Summer Accessory Trends Are, Thankfully, Leaning Into The Casual
Summer has always been a great time to show off accessories that'll enhance any outfit, taking your drip from drab to fab. This is because you'll likely be outside more on bright sunny days, giving you a chance to show the world the fashion choices you've made that emphasize just how put together you look.
However, if super fancy adornments have never really been your thing, then you're in luck because the accessories that are in for this summer are more laid back than ever. Right now, you won't have to worry about looking like you're ready for a red-carpet event to stay on trend.
If you don't know where to start with the best low-key accessories to nonchalantly flaunt this season, don't fret, as we're here to help. Here are the top five casual accessory trends to rock this summer for a chill look.
Worded baseball caps
If you're going to shield your precious eyes from the sun, you might as well make a statement while doing so. Baseball caps with a snappy slogan have been rearing their brims this summer, as seen by Elle Fanning with her nod to Succession, or Hailey Bieber with her Porsche promotion (via British Vogue). You don't need to be going to a stadium to rock one of these, as logo-ridden baseball caps add a confident, street-style flair in any setting while also having practicality.
If you're the "dump him" friend, send out a strong message by sporting this Urban Outfitters baseball cap that reads "He's Not Good Enough For You." And if you're as excited for the Barbie movie as everyone else, the brand Mattel itself is selling a self-aware pink baseball cap that jumps right on the monumental Barbie Core trend.
Light-colored sunglasses
Another surefire way to protect your eyes from the beaming summer rays is to grab a pair of sunglasses. If you don't know where to start with these timeless accessories, you can't go wrong with a light-colored pair that have been trending to the max this summer. On her Instagram page, Kylie Jenner rocked a stark white set that came in a unique, summer-inspired floral cutout, and Sofia Richie showed off a similar pair with some cool-toned lenses on her account.
The best part about white sunglasses is that with their universal hue, you won't have to worry about them clashing with your outfit. And neutral colors keep them from being anything but loud and obnoxious. If you're into the classic round shape, then Ralph Lauren sells a pair of retro-inspired white shades with 100% UV protection that comes in a material that isn't too thick. If you prefer a more colorful look, don't be afraid to go bold with green, red, purple, or your preferred shade to really make your look pop.
Claw hair clips
Bye-bye, pesky hair ties. If you have long hair that you need to keep out of your face during the summer heat, be sure to throw back your locks with an easy-to-use claw clip. The practical, chunky claw clip that was ultra popular in the '90s and early 2000s is making waves again. A-listers such as Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid, and Madison Beer prove this, as they are clearly fans in 2023.
Not only are claw clips super cute, they are actually good for the health of your strands. This is because traditional elastics can cause friction that actually damages your hair after repeated use, whereas claw clips can be easily worn, adjusted, and removed without tangling (via InStyle). Better yet, claw hair clips are perfect if you want to go for that loose, casual half-up, half-down look. If you really want to throw things back, opt for a tortoise shell or animal print-style claw clip.
Bejeweled belts
Another way the Y2K bedazzled trend is coming back is with the bling-out belt. These sparkly bad boys were spotted at the 2023 Met Gala after party on the likes of Dua Lipa and Rita Ora, who were both sporting Chanel versions with cute dangly charms (via British Vogue).
Gold tones seem to be the common theme, as supported by Emily Ratajkowski and Lena Mahfouf this year, with Mahfouf also wearing Chanel. Similarly, this January, Hailey Bieber rocked a super chunky one high up on her waist with hard-to-miss gold jewels at the massive buckle, from Schiaparelli (via Grazia Daily UK).
If you're not feeling the designer route, or if silver is more your thing, ASOS has a thin jeweled belt for $13.50 that comes with a lobster clasp and an adjustable length.
The best part about jeweled belts? They're both fun and functional. You can use one to hold your pants up with style — or simply as an added accessory to give you look a bit more shine.
Thong flip flops
Hate wearing suffocating socks in the sweltering summer heat? You're in luck because the simple thong flip-flop is back again — from the super chunky wedges to the sliver-thin shoe. Not only are thong flip-flops cute, but they're also totally convenient, as they can slip right on and off your feet with ease. Better yet, the line between the toes locks your feet in place and keeps them from sliding out and about — a feature that regular slide sandals do not have.
Thong flip-flops come in a wide range of materials, so they're more than something that can only be worn to the beach. If you want the perfect combination of casual and chic, many thong flip-flops also have a small heel in their design. "An elevated thong sandal will always be a closet staple," footwear expert Julia Rabinowitsch told Fashionista. Thong flip-flops are definitely making a comeback in 2023, as Fashionista also reported in late May 2023 that there was a 239% increase over the past three months in searches for flip-flops from Klarna users.