5 Summer Accessories to Invest in Now

Written By Kim Wallace – In-house Blogger

Stylish people in the know view accessorizing as a crucial part of outfit building and treat it as an art form in itself. Coco Chanel famously advised against accessory overload, saying, "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off." On the other hand, fashion icon and style maximalist Iris Apfel opposed this theory by saying, "More is more and less is a bore." Wherever your preference falls on the accessorizing scale, adding details to your outfit can complete the look and showcase your unique Clothing Personality and flair - which is something we help you discover in your Style Analysis.  

In the summer months, we tend to wear fewer layers and simpler outfits, so it's the perfect chance to add interesting elements to your look with 'look at me' pieces, such as a statement necklace or a customized handbag. To make it easy for you, we've selected the five must-have accessories to try out this season to elevate your summer looks – you'll probably already have a few in your wardrobe!

Sea-Inspired Jewels

Let the ocean be your muse this summer and add marine life to your jewelry collection.   

On the runway, pendants in the form of fish and shells dangled from necklaces and earrings at Etro and Roberto Cavalli, while strings of pearls are always the catch of the day at Chanel. Versace and Dior both used sea charms to decorate delicate bracelets, and Tiffany & Co. dedicated a whole high-end jewelry collection to the 'wonders of the ocean' using opulent diamonds, rare rubies and sapphires. If you don't have the cash to splash on the real deal, the high street is full of fun, fish-themed pendants on cord necklaces, and don't forget the joys of deep diving for a one-off thrift shop treasure. This is a trend that all Clothing Personalities can embrace – pearls for those who have Classic in their CP, sea charms and delicate bracelets for the Ingenues, cord necklaces for Naturals, and opulent gem stones for the Romantics!

Extra-Large Sunnies

Teeny 90s-style sunglasses and futuristic and sporty frames have dominated for the last few years, but this summer, XL sunglasses are so back. Loewe, Gucci and Tom Ford showed oversized butterfly styles with both acetate and metal frames, proving that bigger is better (something that Dramatic Clothing Personalities love!). Aviator glasses are still big news, with updated features like curved frames, colored lenses or bug-eye finishes that make a statement. Lean into boho styling like Chloé and pair your XL frames with lace skirts, crochet details and a slouchy leather jacket for a look that'll have those with Natural in their Clothing Personality feeling nostalgic for the indie-sleaze era.

Kooky Bags

Maybe it's the flip side of the quiet luxury trend, or perhaps we just need some joy in our lives, but boring bags are out this summer. What started in 2022 with J.W. Anderson's Pigeon Clutch has evolved into a flood of 'fun' shaped bags for SS25. Gamines will love choosing from giant bunnies by Simone Rocha, or maybe a Moschino pizza slice is more your bag? If a quirky design is too bold, show off your style by customizing an existing bag with charms, jewelry, and more, à la Jane Birkin. (We daren't say the word 'Labubu.') Wearing jeans and a basic tee? A kooky bag can add some pizzazz to even the simplest outfit. We're still coveting THAT Loewe Heirloom Tomato Clutch.

Chunky Cuffs

Dainty bracelets have reigned supreme for years, but this season, they're stepping aside to make way for the return of the chunky cuff. Acne Studios and Balmain accessorized their runway looks with one jumbo cuff, while Alaïa gave us a lesson in symmetry with models sporting XL cuffs on both wrists. Romantics will embrace stacking gold and silver bangles in high-shine chrome (bonus points for molten metal details) can add some luxe to a minimalist look, while Gamines will reach for colorful cuffs made from resin or acetate inject a playful and eclectic touch to a bold 'fit. When it's too hot to layer clothes, why not layer your jewelry instead?

Bandana Scarves

A silk scarf is one of the hardest-working accessories for all Clothing Personalities – knot it around your neck, loop it to your bag, wrap it around your ponytail, sling it through your belt loops – the possibilities are truly endless. This season, the fashion crowd is wearing silk scarves as bandanas – call it the Prada effect. Part noughties throwback, very Carrie Bradshaw, and, it turns out, a great way to give an old accessory a new lease of life while protecting your head from the sun. Opt for a classic bandana print or select a bright scarf that complements your outfit perfectly.

Need help accessorizing? Book a personal style analysis with one of our expert stylists today and make your wardrobe work for you this summer!