Must-Have Summer Accessories

When the temps get hotter, style gets simpler. It’s a survival thing. Too much of anything is stifling and looks out of place in midsummer. But with that simplicity comes the need for a dash of drama from that essential piece that can take a look from effortless to elevated. And the right accessory can do just that. Worn with a pared back summertime look, these standout accessories take center stage, and play a key role in pulling a look together. 

Nothing says summer like a crisp white outfit punctuated with summertime staples like sandals, sunglasses, and straw hats, but this season, each of these categories has been reinvented. While there is nothing wrong your trusty sunnies and neutral thong sandals, this season offers a fresh new take on each of these categories that can take those tried-and-true summertime styles you’ve been sporting and instantly transport them to summer 2021. 

Fashion has seen a major shift in the last season or two, after years of predictable silhouettes like skinny jeans and fitted blazers, and accessories have followed suit. The best way to approach these trends, however, is with a critical eye. Consider only the pieces that you love and that resonate with your personal style, and incorporate them into your own signature looks, rather than copying the season’s key looks beat by beat. 

The Toe Sandal

It’s pedicure time, as the humble big toe steals the spotlight this season. The new toe ring sandals are showing up everywhere from Sam Edelman and Free People to Valentino and Tamara Mellon, and the trend truly offers something for every style. From earthy comfort-shoe versions in suede to delicate barely there flats to glamorous bejeweled versions to sleek heeled versions. Try a sparkly crystal encrusted pair from Schutz or a gold ankle wrap style from Jeffrey Campbell. Skip the contrasting tights, which were sometimes shown with these sandals on runways. Fingers crossed that look never takes off.

The Market Tote

Humble yet surprisingly chic, these textured totes popped up in every combination of knit, from raffia and crochet to net and woven leather. The most practical versions have structure, hold all of your summertime staples, and can be worn multiple ways with different outfits. Pick a style that’s oversized enough to be useful, but not so bulky that you develop back problems. 

Heeled Mules

Heeled mules have been around a few seasons, and they officially ushered in a return to 80s and 90s influences for many of us. However, this season, they look a little different, with peep toes and low or kitten heels, sometimes in a quilted texture. These are reminiscent of the marabou mules worn by vintage movie stars, but without the marabou. They are feminine and fun and, like the other accessories on this list, can take last summer’s staples and make them look fresh and new again. There truly is a mule for everyone this season, from woven versions to loafer styles to clogs.

Rectangular Sunglasses

Who else is thrilled that the tiny specs of the past few seasons are gone? They were so unwearable and unflattering. This season, they are replaced by rectangular sunglasses, which offer a strong geometric accent to everyday outfits. From very angular, more trend-driven styles to softer and more classic rectangles, there’s a version of this trend for everyone. These new styles also come in the season’s fresh pastels, multicolor versions, clear frames, and of course classic neutrals.

Hot Hats

A chic chapeau is always a good idea in the summer, both from a style perspective and for sun protection. This season, however, they are taking center stage, bigger and better than ever before. The variety of styles and options means there is something for everyone, from the classic baseball cap to the trendy bucket hat. One of the most wearable, and dramatic, however, is the oversized sun hat in either classic straw or a fun floral print. Either way, this is a trend that can help you take ordinary outfits and transform them into stylish looks.