This Time Of Year, It’s All About The Accessories

Style blogger Susan B. wears a black silk shirt, skinny jeans, crossbody bag and leopard print shoes. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Summertime Blues…

There are some people who can’t wait for the warmth of summer because they love wearing as little clothing as possible. And they never want summer to end.

I am not one of those people.

I like clothes. I’m more comfortable when I’m somewhat covered up. And layering is one of the primary ways I create visual interest with simple pieces, so warm seasons are a challenge for me style-wise.

Wearing: earrings (similar) | blouse | bag | jeans | bracelet | bangle (similar) | shoes (similar)

Easy, With Interest…

My summer uniform this year has been a lightweight, easy-fitting shirt worn with ankle-length lightweight jeans or Little Black Pants. It’s comfortable and feels pulled-together enough. But it does get boring, so I rely on accessories for variety and visual interest.

Details: style blogger Susan B. wears Sam Edelman leopard print pumps.

A little leopard print always jazzes things up. These shoes are from last year, similar here.

Details: style blogger Susan B. wears a J.Crew crossbody bag.

One of the style insights I picked up in Paris last winter was that a lighter colored bag will break up and lift a darker outfit. I’ve been on a hunt for a smaller crossbody bag in a camel or caramel color. This one is lightweight and a perfect size for daily use. And very reasonably priced!

Lively Leopard Print…

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20 Comments

  1. Oh my gosh, so am I……bored with summer dressing…..however, living in Florida, we have a few more months of dressing challenges. To cool in the air conditioning for short sleeves, always bring a jacket or wrap…..too hot for long sleeves……90 plus degrees going to the car and out and about…..a sure dilemma…….I’m planning to go somewhere cool in August……

  2. I’m definitely one of those people who loves to be free of layers (also: free the toes! sandals rule!).
    But you’re so right that lightening up means accessories are the way to add punch–great earrings, a bracelet, cool shoes, a pretty bag. Light-colored bags are indeed very fashionable in France in the summer. Sometimes in pastels (or even bright colors), as well as neutrals.

  3. Yes Indeed. Can’t wait to get back into the dark tights, jackets and ankle boots! I’ve been breaking up my navy blue “uniform” with cross body bags in lime green, red and bright yellow, one or two were expensive but often good quality second hand bags pop up on eBay particularly in unusual colours.

  4. Is that a blouse from Amour Vert? I think I have the same style in two different patterns, hah! It looks lovely in an elegant black, as well (though I told myself I should not get a *third* shirt in the same style).

  5. So nice, with the leopard print shoes. I wish I could manage a heel on an everyday basis, but I’m just too much of a klutz. But I just had the revelation that maybe I could find some leopard print sneakers. I love that blouse. Do you have some sort of fashion magic that keeps away the oily stains on dark colored silk? Every piece I buy ends up with dark stains. Or maybe we’re just back to the klutz problem.

      1. I like those sneakers! Thanks for the heads up. Also, the snakeskin oxfords are to die for. Now, where is my credit card? Lol
        Like you, I much prefer fall weather. I love the cooler temps. It feels wonderful to change my wardrobe up from my boring summer selection, although, like francetaste I do love free goes. Ha!

  6. I love cross body bags. I jushttps://www.toryburch.com/gemini-link-patent-cross-body/39557.html?start=1&dwvar_39557_color=236t purchased a similar color bag just to liven things up. I’ve had a summer uniform too. Boyfriend jeans and button down linen shirts all in pretty basic colors. Here in New England it gets chilly pretty early and we wear layers and heavier clothing sometimes into May. NOT looking forward to the 8 months of sweater weather and will miss my warm weather clothing.

    1. Forgot to add I purchased the above bag in UMBER. A really great color that will make all that black and navy hopefully pop!

  7. I am with you Susan. Winter style: scarves, jackets, layering jackets over longer sweaters or tees, hats, caps, brooches… just love the abundance of creativity that comes with winter wardrobes.

  8. I have a fair amount of black linen just for this time of year, when I get tired of “summer colors”, but it’s too hot outside to go full on fall. I also always have a black summer style bag for August because I get so tired of the light colored bags by now.

  9. I adore your style, and like you am a leopard print aficionada. I like layering, but in summer it’s just too hot so I want to wear less. I was rather self conscious because I’m not in perfect shape, my legs are marred, my thighs have cellulite, etc. But I noticed other women with the same issues not caring, so I stopped caring as much. Plus, Sally Hansen airbrush legs have made bermuda shorts and bare legged dresses possible. The maxi dress trend has been great too! I wear lots of solids, so accessories are key for me. I love scarves, cuff bracelet and big earrings.

  10. Another Autumn/Winter girl here probabley because our Summers in the UK are so short. Love Saint James striped tops and their sweaters are beautifully made. A bit pricey but well worth it. I can wear the stripes now on a cool day and add a gilet later. Smart casual clothes are my lifestyle now.

  11. I totally agree with you Susan. Too much bare skin for me or sweaty armpits! It’s going to be in the 50’s tonight here in Michigan so fall is heading our way! It’s my favorite season. Anyway, I love the tip you gave about a lighter colored bag. I’m really going to look for something lighter for the fall. Thanks so much! Julia

  12. I am totally adoring your bag. And it is indeed very mildly priced. As I am getting leopard booties end of September, I wanted to copy you. And that is where my stingy nature popped up again. It will cost me about $ 50 in shipping and tax. Knowing it is an imported Italian bag makes the feeling worse. So I decided to hunt for a bag like this in Europe. Probably ending up paying more for a bag less cute haha. I wish I didn’t have so much temptation of USA sites.
    Great styling again Susan. This is a really good outfit.
    Greetje