Snakeskin is often more subtle than cheetah, leopard or zebra patterns, which might be more your cup of tea. Wear it in the form of an accessory and it’s one way of adding depth to your outfit because it represents both pattern and texture. The snakeskin bag and belt below are great value and pretty good quality. But above all, they are versatile because they can be dressed up or down, pattern mixed, and have high longevity. 

• Natasha Couture Foldover Snake Embossed Clutch: This clutch shape is fab because it’s structured, lightweight and roomy as far as clutch handbags go. It also has an optional short shoulder strap, and comes in green, blue, pink and tan. 

• Calvin Klein 1 1/4″ Reversible Polished Nickle Logo Buckle Belt: A simple modern classic design that is great with jeans or trousers. This style is reversible, so you’ll score an additional simple black belt for the price of one. 

It has reached the stage where I think of a subtle snakeskin pattern, like the one shown in the belt, as a “false plain”. A false plain is a subtle monochromatic texture or pattern that acts like a solid. I think of glen plaids and some tweeds and houndstooth patterns in the same way.