Summer is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe and experiment with fun, trendy accessories. The right accessories can take a basic outfit from drab to fab in an instant. They allow you to express your personal style and creativity without having to overhaul your entire closet.
Accessories are the cherries on top of any well-put-together outfit. They can add a pop of color, a touch of shine, or an interesting texture to elevate your look. Summer accessories in particular tend to be more playful, colorful, and lightweight compared to their winter counterparts.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, attending a summer wedding, or just running errands around town, the right accessories can make you look and feel your best. They can transform a simple jeans and t-shirt combo into a chic ensemble or take a basic sundress to the next level.
So, what are the must-have accessories for summer? Here are my top 10 picks that every fashion-savvy gal should have in her wardrobe:
1. Statement Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays while making a bold fashion statement with a pair of oversized or uniquely shaped sunglasses. Look for bright colors, interesting frame shapes, or embellished details to really make them pop. Sunglasses are the ultimate summer accessory because they’re both practical and stylish.
Choose a pair that complements your face shape and features. For example, if you have a round face, triangular or rectangular frames to balance out your soft curves. If you have a heart-shaped face, look for cat-eye or aviator styles to accentuate your cheekbones.
2. Colorful Jewelry
Add a pop of color to any outfit with vibrant jewelry pieces like beaded necklaces, colorful hoop earrings, or stackable bangles. Mix and match different colors and textures for an eclectic, boho-chic vibe.
Summer is the perfect time to experiment with bold, bright jewelry that you might shy away from during other seasons. Don’t be afraid to mix different metals like gold and silver or pair warm and cool tones together.
Colorful jewelry can instantly brighten up a neutral outfit or complement a patterned sundress. Choose pieces that make you happy and reflect your personal style.
3. Straw Hats
A wide-brimmed straw hat is a summer essential, providing both sun protection and effortless style. Choose a classic floppy sun hat or a more structured fedora shape, depending on your personal preference.
Not only do hats protect your face and scalp from sunburn, but they also add a chic, put-together element to any summer outfit. Pair a straw hat with a flowy maxi dress and sandals for a beach-ready look or wear one with denim shorts and a tank top for a casual, cool vibe.
When choosing a straw hat, look for one with a comfortable, adjustable fit and a brim width that suits your face shape. Position the hat slightly tilted or straight on your head, depending on your hairstyle.
4. Lightweight Scarves
A lightweight, printed scarf is a versatile summer accessory that can be worn in many different ways. Tie it loosely around your neck, wear it as a headband, knot it onto your handbag, or even use it as a makeshift beach cover-up.
Look for scarves made from breezy, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or bamboo. Floral prints, tie-dye patterns, and bright colors are all great options for summer.
A scarf can add a pop of print or color to a solid outfit or complement the colors in a patterned ensemble. It’s an easy way to change up your look without a lot of effort.
5. Anklets
Anklets are a cute, playful way to accessorize summer sandals and bare ankles. Look for dainty chain anklets, colorful beaded anklets, or anklets with small charms for a whimsical touch.
Anklets draw attention to your feet and can make your legs look longer and leaner. They’re a great way to add a bit of sparkle or shine to a casual outfit.
Mix and match anklets with other beach-inspired accessories like toe rings, shell necklaces, and woven bracelets for a full boho-beach vibe. Just be sure to choose anklets that fit comfortably and won’t irritate your skin.
6. Woven Bags
Swap your heavy leather handbag for a lightweight woven straw or rattan bag during the summer months. A structured basket bag or roomy tote is perfect for beach days, picnics, or weekend farmers market runs.
Woven bags add a natural, earthy element to any summer outfit and pair well with flowy dresses, linen pants, and breezy tops. Look for bags with interesting details like colorful embroidery, pom poms, or leather trim.
Choose a bag size that fits your essentials and lifestyle. A small crossbody basket bag is great for hands-free exploring while a larger tote can fit your sunscreen, water bottle, and beach reads.
7. Hair Accessories
Keeping your hair off your neck and face is a must during hot summer days. Jazz up your ponytails, braids, and updos with stylish hair accessories like pearl barrettes, colorful scrunchies, printed headbands, or embellished bobby pins.
Hair accessories add a feminine, playful touch to any hairstyle and can dress up a casual outfit in seconds. Mix and match different colors and textures for a trendy, eclectic look.
Look for hair accessories that complement your hair color and texture. Tortoiseshell clips look chic in dark hair while gold barrettes pop against blonde strands. If you have thick hair, choose larger, sturdier accessories that can hold your hair in place.
8. Body Chains
For a bit of beach-ready bling, layer a delicate body chain over your bikini top or one-piece swimsuit. You can also wear a body chain underneath a low-cut top or dress for a sexy, subtle peek of shine.
Body chains instantly elevate any summer outfit and add a bohemian, festival-inspired vibe. Look for chains with small charms, crystals, or coins for extra visual interest.
Choose a body chain length that flatters your neckline and torso. A shorter chain will sit higher on your chest while a longer chain will drape down your stomach. You can also layer multiple chains of different lengths for a trendy, stacked look.
9. Vape Accessories
If you enjoy vaping, summer is a great time to upgrade your vaping setup with some stylish accessories. For a sleek and modern option, check this collection of vape kits to find the perfect one to complement your summer aesthetic.
Vape kits come in a variety of colors, patterns, and finishes to suit every style preference. From rose gold to iridescent rainbow, there’s a vape kit out there to match any summer outfit.
Look for vape kits with features like adjustable airflow, temperature control, and long battery life for the best vaping experience. Some kits even come with interchangeable decorative panels so you can switch up your look on the go.
10. Layered Necklaces
Create a chic, layered look by combining necklaces of varying lengths, styles, and pendant sizes. Mix dainty chains with bold statement pendants, chokers with long lariats, or different metal tones for an on-trend, eclectic vibe.
Layered necklaces add visual interest and dimension to any neckline and can dress up a basic t-shirt or complement a plunging dress. Choose a cohesive color scheme or mix metals for an edgier look.
When layering necklaces, start with the shortest one and work your way down to the longest. Adjust the lengths so that each necklace is visible and not tangled with the others. You can also play with texture by mixing chains, beads, and pendants.
| Accessory | Styling Tips |
| Sunglasses | Choose a shape that complements your face shape and features |
| Jewelry | Mix metals, colors and textures for an eclectic look |
| Hats | Position the brim slightly tilted or straight, depending on your hairstyle |
| Scarves | Tie loosely around your neck, on a bag, or in your hair |
| Bags | Pair a structured basket bag with a flowy sundress |
With these 10 must-have summer accessories, you’ll be turning heads and staying stylish all season long. The key to accessorizing is to have fun, express your personal style, and choose pieces that make you look and feel your best.
Remember, you don’t need to wear all of these accessories at once. Start with one or two statement pieces and build your outfit around them. Mix and match different accessories to create new looks and keep your summer wardrobe feeling fresh.
Investing in quality, versatile accessories is always a good idea. Look for pieces that can be worn multiple ways and will last for many summers to come. Proper care and storage will also help extend the life of your accessories.
So go ahead and stock up on these summer must-haves. Your wardrobe (and your Instagram feed) will thank you. Happy accessorizing!
