Simple Styles Boost Accessories

Whose idea was high, skinny heels, anyway?

For the dubious opportunity to wobble across the floor, you can thank a New Orleans madame. She imported the French heel to America in the 1880s when she saw that the sexy shoes improved her business.

This tidbit can be gleaned from the new book, “Chic Simple: Accessories” (Alfred Knopf, $25) published this month by editors of Esquire.

For women who look at a beige suit and see only a beige suit, it opens up new lively possibilities for establishing a personal fashion statement.

“Basics plus accessories equal versatility,” the authors declare. What’s more, it’s a lively read.

As for the beige suit, consider, on one hand, colorful pastel silk scarfs with floral gold jewelry and, second and more urban, black lace-up oxfords, a black drawstring tote and a brown plaid scarf at the neck.

Kim Johnson Gross, co-author, says fashion magazines don’t do a very good job of presenting accessories. In these days of minimal fashion and simple styles, the extras are all the more powerful.

Gross says her favorite constants include a tank watch, a nylon tote bag and some “little gold hoops.”

Other points:

Some enduring items you can count on include a charm bracelet, a Chanel bag, a chunky chain bracelet or an animal-print scarf.

A scarf should be of a flattering proportion.