One Statement Piece
Learning about my style along the way!
This post started out as one thing and turned into something else as is often the case. I was going to write about my creative process for putting my outfits together but…as I started writing about each outfit, I realized that the common thread running through all of these looks isn’t a specific color palette or silhouette, but my love of a strong statement piece! Almost every look begins with that one item—the jacket, the shoe, the unexpected texture or detail that feels expressive enough to set the tone on its own. From there, the rest of the outfit becomes a conversation with that piece. It’s less about following a formula and more about letting something bold lead the way, allowing the look to feel personal and mine.
I know this is a long post, but if you scroll through and read the caption under each look, I know you’ll gain some inspiration and a few styling nuggets. I am visually inspired by Instagram and Pinterest and I save many outfit ideas so that I can go back and revisit when I think I don’t have anything to wear! I hope you’ll come back to this post…not to shop, but for inspiration and ideas!
For the look above…I started with the fabulous zebra skirt from Hunter Bell, which is a mix of navy, shades of gold and cream. The cowboy boots may not seem like the obvious choice, but they work beautifully, partly because of the metallic silver and gold, and partly because of the green in them. Remember, it’s always the strength of the color so a pastel wouldn’t have worked.
I kept things simple on the top with a short sleeve white tee and a cropped denim jacket letting the skirt and boots stand out. My necklaces are a strand of pearls layered with a green beaded malachite necklace from Hart which pulls the green from the boots upward. The vintage cigar bag somehow just works and compliments the skirt…not sure which makes a stronger statement. The gold tassel and red and green i handle (a slightly different of green, but close enough) add to the mix and feel right.
Don’t be afraid to try bags that contrast in color or even in style. Take the time to play around with accessories and see what happens because that’s where the magic happens! I would call this look boho with a twist and it’s one of my favorites from fall!
The adorable floral barn jacket (the statement piece for sure) is another favorite from Hunter Bell. I had known about this brand previously but just bought my first few pieces in the fall and I’m really kind of obsessed. I just purchased this dress and can’t wait to style it with the jacket! This outfit is really a no brainer, but the bag from Tory Burch makes it work (it’s a statement as well because of the color combo). The interior of the bag is a mustard yellow which looks amazing with the jacket. I kept everything else neutral and I think the off white jeans are unexpected. The booties and sweater are from Brochu Walker, the necklaces are from Julie Vos and Hart, the jeans are Veronica Beard.
This outfit may be the exception to the “statement piece” realization…but we all need an everyday basic look to fall back on. It’s made up of closet essentials but I do think that the subtle pattern mixing going on in this look is interesting. I started with the jeans from AYR and a striped sweater (also love this one) which again…no brainer, but added the brown vest (similar here) and the Gucci loafers with brown to tie everything together. These loafers (sadly no longer available) have been some of my most worn because they seem to go with everything (these are a great option). I love the pattern of the shoes with the striped sweater.
I think I’m a boho girl at heart…this look is so me! The blouse is from Mango from two years ago, but tops like this are so easy to find. You may also love the ones linked here.
The green suede blazer is new from Veronica Beard and I love the way the sleeves of the blouse hang down under the blazer. I’m wearing my very favorite skinny flare jeans from Veronica Beard with brown suede booties.
A good statement necklace can really make a look and this gorgeous pearl cross from Julie Miles always makes a statement and I wear it often. Use code CRAZYBLONDELIFE for 10% off anything from Julie Miles. The little pony hair bag adds a bit more interest to the look and makes a tiny statement!
This blazer is a dicky blazer which means you can zip a dicky into it to make it look totally different…alternately, a turtleneck or a tee would be amazing with it! It’s a 3 season blazer that I’ll keep forever! I love the mix of textures in this outfit as well as the contrast of the blazer with the flowy blouse!
One statement piece can truly make an outfit…
This fabulous bag from Coastal Clutch is the perfect finishing touch to a July 4th outfit. I have a collection of these fabulous bags and they always make the look! I’ve tied a red bandana around the handle of the bag to add a touch of red. The wide leg cropped flare jeans from Frank & Eileen are great styled with an older pair of cream, navy and red Gucci platform sandals (I also have quite a collection of these and will always keep them…the ones I’m wearing are probably 10 years old) and the crisp red and white striped blouse from Sarah Alexandra is a piece you’ll reach for often. Together, these pieces make an understated look for the 4th.
This two piece set from Tuckernuck is a statement. A matching floral set is always a head-turner (this Farm Rio top and pant combination is especially fun to wear right now). I unzipped the vest from the bottom so that the waistband shows, a small adjustment that visually elongates my leg. The suede bag finishes the look perfectly, though brown, black, or even pink would work just as well.
When is a leopard coat not a statement? This one from Mademoiselle Mink proves the point…its length adds warmth while instantly elevating a simple cream top with a black tie from and black coated pants from L’Agence. The gold bag is an older piece (I’ve linked a similar style here), and I’m wearing twenty-year-old Alexander Birman booties that I still reach for. I genuinely keep and wear my beautiful designer things…proof that investment pieces get better with time!
Pattern mixing at its best—because why not have a little fun? A poppy-print silk blouse from Milly stands up to leopard pants, while the red shoes and blazer pull the look together. A long strand of pearls knotted at the end from Julie Miles add a subtle ladylike element that balances the boldness of the patterns.
This gorgeous green dress from Ulla Johnson (similar here) is the statement. Fabulous peridot earrings (these would be gorgeous), metallic stilettos, and a matching bag (from Amazon no less…but no longer available in green) complement the look without competing, proving that the best accessories know when to step back.
Brochu Walker is one of my favorite brands, known for elevated basics alongside truly standout pieces that have become staples in my wardrobe. Here, I’m wearing their Everyday Denim Shirt with off-white jeans. What really makes this look are the Chloé platform sandals, an Ulla Johnson bag (similar here), and vintage Gucci sunglasses because fabulous accessories can transform even the simplest foundation.
I call this my Julie Andrews look from Livero, but I actually love it. The striped skirt with the calf hair bag from Tory Burch feels unexpected but effortlessly chic and the “Miss Amelie” gold Mary Janes from The Office of Angela Scott are too fabulous for words (and now on major sale). A flawless fall ensemble that doesn’t stop at one season…come spring or summer, all it needs is a colorful bag to feel fresh.
This was one of my very favorite summer looks…elevated boho and so fabulous! The colorful nubby silk top from Chan Luu ties at the sides and is also gorgeous with white. The jeans paired with Gucci platform sandals make my legs look a mile long (this is always a goal) and the funky straw bag (sold out but love this one) adds a touch more summer! I’m not sure which piece is the statement here…there are no rules for how many statement pieces you an wear at once!
A black faux leather pencil skirt is a closet essential…but why not choose one with grommets and plenty of pizzazz? This Brochu Walker skirt is a standout piece and the perfect starting point for countless looks, from casual to dressed up.
A tiny calf hair bag makes the perfect accent, while black suede boots ground the look. Finished with a fitted ribbed knit top featuring statement sleeves and topped with a faux fur jacket, this outfit strikes an ideal balance between edge and elegance.
This is a look I wore in early fall and one of my favorites. The fun sweater is from Amazon and only $38…you don’t always have to spend a lot and when you pair a less expensive piece with a designer piece, it automatically elevates it! Leopard pumps from Inez and a red bag from Tory Burch finish the outfit, with a pair of cool Amazon sunglasses adding the final touch.
I love to mix leopard prints! These versatile leopard pants from Sezane (a most definite statement) seem to work with everything and are a perfect jumping off point for many outfits! I added a cropped black cardigan, a leopard clutch bag, fabulous studded black loafers from The Office of Angela Scott and black sunglasses and of course, pearls from Julie Miles because I find that pearls work with nearly everything!
This is just a joyful look! The Marin pant from Spartina 449 fits me so well and comes in lots of prints and colors (also just discovered these from J. Crew). I paired these pink and orange pants (sold out) with a floral top that has the same colors. The pink espadrilles (similar), bag (older - similar here) and sunglasses make this an ideal summer look! Don’t be afraid to mix patterns as long as the colors work together!
I started with the brown corduroy pants from Frame (now 30% off) and layered in a fabulous top from Hunter Bell. The bag from Clare V (the Grande Fanny) picks up the green in the top perfectly, while the metallic Fraulein boots (the statement) echo the same shade which works perfectly. The green malachite necklace ties it all together. It’s a fun fall look that transitions through winter.
This look stands out first for the suede tunic from Sezane…a true keep-forever classic…but also for the contrast of the bag (I’ve had this one forever). Its trim echoes the tone of the top and suede booties, tying the palette together. I styled the tunic with skinny flare jeans and stiletto booties, a combination that elongates the leg and keeps the longer silhouette of the top in proportion. Turquoise jewelry finishes the look, adding just the right pop of color.
A statement jacket with a pair of jeans makes a great look in the spring. This jacket can be worn year round and has a detachable rhinestone embellished collar…the statement (similar here) and works with dresses and pants. I have it on with my Gucci platform loafers.
I’m a fan of statement shoes like the “Miss Day” loafer (now half price) from The Office of Angela Scott. They really jazz up a denim on denim look and I added Julie Miles pearls again…they just seem to work!
The sneakers from The Office of Angela Scott were the starting point for this look—once I decided on them, everything else followed. The lavender sweater (cardigan here) pulls the lavender from the shoe, while the Marin pant from Spartina 449 brings energy and personality to the look. The orange bag is the unexpected twist that makes the whole outfit feel intentional rather than safe. The necklace is from Julie Vos (love this one). Playing with color and texture is a great way to keep even the most basic pieces from feeling predictable. Clothes don’t have to be boring to be versatile—sometimes all it takes is one surprising choice to change the entire mood.
This look features the same black studded loafers worn earlier with the leopard pants, styled here with jeans and adorable Gucci socks (similar) for a playful twist. A classic tweed jacket from Spartina 449 (similar) keeps the look timeless, while the Love bag from Le Petit Joueur adds a big dose of personality and keeps everything feeling fresh and upbeat.
The more I scroll through and describe these outfits and how they came together, the more I realize that I love a good statement anything! This black dress from Lela Rose doesn’t need much because the statement is the dress. It’s a keep forever piece that I’ll always love. A simple white bag from Veronica Beard and black strappy sandals along with simple jewelry completes the look.
You can never go wrong with jeans and a white top. Add the gorgeous statement cross necklace from Julie Miles that glams up so many outfits—along with classic cream Gucci loafers and a tan tote, and you have a look that goes anywhere.
At the end of the day, getting dressed should feel inspiring, not complicated. My goal with this very loooong post is to encourage you to look at what’s already in your closet and come up with new ways to wear the pieces you love and then edit the rest. Reach for a statement piece and build your look around that piece…play a little more and trust yourself. I’ve been guilty of saving my “good” pieces for later, but later may never come…so wear your clothes!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and I would love your comments!
Thanks for reading today!
XOXO Suzanne