Southern Style: 10 Things This Girl Can’t Live Without

Signature Southern style is timeless. From classic jewelry pieces to a combination of comfort and style, there are some staples every Southern gal needs in her closet. Now, if you think the first item on my list is a set of pearls, you’re in for a surprise. Although I love pearls in all types of fashion, I have one particular pearl bracelet with profound significance. It isn’t included in this list because it deserves a special mention of its own (highlighted at the bottom of this post). So, for now, here are my top 10 favorite Southern style staples that are always in my closet.

Southern Style Etiquette

Gold Hoops

Gold hoops are my statement piece and go-to accessory. They add flair to any outfit, whether you wear your hair up or down. Plus, they never go out of style. 

A Crisp White Cotton Blouse

I love a clean white blouse because it goes with anything, and you can dress it up with a lovely skirt or keep it casual with some blue jeans. If you love the style, you can purchase your favorite blouse in multiple colors, too.

Gold Wedge Heels

Wedge heels are the perfect combination of fancy yet functional. You can wear them to a summer BBQ, church service, summer wedding, or simply out to lunch with the girls. 

A Great Fitting Pair of Jeans

Cute, casual, Southern living is accomplished with a great fitting pair of blue jeans. There are many styles to choose from, and some of my favorites are boot-cut, straight-leg and skinny jeans.

A Classic Bag

Keep it simple and classy with a Southern bag that goes with anything and can hold all your necessities. 

Bangles and Bangles of Gold Bracelets

Gold bracelets are a Southern style staple, and they also happen to be very popular right now. For optimal comfort and style, wear seven bracelets or less. This way, the accessories add to your look without being over-styled.  

TKEES Flip Flops

A simple yet elegant sandal is hard to come by. Fortunately, TKEES has created an exceptionally comfortable, classy flip flop that comes in a variety of colors, perfect for a Southern summer. 

A Pretty Sun Dress (or Five)

You simply can’t go wrong with a pretty sundress. It’s another one of those Southern style pieces that you can grab and confidently wear for nearly any occasion. Keep it casual with your TKEES flip flops, or dress it up with your gold wedges and hoop earrings. 

Lip Gloss with Sparkles to Go Over Any Lip Color

When you think of ways to elevate your style, you might think of shiny jewelry or high-heeled shoes. However, the Southern way is to simply add a layer of shiny, sparkly lip gloss over any lip color. 

Beautiful Stationery and Personalized Gift Tags

While not a Southern fashion item, I always make sure to have beautiful stationery and personalized gift tags on hand to show genuine Southern hospitality. Every gift I give comes wrapped with a personalized note full of love and thoughtfulness. 

The Pearl Bracelet This Southern Girl Can’t Live Without

One of my favorite items in my jewelry box is a lovely pearl bracelet that’s not very expensive but meaningful beyond measure. It has been strung and restrung time again by an elderly neighbor who has since passed away. I will always remember Joyce, who was a master at stringing beads and always insisted I not pay her for her tedious work. Of course, a true Southern girl won’t take advantage of another, and I always made sure she was well compensated with a beautiful thank you note, a little something in the card to show my gratitude and a casserole to eat. 

Joyce was much more to me than a neighbor, and the pearl bracelet I continue to wear and enjoy throughout the years means much more than a piece of jewelry. It’s a special memory of someone in my life who showed me kindness and true grace. She was from Denmark and would dazzle me with her stories and her special recipes. She loved cats and had a heart for all people. When I wear her bracelet, I wear a piece of Joyce, who represents attributes I admire.

For more information, check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like Hosting a Family Reunion Southern Style. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.