venice, Florence/Tuscany, Amalfi Coast and Rome. Would really appreciate any suggestions on clothing, outfits, etc. Thank you!!

  9. My accessories are probably slightly on the bold side. I like a bigger watch, and my everyday, go-to earrings are one-inch hoops, but I often wear bigger hoops; one of my favorites is a pair of thick twisted gold hoops that are about 2 inches…my husband brought them back from a trip to Venice years ago! I don’t wear cuff bracelets, because my wrists are on the farmgirl side. But I have a collection of colorful enamel bangles I like to mix & match. I also have several vintage sparkly brooches I inherited from my mom & granny, which I try to incorporate into my style in a non-matronly way.

  10. I got a pair of gray denim over the summer and I really like it as an alternative….and I love your scarf! I tend to be bold…and occasionally go through moments to tone down the accessories…only to return to bold! This is a wonderful look for you!

  11. Love this look, Sue. I just received a promotional e-mail from Nordstrom this morning…featuring grey jeans. They look lovely for spring. Love the scarf. I also favour big earrings…probably due to my always short hair. And the fact that, like you, I love simple tops which need a bit of bling to jazz then up. But I’ve also been rediscovering small earrings in the last couple of months…small studs etc. I recently bought a beautiful pair of gold studs, and I love them as a nice change from my ubiquitous big hoops.

    1. Thanks, Susan. I’ve always preferred bigger earrings, but have found when I’m wearing statement necklaces, I either go without or go for something unobtrusive.

  12. I’m always impressed with your ability to bring an outfit to another level with a gorgeous scarf. Love the bracelet too! Beautiful outfit post!