Basic Accessories for the Summer

Accessories help refine and complement a look the same way strawberries bring out the hidden, delicious flavor in vintage champagne. OK, that might have been a rather clichéd metaphor, but the basic principle does come across: whether you're relentless fans of the ultra-trendy or you're more on the classical side, accessories help you define and better express your style and personality. They can tone down an outfit, make it super cool, add a dreamy touch or make a bold statement, depending on your tastes and moods. It's therefore important to know what's new in the ever-changing world of accessories, especially now that summer is almost here and we're all looking forward to trying on some refreshing new holiday styles. So here are a few things any good, fashion-prone girl should know.

One thing to keep in mind is that oversize bags are rapidly losing ground faced with the fierce competition from the clutch or box clutch handbags. Which is great news, considering that we had all pretty much eased ourselves into a sort of lazy, self-assured state of complacency, knowing that we had pretty much half our cosmetics, a spare scarf and a million other semi-useless things at hand in our bags, which were getting heavier and heavier by the day. Now that we're told we have to downsize our bags, we really have to get to work picking out those things that we really do need to tote around on a permanent basis. Small clutches the size of a money purse wallet are heaven for our shoulders and backs. There's also the added bonus of buying more of them to match our flowery print dresses and tiered semi-sheer pastel tops – so full speed ahead for the clutches.

The other thing to keep in mind can be summed up in five words: skinny belts and corsage flowers. Whether we're talking jackets, trousers or dresses, the skinny belts are coming back into fashion and they're the ultimate mark of good taste. We can buy them already paired to various items of clothing, or we can buy them separately and make the combinations ourselves. Same goes for the corsage flowers that bring back the vintage air and subtle glamor of old ballrooms. This summer, anything flowery goes – from patterned and printed footwear to cuffs, bangles and earrings. And if it's all in shades of purple and olive green – so much the better.


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