Summer fashion accessories that make all the difference
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In the heat of summer, you want to be wearing as few clothes as possible to cope with the sun’s glare. This often means fewer options for the fashionistas of the world, but it doesn’t always need to be the case.
Wearing fewer layers allows the opportunity for more accessories to be visible about your person, and this in turn creates easy ways to elevate your look each day.
Summertime is the perfect time to explore your creativity and find new ways to make your style brighter.
With these summer fashion accessories, there's no need to worry about running out of ideas or fashionable pieces for your wardrobe.
Here is a list of the best summer accessories to purchase this summer:
Hair scarves
These lightweight swathes of material are brilliant for summer, and can be worn as scrunchies, headbands, neckerchiefs or hair wraps. They can offer sun protection by blocking UV rays or providing shade to the face or neck, but are thin enough not to cause sweating and discomfort. They are soft, and can be obtained in a variety of different patterns and textures. These are perfect for stylish beach days or hot evening strolls, making sunkissed and seasalt hair waves even prettier.
Oh, and they’re perfect for keeping your hair out of your face while you enjoy your favourite summertime outdoor activities like biking or hiking!
Some of the reasons why you should wear headscarves this summer are:
- It's an inexpensive way to create new styles and look fresh.
- They are easy to find and buy in different colours and patterns.
- They suit any type of weather - they can be worn in winter or summer, as well as indoors or outdoors.
Click here to shop Floral head scarf
Summer chiffon floral triangle head scarf
Ankle jewellery
Jewellery is a great way to add some style to your summer wardrobe. But, it can be hard to find the right pieces that are both fashionable and functional. If you’re looking for something that will make all the difference this summer, try ankle jewellery.
Ankle jewellery is a great fashion accessory for summer because it has two major benefits: it’s both stylish and practical. Ankle jewellery is typically lightweight and doesn’t interfere with your outfit like other accessories might.
It also has the added benefit of making your legs look longer, which is always a plus!
It’s not often in winter, fall or even spring that you are able to wander around without socks or boots to warm your feet, which makes summer the perfect window of opportunity to show off adorable anklets. Simple chains in gold or silver, hanging charms or even faux-leather cords can add some great style to your legs.
Shop summer fashion anklet here
Toe rings
In the same vein of thought, toe rings are a delicate but beautiful accessory to brighten up your feet and add subtle elevation to your jewellery game. We recommend coordinating metal jewellery to the other pieces in your outfit, which is durable enough not to get worn away when walking. Copper, silver, and burnished golds are the go-to tones.
Since toe rings are so versatile, they can be worn with practically any outfit. Whether you’re wearing a sundress, a maxi skirt, or a pair of jeans and a tee, the right toe ring will complement your look perfectly. They can be worn with sandals, flip-flops, or even barefoot.
Plus, they add just enough sparkle to your outfit without being too over the top or flashy.
Sterling silver toe ring with leaf detail
Sandals
There’s no way to show off the above suggestions if you haven’t invested in some sandals. These are a staple item which shows that summer has truly arrived. There are many reasons why sandals are the perfect summer fashion accessory. They're comfortable, they're easy to put on and take off, and they can be worn with anything! They let your feet air and keep you cooler.
It’s worth investing in a beautiful pair of sandals, since they have the power to make or break an outfit. Go for a designer brand, such as Gucci. Gucci sandals, which combine the brand’s reputation of luxury and status with the relaxed, joyous feel of summer, are a great choice when assembling an outfit which shows off your taste level. The Italian fashion brand is synonymous with elegance and aesthetic, meaning you can find Gucci slides or even new Gucci Sandals that appeal to all interested in fashion.
Click here to learn about styling a mini dress in the summer and what shoes to wear.
Hats
Wide brimmed hats are the epitome of romantic appeal, which also offer a great level of protection on your head, face and neck (depending on the circumference of the brim, even your shoulders could get some shade!). These hats can come in a variety of styles, from floppy materials which are universally flattering, to a stouter structure which, for many people, is more practical.
Bucket hats have been rising in trends lately, especially for festivals.
Finally, caps can be used to brighten up an outfit and, when paired with hoop earrings or delicate jewellery, can really make an outfit look complete.
Sunglasses
This may seem obvious, but make sure the sunglasses you purchase actually have UV protection (this is often demonstrated by a small sticker but, if you are unsure, ask your retailer). Otherwise, you have invested money into an essentially useless frame, which offers no protection against the sun. The same goes for the trendy, mini-sunglasses, which are not designed for practical wear. We suggest investing in large glasses, which are also rising in popularity and allow for both fashion and functionality.
Recycled ocean plastic sunglasses
Walnut wooden polarized sunglasses
Plastic free seashell sunglasses
Nails
Bold tones are the way to go for summer nails, but this doesn’t mean garish or clashing colours. Depending on your skin tone or outfit, you may want to alter the colour of your nails to match. For paler skin, blue tones ranging from baby to deep are a fantastic complement, especially when paired with silver jewellery. The same goes for sage greens, cool reds and pinks. For a darker complexion, bright yellows and reds with warm orange tones are a gorgeous pairing, as well as regal purples and deep luxurious greens with blue undertones. You can visit your local salons to achieve these colours, or for a cheaper approach, invest in some high-quality varnishes.
Cruelty free vegan nail polish mustard yellow
Bags
Cross body bags are the obvious choice for summer, as no one wants to lug around large handbags in sweltering heat. However, while dainty bags are all the rage, you want to get a bag that can fit the summer essentials: water bottle, sunglasses, lip balm and some face and body sun cream. And of course, when a custom keychain appears on your bag, it makes your summer even more fashionable.
Handwoven large straw tote bag
Final word
This list has provided some useful guidance on which accessories you need and what types to get for this summer in order to have a stylish but also comfortable time in the outfits you pick. Taste is an individual and personal thing, but these rough structures can provide some much-needed direction from which you can explore your own sense of fashion. The most important thing is for you to feel happy in the clothes and accessories you wear.
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Originally posted in 2021 and updated in 2022.