There’s nothing better than a styling tool that doesn’t require any new purchases. Sometimes, all we need to feel brand new is a creative way to look at pieces already have in our wardrobes.
Lately, my favorite tactic gets extra mileage out of my summer clothes in the height of winter: I call it High Season Contrast Theory. Think of the high-low style rule, but specifically for high seasons. For example: wearing a fur coat with a summer wicker bag; wearing your linen pants with Fair Isle sweaters; or even styling shell necklaces with any of your leather or shearling jackets.
I’ve subconsciously been using this theory since I was young—I'm from the beach, so I've always gravitated towards high summer pieces year-round. As I’ve grown into my personal style and worked with clients on gaps in their wardrobe, this theory has become a fan favorite.
The most frequently asked question I receive as a wardrobe stylist is, "How can I use my styling muscle and get creative on my own?" The High Season Contrast Theory is an easy formula that helps you think outside of the box when it comes to styling yourself.
It’s all about the summer piece perfectly offsetting the winter season piece. It makes your outfit more playful and effortless, and a bit less expected.
What personally solidified this styling theory for me was seeing it on runways this year. In Michael Rider’s first Celine show (Resort 2026), the incoming creative director styled furs with wicker baskets. I was instantly inspired by the look below—and decided to recreate it with pieces I already had in my wardrobe. It was a simple and easy way to elevate my outfit without buying any new pieces this season. I wore a Bubish fur coat and my Paris 64 wicker bag, pulled out from under my bed with the rest of my summer accessories.
A really easy way to apply this styling tool is to keep out your summer jewelry year-round. When I'm not throwing on my Eliou Surf Pant or my Vince Linen pants with sweaters, I'm adding a touch of summer by simply wearing my favorite shell necklace or shell brooch with my fur and leather coats. I’ve added a few of my favorite summer accessories below.
