The Top 15 Summer Accessories I’m Adding To Cart In 2021
Image: @_anni_lu_
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You can feel it in the air: Summer is just around the corner. The days are getting warmer, it’s staying light out longer, and I’m walking down the street with an extra pep in my step. And while I definitely can’t wait for summer to finally arrive (I dream about it all winter long), I do feel like I need to do some pre-summer prep.
Especially considering the past few months have been spent in solitude and isolation, I feel that I need to get ready not only for the summer but also for being out and about again.
I know I’m not alone in saying that my style has definitely suffered as of late. With nowhere to go and no one to see, why bother?
Now that restrictions are lifting, though, I feel an extra excitement in simply showcasing my style again. While I do plan on shopping for summer clothes eventually, the first line of order is getting my accessory game sorted.
Over years spent chasing trends, I’ve learned that the best way to stay up-to-date without breaking the bank is to lean heavily on accessories. I keep my closet as a space for go-to staples, choosing to adopt the season’s trends in my bag choices and jewellery selections instead.
With that being said, I thought it only fitting that I share what I’ve got my eye on. Why keep a good thing (or many things) secret?
Keep scrolling to see the top fifteen summer accessories I’ll be adding to my summer wardrobe this year. Here’s hoping you love them just as much as I do.
The Top 15 Summer Accessories of 2021
Classic Straw Bag
Tory Burch, Ella Straw Basket Tote ($439)
This basket bag is the first on my list for summer. It’s perfect for bringing to the beach, but also looks chic enough to bring out to dinner afterwards too. Basket bags are a must-have in my opinion, and the leather detailing makes this one look so chic.
Rainbow Necklace
Anni Lu, Big Nuanua Necklace in Rainbow ($288)
The past few months have been a bit drab, to say the least. Brighten up your summer with this cute and colourful beaded necklace.
Beaded Bag
Shrimps, Ludwig Bag in Pink & Maroon ($738)
Speaking of beads, this Shrimps bag is an ideal going-out companion for summer. With enough space to hold your phone and cards, this bag will accompany you to all those restaurant visits you dreamt about all lockdown.
Versatile Headband
Gorman, BIG BLUE HEADBAND ($39)
This stretchy blue headband is perfect for keeping your hair under control post ocean swim. Bring it to the beach, to keep your drying locks out of your face while you sunbathe all afternoon long.
Everyday Bag
Furla. Real Mini Camera Cross Body Bag ($513)
You can never go wrong with the basics, and a good black handbag is something I always rely on. This Furla camera bag will match with everything in your closet, taking you far beyond the summer season.
Trendy Bucket Hat
Ganni, Recycled Bucket Hat in Phantom ($140)
Nothing says summer like long days spent outdoors. But remember, too much sun can definitely take a toll on your skin. Protect your skin and prevent future wrinkles by wearing a hat to shade your face from the harsh rays.
Beach Backpack
Fjallraven Kanken Backpack in Warm Yellow ($159)
I don’t think I could find a beach bag much better than this. The colour is oh-so-summery, while the spacious interior is perfect for carrying around your books, water bottles, sunscreen, and all other beach essentials. This backpack’s durable material also means you don’t have to worry about it getting ruined by water.
Microfibre Towel
lululemon, the towel ($49)
Speaking of the beach, you’re definitely going to need a trusty towel. Though this Lululemon one is technically designed for yoga, trust me when I say that it doubles as the perfect beach towel. Thanks to the microfibre material, sand and water slick right off. That means you’ll dry off faster and won’t have to worry about lingering sand in your beach bag or car.
Dressed-Up Purse
Tory Burch. Fleming Small Shoulder Bag in NEW CREAM ($812)
I don’t know about you, but I’m also looking forward to more social gatherings in the coming months. This stylish bag is perfect for wearing to those weddings and birthday parties that have been postponed for the past few months.
Statement Earrings
Anni Lu, Pebble Beach Earrings in Turquoise Foam ($187)
The thing I love most about these earrings is how they can work equally well dressed up or down. Something about turquoise always screams “summer” to me, and the gold hoops stop them from looking overly boho.
Hair-Friendly Scrunchies
lululemon, skinny scrunchies ($25)
Sweat and hair don’t mix. I know all my long-haired gals out there get it. Keep your hair pulled back and looking cute all summer long with these mini scrunchies. Best of all, the soft fabric means the won’t tear your hair and cause breakage or split ends. That’s a win/ win in my book!
Tie Dye Bag
Marc Jacobs, Tie Dye Snapshot Cross Body Bag in Blue Multi ($672)
I’m looking for ways to get more colour into my wardrobe this summer, and this bag seems like the perfect way to do it. With Marc Jacobs’ classic snapshot style, this bag is both sleek and chic, making it a wonderful everyday option.
Stylish Sunnies
Le Specs, Oh Damn! Rectangular Sunglasses in Toffee Tort ($112)
In case you missed it, rectangular sunglasses are having a moment. These sunnies from Le Specs will look great with jeans and tee, or simply worn with your swimmers at the beach. The tortoiseshell colour is also perfect for summer, as it’s a little less harsh than the classic black.
Functional Baseball Cap
lululemon, Baller Hat ($49)
I plan on taking a lot of coastal walks this summer, which means I need accessories that will be both fashionable and functional. This Lululemon cap is the perfect example: It looks stylish as is, but it’ll also protect me from getting sunburnt on long walks.
Insulated Water Bottle
S'well, Rose Agate Water Bottle - 500ml ($46)
Equally as important as a sun-blocking hat, I know I’ll be needing a reliable water bottle to bring on all of my adventures this summer. I’m a long-time S’well fan since the stainless steel bottles do an impeccable job at keeping water cold on even the hottest days. As an added bonus, the rose colour makes it even more perfect for summer.
Ready to stock up on some summer sundresses? Check out the summer dresses Emily Ratajkowski loves.
Author Bio:
Kit Kilroy
Kit is co-Founder of The Outlet. With a background in journalism, Kit loves communicating about fashion, travel, beauty and lifestyle through the written word.
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