Stylists reveal the hottest summer accessories to instantly elevate any outfit including hats and handbags
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Expert fashion stylists break down the trendiest accessories that can give your summer wardrobe a lift.
With the sun shining and temperatures sizzling, the urge to buy entirely new seasonal clothing can be tempting, but there is a simpler solution.Accessories can be a practical and stylish method to elevate your summer outfits without the need for a complete wardrobe overhaul.
Stylist Rebekah Roy, who’s worked with Harrods and Harvey Nichols, says: “Accessories change your wardrobe, and in summer, they are on show. It’s a fantastic way to let your style and personality shine through and uplift your wardrobe with drama and colour.”
Manisha Sabharwal, founder of Style by Manisha, adds that certain accessories can even mirror your summer adventures. Covetable accessories for this summer include raffia bags and fish-shaped bags, and here Roy and Sabharwal detail their must-haves to keep you on trend this season…
“Crochet hats have been popping up everywhere from the high street to the catwalk,” Roy says. Plus, they effortlessly transition from day to night, as Roy explains: “Crochet hats are made for boho summer dresses during the day, but they also look chic in the evenings, particularly the hats with beads. If you’re heading out at night, a crochet hat would look really elegant with a strappy long satin dress.”
Roy says that during the pandemic there was a shift towards ballet flats and flat trainers as they’re “super-cute and easy”. While flat shoes are still popular, Roy says wedges are the perfect middle ground for those battling a “love/hate relationship” with heels.
“The summer wedge is the solution, and they’re really versatile as they pair with anything from jeans to evening outfits,” she explains. She recommends purchasing brightly coloured wedges for a pop of personality, in particular this season’s hottest colour, yellow. “Yellow is a colour a lot of people will avoid, but there’s a shade of yellow for everybody,” she says.
Raffia bags tick both the practical and chic boxes, according to Roy. “They can elevate your outfits, but they’re also great for varying needs; they come in different shapes and sizes: they might be square, with a lovely little handle on them. Or they might be oversized, but they don’t have that wideness to them.” While raffia bags suit a variety of outfits, Roy highlights their chic compatibility with balloon-leg trousers and a pair of wedges.
If you’re searching for one go-to accessory this summer, then you should consider a silk scarf. “They have been very popular because of their versatility,” Sabharwal says. “I’ve styled them over hair, tied them around a ponytail and also wrapped them around a handbag as a quick way to add personality to your look. The bigger fringe scarves also double up as great summer tops when strategically tied up around the back.”
Sixties-style chunky flower earrings are making a big comeback – and not just for fashion reasons. Roy explains: “Life is hard for people. So if you can add a little fashion accessory that just pops and gives you that bit of joy, go for it.” If you have long hair, she recommends wearing your hair up, such as in a braid or a ponytail, to really emphasise and draw attention to the earrings. The statement earrings can also elevate a simple outfit, such as a one-tone dress or vest and linen trousers.
For an instant conversation starter, look no further than a fish-shaped bag or necklace. Though that may come as a surprise, Sabharwal says they have become “ubiquitous” this summer”, according to Sabharwal. “It’s a chance to make your summer look quirky and fun.”
While Roy hasn’t identified belts as an everyday summer trend, she has noticed chain belts are being worn with swimwear. “Swimwear with cutouts is definitely a trend, and I’ve spotted people pairing those with chain belts, and by that I mean just small chain hoops going around the waist,” she says. “You end up feeling super chic, and you’re somewhere exotic, even if you’re in the UK.”
Natalie Dixon is our Lifestyle reporter, if you liked this article and want to read more about fashion, beauty and lifestyle you can follow Natalie Dixon on X here
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