This summer has so many trends that you can get dizzy trying to wear them all. Rather then revamping your entire wardrobe and keeping things fresh for September, opt for accessories that reflect the trend you’re fancying at the moment.
Simply by adding boho-inspired jewelry, switching out your phone case or carrying a bag in a one of summer’s big trends, you’ve automatically updated your outfit.
I’ve rounded killer examples (if I do say so myself) of the 10 best summer accessory trends. Slip on a pair of metallic sandals, wrap a scarf around your waist, carry a bag made out of 100% recyclable materials and you’re off!
1. Metallic Sandals
Metal shades in shoes and sandals -- pewter, bronze, copper, gold, silver and platinum are huge this summer. They’re no longer regulated for date nights or weddings.
When shopping for them, do keep in mind that the style of the shoe is key to its adaptability. Look for metallic sandals that are simply cut and you can live in them all summer. Each of the pictured styles work well with shorts, jeans, work pants and dresses.
Four to try:
Bernardo geometric/Eva sandal in Platinum ($92, Bernardo 1946 ). Their classically chic sandals have been worn by Jackie O, Robin Wright, Hillary Duff , and maybe you.
Marissa flat elastic sandals in soft gold ($21.99, Land’s End). Easily worn anywhere.
Delman Tira distressed metallic espadrille sandal in Putty ($149, Delman Shoes). The distressed silver gives this espadrille sandal a little extra something.
Jessica Simpson Habinaa in Copper ($47.95, Shoe Buy). Like Jessica Simpson, this shoe will fit in anywhere.
2. Wearable Tech
Wearable tech as an accessory category is relatively new, but the applications for it have bloomed quickly. Once your only choices were watches or jewelry. Now you can find tote bags,belts and almost anything you can think of to wear.
Suzi Roher contoured belt with computer watch and cell phone case ($700, Suzi Roher)
Fashion definitely meets function with this belt. Not only will it add a little pizzaz to any outfit, there’s a computer watch that can by synced via Bluetooth to your phone.
Now you can pick up emails and texts and control the volume on music and news. It, like the phone case, can easily be removed.
Knomo London digital clutch bag ($350, Knomo Bags)
While there have been phones that come with chargers, this bag is different from them. First of all, it’s bigger than other brands.
Secondly, you can wear it as a cross-body bag, or detach the straps and use it as an organizer with your totes or larger bags.
Thirdly, it has so many compartments that it’s like a TARDIS; much bigger on the inside than the out. I have one, and I can fit in my phone, makeup, Kindle, small notepad and a few other items and it doesn’t bulge. It comes in three colors: Black, gray and pink.
Fydelity Graphique G-Force shoulder bag in Paradise ($59.99, High Fydelity)
No more lugging speakers for your MP3 player or smart phone to the beach, pool, picnic or backyard. High Fydelity’s bags have the amplifier and speakers built in. The bag has an adjustable strap, can fit a tablet and all your stuff, too.
Cuff Style package ($199, Cuff) Cuff has a Cufflinc . It's a device that syncs with your phone. You can transfer the device into different types of jewelry (see image).
What’s it do? It’s a panic button—let someone know you’re on an awful date, they get the buzz, call you, giving you the perfect excuse to leave.
Meeting someone and they’re late? Buzz them through your bracelet to remind them. Car broke down or working out and feeling nervous? Buzz your contact via the bracelet to let them know where you are.
3. Fringe Bags
Speaking of bags, fringe-trimmed bags are huge this season, and yes, you can still wear them this fall. There are bags that are so fringed out, they resemble Puli dogs. Then, there are fringe bags that have a smidgen of detailing on them—tassels and the like. You can find a fringe bag to suit your every need.
Marie Odile for Soltek Bagatelle royal blue and white ($300, World of Soltek). A bucket bag with big bold color, even fringe for flirting, and inner compartments, too.
Tory Burch Adele embellished canvas, resin and leather clutch ($495, Net-A-Porter). It has a detachable strap so you can wear it as a cross-body bag, too.
Ava tassel fringe saddle cross-body bag ($24, Boohoo). A spacious cross-body bag with an out-sized zipper and pockets and fringes that are very flirty.
Berry Sequined Fringe clutch ($68, Nordstrom). Update that evening bag with this multi-colored clutch.
4. Pineapples
This tropical fruit is a happy, juicy, tasty fruit. Who doesn’t love chomping on it?
It's also become the surprise fashion trend of the season. Don’t feel like outfitting yourself in a fruit that’s also the symbol of hospitality—try an accessory or two to add to any outfit instead.
Gold and crystal pineapple stud earrings ($7.50, Icing). Add some glitter to any outfit.
Sonix Liana iPhone 6 plus case ($35, Nordstrom). Get funky with a fun phone case.
Keds Champion fruit sneakers ($44.99, Lord and Taylor). Miles of smiles with these Keds.
Old Navy pineapple print scarf ($16, Old Navy). Wear with a tee, tie it at the waist as a belt, or tie it the straps of a bag.
5. Boho/Festival
It started out as the boho style, exemplified by Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow, designer Charlotte Ronson and the early stylings of Rachel Zoe. Then it became something you wore if you were off to Glastonbury or Coachella.
This summer it’s come into its own as trend. Don’t want to look like a '70s throwback? Add a touch of boho/festival style jewelry or accessory to update any outfit.
American West Sleeping Beauty turquoise brown leather strap watch ($249, Carolyn Pollack). This watch has become statement jewelry.
Simply Vera Vera Wang round sunglasses ($15.99, Kohl’s) Somehow tortoiseshell round sunnies have gone from Audrey Hepbun-esque classic style to boho. Wear these year-round.
Pistil Louisa belt ($66, Zappos) Floral embroidery takes the belt and your outfit to the next level.
American West 15” three-strand red coral and turquoise necklace ($129.99, Carolyn Pollack)
6. Yellow Anything
Call it “Mellow Yellow,” but the color's so popular, that you might want to come up with a more vivacious nickname for it. It's so lively that it can make any outfit upbeat looking.
If you can wear it next to your skin, you'll get some extra glow. Now, if you’re anything like me, you wear a yellow top, people think you’ve come down with some evil communicable plague. Want to be in vogue, but not look like you’ve got jaundice? Add a yellow accessory to any outfit.
Repetto Cendrillon lizard print flat ($335, Diani’s Boutique). This could be your shoe of the summer.
Favela standard bag in yellow white ($98, Verloop). Not only is this tote bag on trend, it’s also waterproof and made with 100% recycled plastic.
Made by artisans in the Philippines, no two bags are exactly alike. Not only are you fashionable, you’re helping the environment and your fellow artist.
Kate Spade New York embellished pineapple resin iPhone 5 / 5S case ($45, Macy’s). This iPhone case covers two trends! It also sparkles with silver sequins.
ASOS pack of two Lily hair clips ($10.50, ASOS). Just because you can’t wear yellow near your face, doesn’t mean you can’t add a yellow flower or two to an updo.
7. Hair Accessories
Speaking of the ASOS hair clips, hair accessories like floral headbands, delicate chains and fun ponytail holders are big this season. A hair accessory can make a wedding outfit extra elegant, add some fun to a basic tee and shorts out, and lends romance to anything you wear---just keep the styles with “personality” out of the office.
Marc Jacobs Plectrum ponies in orange multi ($32, Marc Jacobs). Dangling charms like hearts, enamel-coated discs and more. Wear them together or separately.
Eva beaded bun holder ($8, BooHoo). The next time you tie your hair up, wear this pearl accessory for a bit of glam romance.
Pink orchids garland head wrap ($10.50, Claire’s). Oh, so pretty! Pretend to be a woodland sprite.
Eugenia Kim Wild Rose cocktail headband ($215, Neiman Marcus). Don’t just wear this to an event or date night; glam up a sundress with this chic headband.
8. Scarves
We know you need a scarf to keep you warm in the winter, that’s a given. Scarves have slowly moved from necessities to an item that can instantly change a tee-and-jean look into street-style chic.
Summer scarves come in lightweight and sheer materials. As I mentioned earlier in the piece, don’t just wear a scarf around your neck. Wear it as a belt, tie it to the handle of your bag, use it as a headscarf or wrap it around a ponytail. If you’ve an especially large scarf, turn it into a halter top, pareo or tote. Use your imagination -- the options are endless!
Orvis abstract rainbow scarf ($39, Orvis) This is a big scarf—measures 74 inches long by 44 inches wide. You’ll have lots of styling options with this rayon baby.
Echo summer floral wrap scarf ($58, Bloomingdales.com). What I love about big scarves like this one is that I can fold it into a tiny square, tuck it my bag, then use as a shoulder wrap if the place I’m at is arctic cold.
Pepette Bright Birds scarf ($57, La Pepette). The company is based in Los Angeles, and they frequently work with nonprofit organizations around the world. Bright Birds is a lightweight, bold patterned scarf.
DVF Hanover modal scarf in heritage python ($148, DVF). Made from modal, the python scarf is lightweight, the python print is neutral and will rev up a simple LBD and a tee.
9. Subtle Jewelry
Don’t get me wrong, you can still wear your statement pieces, but the trend this summer is for smaller and more delicate-looking jewelry.
Nashelle Hope identity ribbon necklace ($54, Nashelle). Fifty percent of the proceeds go to Stand Up 2 Cancer. Pick either 14K gold=filled or sterling silver.
Iolite wisdom bracelet ($125, Per Lo). A multi-faceted iolite dangles from the abstract ouroborus-designed bracelet.
Danielle Stevens double crystal ring ($20, Danielle Stevens). Glass crystals sit in 12K gold matte plating. Wear it alone or stack it with another ring.
La Soula little horseshoe lucky earrings ($220, La Soula). Diamonds set in sterling silver, the earrings are only 6mm wide.
10. Flash Tattoos
Removable tats started with kids. Then they got fancy with faux velvet, lace and this summer the big thing are Flash Tattoos.
What are they? Gold and silver tattoos, some accented in colors in shapes that go from basic flowers, skulls and birds to Hamsas and other religious symbols.
The typical flash tattoo will last about a week. Want to get them off before Monday comes? Simply wipe some baby oil over them and they’re gone.
Love and Madness Ancient Rainbows holographic tattoos ($14, Love and Madness). Over 100 tattoos on two pages gives you lots of creativity.
Flash Tattoos - Josephine ($22, Sephora). Four sheets of metallic jewelry tattoos. Arm up!
ShimmerTatts turquoise and gold jewelry tattoos ($8.95, Etsy). Get a little cowboy vibe with your temp tats.
Gold Floral by Rifle Paper Co for Tattly ($6 for 2, Tattly). Finally, a floral bouquet that doesn’t wilt in a day or two.
Editrix -Queen of Style
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