The Style Dossier | May 2026

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Hi lovelies!

Welcome to May’s Edition of The Style Dossier. I was thinking recently that summer should, theoretically, be the easiest time to get dressed. Less layering, lighter fabrics, you’d think it would just work itself out. And yet… every year I find myself getting caught in the cycle or wearing the same few pieces on rotation and somehow still standing in front of my closet feeling like I have nothing to wear or feeling overwhelmed analyzing my options.

This month I wanted to actually dig into why that happens and what helps. I’m not talking about a massive wardrobe overhaul, more like the small shifts that make getting dressed feel less like of a chore and morphing it into something that feels second nature.

With that, here’s what I have for you guys in today’s newsletter:

+ Summer Accessories That Can Change an Outfit
+ Packing Vs. Real Life: Why Your Travel Style Feels Better
+ 10 Pieces Carrying my Summer Wardrobe
+ Shoes That Can Make or Break a Summer Outfit

Here’s what I have planned to share this week on Substack:

+ Between Us, vol. 11: I’ll see you guys in this Saturday’s newsletter where we’ll discuss the top five summer beauty products I’d recommend [and have had in rotation for years!], non-obvious things I always pack for summer travels, my Nordstrom Savings Event picks, and more!

straw hat | green earrings | silk twilly | bead tote bag | seashell necklace | lemon bag charm | sunglasses | tortoise shell glasses | claw clip | bracelet stack | citrus bracelet

In honor of the release of Devil Wears Prada 2 [has anyone seen it yet?] I bring you, accessories. The “iconography used to express individual identity” and the warriors that do more work in summer than any other season. I don’t think people talk about that enough.

When you’re dressed in something simple i.e. linen pants, a basic dress, denim and a tank…there’s not really anything doing a super heavy lift. No interesting coat, no layering situation, no real texture happening. So if the accessories are an afterthought, the whole outfit kind of lands flat.

What I’ve found is that it’s usually one thing that changes the whole thing.

Consider incorporating pieces into your outfit like a …

Bag charm: Clip it onto whatever bag you've been carrying on repeat and suddenly it feels new again. A little raffia lemon, very summer, zero effort

Beaded bag: The wood bead detail is what got me. The detail is subtle enough that it doesn't compete with anything else you may have on and adds texture so the bag doesn't read basic.

Bracelet stack: Natural tones, and a layered look you put on and forget. Once I put these on, I’d have no plans to take them off.

Wide brim hat: Classic shape, and loving the leather band. Pulling double duty over here with real UPF protection, which to me is an investment that makes sense.

Summer Accessories to Consider