Investing in a focused edit of new accessories is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to add new season edge to your existing wardrobe.
As funds remain tight for most, rather than splurging on a new wardrobe, it makes more sense to add a fresh accent to existing pieces with creative accessorising.
This season, there are plenty of stylish shoes, bags, jewellery, and sunglasses that will make your summer favourites look more of the moment. Here are some of our favourites…
Brooches
Brooches are a big trend this season, especially worn in a creative cluster. The accessory has had a modern make-over with the style set curating a unique collection of pins as a type of personal collage on their lapels.
But that is not the only place to wear them – creative types are sporting them on shirt collars, jeans pockets and as a means of securing a scarf or gathering a knit or a dress at the waist. While there are modern minimal brooches like the twisted ribbon brooch from Cos, €45, and NJO Designs Gold Plated Filigree Heart Brooch, €135, for those who crave a retro look, vintage stores are a good source.
Alternatively, Newbridge Silverware has a vintage style 1940’s brooch with multi-coloured stones too. Use your curation to signal your individuality and have fun with brooch placement so they don’t look too formal.
Oversized sunglasses
Large, dramatic bug-eyed or visor-style sunglasses are a key look this season. They draw heavily on 1970s fashion and sportswear, and are being championed by Saint Laurent, Celine, Loewe and Miu Miu as an alternative to classic shapes.
Their scale makes anything look dramatic and they speak to the desire for more expressive and personalised statements after season of restraint.
Or maybe we just want to keep the world at bay as the external environment feels increasingly hostile. If you don’t have the budget for designer versions look to Jimmy Fairly, Cos and H&M for affordable versions.
Woven-style leather bags
We would all love a Bottega Veneta bag, but few of us will ever rise to the price. Luckily, this season, many retailers have taken inspiration from the luxury house’s signature Intrecciato weave to create affordable tributes.
Massimo Dutti has a beautiful, braided leather bag in rich chocolate for €400, while Dragon Diffusion offer their woven basket styles, from about €260 for the smaller styles.
Jaeger at Marks and Spencer also has a chic top handle tote in navy woven leather which looks more than its €210 tag. Woven textures are also appearing across belts and pumps too and M&S have a cool, chunky weave belt for €39.
Silk scarves
An accessory once beloved by your Gran has been revived this season. Silk scarves or squares knotted at the neck, the waist (instead of a belt), around the hips, or tied casually to a bag are a defining accessory now.
Vintage shops like A Store is Born and Jenny Vander are excellent for sourcing genuine silk squares, with designs from the Seventies and Eighties particularly sought after.
Statement belts
Big, bold embellished belts have returned, after seasons of more classic styles. Chunky big buckles (western style or sculptural) bumbags and studded embellishment all signal that a great belt remains an easy way to make any dress, shirt or trousers look current.
Go into the back of your wardrobe and pull out those boho belts from the early Noughties (as many styles hark back to the era).
Or try retailers like & Other Stories, Marks & Spencer and Cos for stylish belts like the Cos low waist leather belt, €89.
Resin jewellery
Strong sculptural shapes in resin are fashionable for summer. Bold, sinuous bangles, chunky, bulbous earrings, and large rings all make an impression, especially when paired with simple, understated clothes.
Hugely popular in the ‘60s and ‘70s, resin has boho undertones and can look sophisticated as layered or stacked bangles. Massimo Dutti has a curved resin bangle for €90, while Cos’ pink mismatched pebble resin earrings are attractive at €39 while M&S and Zara have resin bangle three packs.
Minimal yet sculptural bags
Sleek, stylish bags are a favourite this season with bowling bags, East West styles and capacious totes all sharing minimal, subtle styling.
The cluttered bag charms of last year have been retired in preference for simple clean lines as exemplified by Demellier’s Stockholm bag, €620, the Cos Monument bag, €249, or their Twist clutch bag, €249.
Sneakerinas and slim sneakers
These are a hybrid between a pair of slim minimal sneakers and classic ballet flats. The idea is the comfort of a sneaker but with the elegance of a ballet pump.
They are going to be everywhere and are highly versatile as they can be worn with dresses, trousers, skirts, and shorts.
There are stylish options from Cos, Marks & Spencer, Arket, and H&M, with a wealth of colour options from pastels to brights to neutrals.
If you don’t want to buy this style, then at least ensure that your regular sneakers are slim-heeled, like Nicki Hoyne’s snakeskin style, €160.
Glove pumps
After years of flats dominating, heels are back in the form of the glove pump. This slim-fitting, sock-type court shoe is cut with a very high vamp and has an unadorned elegance, so the focus is on the shape.
Crucially, they are super comfortable as the buttery leather is supple and follows the natural contours of the feet rather than restricting them.
Typically, they have an understated design with a softly rounded or square toe and a moderate heel so you can walk easily. Chanel’s versions have been a sell-out but if your budget doesn’t run to Chanel prices, then H&M has a good dupe in their Studio Essentials collection for €149.
Hair jewellery and pins
Hair jewellery is back in a major way, including chunky silver shells, clips, delicate hair pins, tortoiseshell headbands (as per CBK), or any embellishment that makes a statement.
French pins, as seen at The Row to create elegant French Twists, can be bought for less at Sephora, Sézane and Cos.
Decorative hair barrettes and combs are also an effortless way to make soft summer waves look stylish and Oliver Bonas have pretty styles like a floral design for €25.50.
