Summer is officially in full swing, and that means it’s time to break out the warm weather essentials! While we often focus mainly on clothes when it comes to putting together looks, accessories are also a key element to nailing chic summer style –especially, it seems, this season, when there are so many amazing options to choose from!
So, keep scrolling to see a list of six of my must-have Summer 2018 accessories, along with five of my top picks for each, as well as some ideas as to how to wear them.
Table of Contents
1. Basket Bags
Products: (Top row, L-R) Mango, Nordstrom, Mango // (Bottom row, L-R) Zara, Topshop
I first noticed the basket bag trend last summer, but this year, brands have really turned it up several notches, with just about everyone making their own versions of this sweet and feminine style. Whether you decide to go for a trendy look by choosing a color-blocked version, or opt for a more literal picnic-basket-inspired style, you really can’t go wrong!
How to wear the basket bag trend:
If you’re in a dressier mood, pair your basket bag with a pretty sundress — wrap and button-front styles are really big this season. Add some block-heel sandals, and you’re ready to go!
On more casual days, wear your basket bag with a loose-fitting blouse, denim cutoffs, and (faux) leather sandals for a laid-back look.
2. Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Products: (Left column, top to bottom) ShopZeroUV, ASOS, H&M // (Right column, top to bottom) Urban Outfitters, Genuine People
Cat-eye sunglasses have been going strong for a while now, but they show no sign of slowing down! Earlier this year, I noticed many pairs in ultra-trendy white, but for summer, transparent frames seem to be making a comeback as well. Furthermore, you can find cat-eye shades in multiple colors, sizes, and shape variations, making them a flattering choice for any skin tone and face shape.
How to wear cat eye sunglasses:
Depending on the exact style and color you choose, cat-eye sunglasses can be worn with pretty much any outfit you can think of.
I love the idea of wearing white cat-eye sunglasses with more minimal, muted tones, and brightly colored pairs with contrasting colors. However, if it’s a more subdued look you’re after, choose a pair in classic black or tortoise, or perhaps even a pastel shade, depending on your mood.
3. Coin Necklaces
Products: (Top row, L-R) Revolve, Shopbop, Vanessa Mooney // (Bottom row, L-R) Revolve, Anthropologie
Coin necklaces are a relatively new trend, and I am definitely here for it! Usually done in gold (although there are silver options available as well), these elegant pieces are often seen layered with other delicate necklaces, creating a one-of-a-kind look that can go classic, quirky, or boho, based on the jewelry you choose. They also look amazing on their own, if you prefer a simpler look.
While most budget-friendly options feature coins that are replicas or ones that are inspired by actual vintage/antique coins, it is possible to find reasonably priced necklaces that feature the real deal. (I recently came across a shop called LOVEMYROOTS on Etsy that sells amazing, mostly-under-$100 necklaces featuring real old coins. I own two of their pieces and I love them!)
How to wear coin necklaces:
As mentioned above, coin necklaces look amazing either layered with other necklaces or on their own, so have fun experimenting with different combinations to find a look that works for you.
What’s more, although they are considered trendy now, I can’t really imagine these necklaces ever being out of style, seeing as how they’re so classy-looking. So, don’t be afraid to wear them with all of your favorite summer outfits (or even with more formal ensembles) for a sophisticated feel.
4. Espadrilles
Products: (Top row, L-R) Nordstrom, Revolve // (Middle) Nordstrom // (Bottom row, L-R) Old Navy, H&M
Espadrilles have always been a summer staple, but I’ve really noticed a surge in their popularity this year — especially in wedge styles. Closed-toe wedges, such as the ones featured above, seem to be particularly in style right now.
However, even if you’re not a wedges person, you can still participate in the trend by wearing mule-style espadrilles (another trendy choice) or a more traditional slip-on style with quirky mismatched graphics (a general shoe trend that has been on my fashion radar for a few seasons, but that is still going strong for Summer 2018).
How to wear espadrilles:
Flat espadrilles can be worn with just about any outfit for day or night, but I especially love how they look with a breezy white blouse and denim cutoffs and short flowy dresses, as they add the perfect relaxed touch.
Wedged espadrilles look amazing with long dresses for day or night, and also look great with flared jeans for a more boho look. When it comes to wearing wedges in general, though, my rule of thumb is to go slightly more covered-up on top to balance out the extra height.
Want more tips? See our post on espadrille outfits for more.
5. Hoop Earrings
Products: (Top row, L-R) Madewell, Shopbop // (Middle) Erica Weiner // (Bottom row, L-R) Revolve, J.Crew
Though you may remember hoop earrings from your elementary/middle school days, they have really made quite the comeback recently! What’s more, you’re no longer relegated to classic thin gold or silver hoops; this season, the fashion world has seen an influx of various hoop earring styles, from smaller hoops with charms to larger, thicker hoops made of non-traditional materials such as resin.
How to wear hoop earrings:
I really love the look of larger hoop earrings with a pretty printed wrap dress, but they also look great with anything off-the-shoulder or strapless. If your hair is long, consider pinning it back into a half-ponytail to really show them off! Keep in mind that larger and/or more elaborate hoops look best when they are the center of attention (so be sure to keep other jewelry to a minimum).
On the other hand, smaller, simpler hoop earring styles can be easily mixed and matched with other jewelry for a fun look. I also like the idea of wearing them with daintier jewelry pieces for a subdued and sophisticated look that is appropriate for almost any occasion.
6. Slides
Products: (Left column, top to bottom) H&M, Old Navy, Zara // (Right column, top to bottom) Sole Society, Urban Outfitters
If you’ve been paying attention to recent fashion trends, then you’ve probably heard a lot about slides. Whereas this shoe style was once reserved for the pool, the fashion world has gotten ahold of it and has created slides for every style out there, from athletic to glam. For this reason, of all the trends on this list, I’d say that slides are the easiest to incorporate into your wardrobe.
How to wear the trend
If you’re going for a more casual vibe, go for a pair of slides with sporty, ’90s-inspired details, such as stripes and logos, and wear them with shorts and an oversized vintage (or vintage-inspired) t-shirt.
For a glamorous look that you can wear on a night out, go for a flat embellished pair, and wear them with a maxi dress and large statement earrings.
Lastly, for a look that falls somewhere in between these two extremes, look for slides made of (faux) suede, and wear them with a short-sleeved button-up shirt and a cute denim skirt for the perfect summer look!
What do you think?
Do you own any of these accessories? If so, how do you like to style them? Are there any other accessories that you would add to this list?
Let me know in the comments!