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Some summers I barely think about accessories. This year feels different. Everywhere I look, summer accessory trends are carrying the outfit. They make plain clothes feel more considered without looking like you tried too hard.
The best part? Most of it’s stuff we’ve all owned before—just worn differently. Maybe you dug it out of the back of a drawer, maybe it’s been in your rotation for years. Celebs, influencers, people at the coffee shop… the same few ideas keep popping up.
Some of them feel nostalgic, others a little unexpected, but all of them are easy enough to try without committing to a whole new look.
1. Bandana Hair Accessory
Bandanas aren’t going anywhere, but somehow they’ve started to feel fresh again. Hailey Bieber in LA with a Pucci-print tied low, Elle Fanning going retro in Cannes, Simone Ashley at Wimbledon with a silk knot that looked like it took no effort.
They work with linen shirts, slip dresses, denim shorts—basically anything light. I’ve even worn one with a blazer on warmer days; it adds a soft edge without feeling out of place. On really hot afternoons, I just tie one onto my bag handle instead—it’s an easy little detail that still looks intentional.
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2. Shell Jewelry & Sea Motifs
Summertime shell jewellery is not new, but it has been updated. Delicate gold shells, rope textures, and even tiny anchors are more common than chunky souvenirs. It appeared as though Anne Hathaway's cream suit and gold shell pendant belonged together.
The combination of textures feels deliberate without being fussy, and it looks best with cotton, linen, or airy knits. It also works surprisingly well in urban settings; wearing structured clothing makes the "beach" association less strong. It's one of those accessories that receives praise without drawing much attention to itself.
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3. Scarf Belts
One of the simplest ways to switch up your wardrobe without having to buy new clothes. Alexa Chung wrapped a scarf casually over denim, Kylie Jenner belted a silk square around a fitted dress and Elsa Hosk tied a floral scarf over wide trousers. It works precisely because it is a little undone.
For a pop of colour, I like wearing it with tan trousers or a white sundress. Every now and then I’ll pair one with swimwear, just knotted at the waist so it works as an easy cover-up for grabbing coffee.
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4. Raffia Hats & Woven Leather Bags
Beach vacations are no longer the only occasion for raffia. These days, hats have cleaner shapes and flat brims, and woven leather bags are sufficiently structured for professional use. In Paris, I saw someone wearing a raffia boater with jeans and trainers, and it looked great.
Despite feeling loose, these pieces are cohesive. Additionally, they are useful; woven leather softens with time and raffia breathes well in the heat, making them "better with age" purchases. This switch can significantly change things up if you've been wearing the same black tote for months.
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5. Jelly Flip-Flops & Jelly Flats
Part practicality, part nostalgia. In New York, Jennifer Lawrence sported PVC jelly flats, Sofia Richie Grainge opted for subdued jelly flip-flops, and Jennifer Aniston continued to wear her minimalist leather straps. They fit in any bag, are lightweight, and are simple to clean.
They go well with both dinner and the pool, so I've worn mine with a skirt on the same day. Additionally, they dry quickly, which is ideal in case of an unforeseen summer downpour.
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6. Bag Charms & Personalised Details
This year, it’s less about changing your bag and more about changing what’s on it. Miu Miu and Fendi pushed charms on the runway, and TikTok made them playful with plushies, beads, and initials. Swapping charms is an easy refresh for a bag you’ve had for years.
I’ve been clipping different ones depending on my mood—sometimes it’s a little silly, sometimes more polished. It’s a way to change your look without spending much or committing to a whole new style.
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7. Oversized Sunnies
Some sunglasses disappear into an outfit, others become the outfit. Anne Hathaway wore oversized, slightly tinted frames on set and it was pure 70s cool. They balance simple outfits and tone down louder ones. Also—perfect for early mornings. I’ve found that one good pair will get more wear than anything else you own in summer, and they can hide everything from tired eyes to a makeup-free face.
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How to Style Accessories
Don’t wear them all at once. Pick one and let it set the tone. Raffia hat? Keep the rest simple. Scarf belt? Let that be the color. Mixing textures—raffia with silk, jelly with leather—can add depth without feeling overdone. Celebs off-duty usually wear just one or two fashion accessories at a time, and it works. If you’re not sure where to start, think about what you already wear the most and swap in a seasonal version of it.
Closing Thoughts
Accessories are the easiest style change you can make. You don’t need to buy a new wardrobe—just swap in one thing and see how it feels. A necklace, sunnies, a charm on your tote… these accessory trends 2025 are already out there on real people. Try one, keep it if it works, and let it quietly do its thing in the background of your summer outfits.
