Welcome to your ultimate guide to summer fashion!
As the days get warmer and the sun shines brighter, it’s time to refresh our wardrobe with accessories that not only complement our outfits but also make a bold style statement. In this post, I’m going to highlight the top 10 must-have accessories worth investing in this summer. From eye-catching sunglasses to versatile tote bags, these pieces are designed to elevate your look and keep you on-trend all season long. Whether we’re heading to the beach, a garden party, or a casual brunch, these accessories will ensure we stand out and look trendy effortlessly, even while wearing items of clothing we’ve been having for years.
…and never forget to check second-hand shops: they usually are the best source when it comes to finding statement pieces!!
Let’s dive in and discover how to transform our summer style with these essentials!
My top-10 fashion accessories you might need to elevate your summer outfit in 2024
Let’s be honest: fashion accessories can significantly elevate any outfit, especially in the summer when you can experiment with lighter and more vibrant options.
Here are some of the best fashion accessories to consider for summer 2024:
- Statement Sunglasses
Bold, oversized, and uniquely shaped sunglasses are a must-have. Look for colorful frames, geometric shapes, and tinted lenses to add a touch of personality to your summer look.
- Wide-Brimmed Hats
Not only do they protect you from the sun, but wide-brimmed hats also add a chic and sophisticated touch to any outfit. Choose straw hats, fedoras, or even bucket hats with a twist.
- Layered Necklaces
Layered necklaces continue to be trendy. Mixing different lengths, styles, and even metals can create a versatile and eye-catching look. Opt for shells, pearls, and charms to add a summery vibe.
- Colorful Scarves
Lightweight, colorful scarves can be worn in multiple ways: as a headband, around the neck, or even tied to your handbag. They add a pop of color and can instantly refresh a simple outfit.
- Chunky Sandals
Comfort meets style with chunky sandals. Platforms, flatforms, and thick-soled sandals are in vogue, offering both height and comfort. Look for bright colors or metallic finishes to make a statement.
- Tote Bags
Oversized tote bags are perfect for summer. They are practical for carrying all your essentials and can be very stylish. Choose natural materials like straw, canvas, or woven textures for a beach-ready look.
- Bold Earrings
From oversized hoops to colorful tassels and geometric shapes, bold earrings can instantly elevate your look. They draw attention to your face and can complement any outfit.
- Belts
Cinch in your waist with a stylish belt. Wide belts, especially those in vibrant colors or with unique buckles, can transform a simple dress or oversized shirt into a more structured and fashionable ensemble.
- Anklets
Anklets are making a comeback and are perfect for showing off during sandal season. Look for delicate chains, beaded designs, or even layered anklets to add a subtle yet stylish touch.
- Minimalist Watches
A sleek, minimalist watch in gold, silver, or a pastel color can be both functional and fashionable. Opt for designs with clean lines and simple dials, to have it as versatile as possible.
Modernize Your Summer Look: Shopping Tips
Here are some mid-range and high-street brands where you can find both evergreen summer pieces and trendy accessories to keep your wardrobe stylish and up-to-date.
High-Street
Even if I do not like the principles of production behin high-street brands, matter of fact is that they allow us to purchase trendy (sometimes even good-quality) items on a budget.
I personally find linen garments from Mango, Zara and Uniqlo very well done!
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- Known For: Fast fashion that captures current trends at affordable prices.
- What to Buy: Trendy tops, chic sundresses, stylish belts, and contemporary sandals.
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- Known For: Affordable fashion with a wide variety of styles.
- What to Buy: Basic white t-shirts, versatile denim shorts, fashionable sunglasses, and statement earrings.
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- Known For: High-quality basics and comfortable fabrics.
- What to Buy: Classic tank tops, linen pants, minimalist watches, and simple maxi dresses.
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- Known For: Sophisticated and trendy pieces at reasonable prices.
- What to Buy: Modern handbags, stylish footwear, contemporary jewelry, and chic scarves.
Topshop (also available at ASOS, Zalando and YOOX)
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- Known For: Trend-driven fashion with a youthful vibe.
- What to Buy: Fashion-forward denim shorts, trendy eyewear, bold earrings, and stylish hats.
Mid-Range
Here are some mid-range price brands that offer a balance between high-end luxury and high-street affordability. These brands (in alphabetical order) provide high-quality, stylish pieces that are perfect for elevating your summer wardrobe without breaking the bank.
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- Known For: Edgy, contemporary styles with a touch of luxury.
- What to Buy: Stylish jackets, modern t-shirts, bold jewelry, and trendy footwear.
An interesting thing about Stuart Trevor (also known as “The Saint of All Saints”), founder of the brand: he’s just started a new fantastic project about creating a clothing company that doesn’t produce any clothing. Check his Instagram page and official website for more details.
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- Known For: Bohemian-inspired, eclectic pieces with unique details.
- What to Buy: Flowy sundresses, statement jewelry, trendy hats, and fashionable scarves.
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- Known For: Modern, sophisticated styles with clean lines.
- What to Buy: Elegant maxi dresses, classic t-shirts, chic belts, and fashionable sunglasses.
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- Known For: Transparent pricing and high-quality basics.
- What to Buy: Minimalist tank tops, comfortable linen pants, classic sandals, and modern handbags.
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- Known For: Preppy, classic styles with a modern twist.
- What to Buy: Timeless white t-shirts, versatile maxi dresses, chic tote bags, and stylish belts.
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- Known For: Effortless, casual styles with a focus on denim.
- What to Buy: High-quality denim shorts, comfortable t-shirts, modern jewelry, and trendy sandals.
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- Known For: Classic American style with a touch of sophistication.
- What to Buy: Timeless polo shirts, elegant maxi dresses, chic sunglasses, and stylish hats.
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- Known For: Sustainable fashion with a trendy, feminine aesthetic.
- What to Buy: Eco-friendly sundresses, stylish linen pants, contemporary sunglasses, and bold earrings.
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- Known For: Parisian chic with an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship.
- What to Buy: Stylish blouses, versatile sundresses, trendy handbags, and fashionable footwear.
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- Known For: Fashion-forward pieces with a European flair.
- What to Buy: Trendy blouses, stylish denim shorts, contemporary footwear, and unique accessories.
A few more things you should know before shopping
First of all, if you do not feel comfortable buying from fast fashion brands or buying first-hand items in general, thrift, charity, and second-hand shops are the solution! Please refer to this article of mine for more details about the best second-hand online shops.
Second, you should never go shopping if you don’t have a clear idea of the items you really need: compulsive shopping is the worst you can do! Equip yourself with a written wishlist of things you prepared previously, considering the following:
- is the item going to fit in with your style and daily life?
- set a budget: this will also help you consider the pay-per-use, i.e. if the price of the item is worth it for the use you’ll make of it;
- Fabric: write down on your list which kind of fabric/s is/are your favorites: this will help you to keep the focus!
- Versatility: consider the amount of new combinations you’ll be able to create with your new item/s;
- Colour: this is a crucial point, as buying something in a colour that doesn’t fit in with your palette might turn into a waste of money;
- Ease to clean: you’ll find all details about how to wash the item of clothing on the tag sewn inside the same item.
Also, watching what’s happening on the runways, in magazines, or on the streets to get inspiration is absolutely okay: not all of us were born with innate personal style, but we surely can learn and refine it!
Conclusion
Elevating your summer outfit doesn’t require a complete wardrobe overhaul; with the right accessories, you can transform any look into a stylish statement. From bold sunglasses to chic tote bags, the ten must-have accessories we’ve highlighted are worth investing in for a standout summer. These pieces not only enhance your style but also offer versatility, allowing you to mix and match them with various outfits for different occasions.
In addition to investing in new accessories, consider incorporating thrifted and second-hand items into your wardrobe. Shopping sustainably by choosing pre-loved pieces not only helps the environment but also allows you to find unique and often vintage items that add character and individuality to your look. By combining timeless accessories with sustainable shopping habits, you can create a fashion-forward wardrobe that reflects your personal style and supports a more eco-friendly approach to fashion.
Remember, style is not just about following trends—it’s about expressing yourself and making conscious choices. So, embrace these must-have accessories, explore thrift stores, and enjoy a summer filled with fashionable and sustainable choices!
Happy summer styling!
XOXO
B&TG