Hysteria The Shackle of Ophelia Necklace, $575 at Hysteria Jewelry

Ansell’s go-to necklace this summer is the one she’s wearing around her neck right now. 

“It’s all handmade in sterling silver...and this one’s oxidized, so this one really shows that gothic undertone,” she says. “I designed it in a padlock form as a way to take back this symbol that historically has represented being shunned and taken away.” 

“What’s fun about the shackle is that it actually opens from the front, so you can take it on and off super easily,” she says. “It’s a really great statement piece.

Doên Daphne Dress in Salt, $298 at Doên 

Ansell “loves” the idea of pairing a “white, maybe ruffly, more feminine dress,” with pieces like the Shackle of Ophelia necklace. 

“I’ve shown this Doên vintage inspired white cap sleeve dress with really rugged accessories,” she says. “I think it’s airy, flowy. It also has really nice neckline detailing. It really draws your eye upwards, and the sleeve allows you to wear it wherever. I think it’s really breezy for everything from a beach look to a city weekday night casual dinner.”

Steve Madden Astor Black Leather Boots, $160 at Steve Madden

That rugged pairing comes into play with Ansell’s favorite pair of moto boots. 

“I think they’re a nice staple,” she says. “I always tend to, when I’m going for shoes and new styles, try a cheaper option first and see if I wear that style a lot. If I tend to reach for it frequently, then I will invest in a nicer pair. I think the Steve Madden one is kind of a good starting point for people, and it’s quite comfortable.”

Rounding out the look

“Accessories, I’m all about the accessories,” Ansell says. “To me, that’s what kind of makes the outfit.” 

For a look like this, Ansell says to stay with the “black theme” when grabbing your extra accessories. A thin pair of sunglasses, your favorite black bag and even a low slung black belt can take a traditional white summer dress somewhere cooler, darker, and more unexpected.

Vehla Dixie Sunglasses, $250 at Vehla

With summer comes the need for a stylish set of sunnies. “For this outfit, there’s a brand called Vehla, and they have kind of like a lighter brown pair,” she says. “It’s not an aviator, but it’s kind of in that style. It’s a different material, and I really love those — I pull for them a lot.”

Chic but subtle, these frames add instant personality to a look — and the rest can follow from there. Her pick — the honey tort/graphite colorway — is sold out, but this darker pair is great for heading into fall with, too.  

Sea Alina Top, $495 at Sea

“This outfit is really inspired by the fringe and bohemian renaissance that's coming back right now,” says Ansell. “I’m really leaning into the fringe and the tassel moment that we’re having.”

As we all know, the best styles are the ones you have fun in, and fringe injects that into any sartorial situation. “I also think it’s just fun to wear,” says Ansell. “I have a fringe skirt and it’s just fun the way it moves.”

Playing with proportions 

The rest of the look really comes down to balancing the statement top with easy pieces you probably already own. 

“I like pairing a long top like that with micro shorts or mini shorts, just because it’s a fun moment, especially in the summer, to not be wearing a ton of clothes and showing your legs more,” she says. “I also think a platform heel is a really nice moment for the bohemian vibe.” 

And a platform heel adds some height while still keeping you comfortable which is great if you’re not the most comfortable in traditional heels. 

With the fringe top having more of a neutral cream color, Ansell says it’s the perfect opportunity to add some brightness to the look. 

“I like the idea of pulling in color with accessories,” she says. “Especially if you have a pretty neutral palette clothing wardrobe, I think you can really play up color in your accessories and make things interesting with your jewelry, with your bags, with your sunglasses.

“I think it’s an easy way to add some interest to an outfit.”