As trends ebb and flow, certain items naturally fade into the background, making way for fresh pieces to take center stage. While I fully support trends with staying power, I can’t help but notice that some styles gain more popularity than others, and over time, they completely fade away. This doesn’t happen overnight; it usually takes years to truly permeate and vanish, but particularly this summer, I’ve noticed some shifts worth discussing, especially in summer accessory trends.
With the rise of quiet luxury aesthetics and a shift towards anti-trend styles, the accessories in vogue this summer are mostly classic styles, such as chic oval sunglasses, raffia handbags, and sarongs. Of course, as certain items rise in popularity, others are phased out, so I’ll be sharing eight summer accessory trends I’m keeping an eye on and purchasing, as well as eight others I’m slowing down on this season.
Buying: Raffia Bags
Skipping: Beaded Bags
There’s no doubt that 2023 is the summer of raffia. The classic warm-weather texture makes a comeback every year, but with popular new styles like Khaite’s Olivia Bag, raffia is once again having a moment. It’s a trend to invest in now and wear for years to come.
Shop the trend:
Dream bag.
The leather makes it work all year round.
I can’t believe this Mango pick is only $60.
Buying: Wide Belts
Skipping: Chain Belts
One clothing trend I’ve been noticing often is cinching a wide belt around a simple dress or skirt. Sure, belts might not serve much purpose beyond adding an aesthetic element to an outfit, but there’s no denying how cool it looks. On the other hand, I’ve been slowing down on chain belts lately as they’ve been a very direct alternative.
Shop the trend:
Wear this low on your hips over a sleek dress.
A white belt makes an unexpected statement.
Such cool hardware.
Buying: Corded Pendant Necklaces
Skipping: Beaded Necklaces
If there isn’t at least one quirky accessory trend popping up, it wouldn’t be a true summer, and right now, it’s the rope pendant necklaces. They come in all sorts of shapes and color combinations, adding a quick and fun element to almost any summer outfit, from dresses to swimsuits.
Shop the trend:
Plain outfits just got a lot more interesting.
Well, this looks luxe.
I can’t open Instagram anymore without seeing this exact necklace.
Buying: Wide, Stretchy Headbands
Skipping: Silk Scarves
Don’t get me wrong. Scarves will always be a staple in my wardrobe, but I find myself reaching for these oversized, stretchy headbands more often. I love the retro vibe they bring – they were all over the Schiaparelli runway – and there’s also the added bonus of being able to hide any bad hair days.
Shop the trend:
Everyone needs a stockpile of these.
Such a good neutral hue.
Effortless—it’s all in the name.
Buying: Pareos
Skipping: Caftans
Nothing is more classic than a sarong in the summer. With virtually endless styling options, not owning one honestly seems like a fashion crime. It’s leading as the popular swimwear styling choice this summer and, therefore, overshadowing caftans and other traditional swim cover-ups.
Shop the trend:
These warm tones are begging to be worn on vacation.
A summer must.
This print is so dreamy.
Buying: Bowler Bags
Skipping: Baguette Bags
Miu Miu’s latest bag, the Arcadie, has suddenly appeared on the arms of every celebrity, including Hailey Bieber and Emily Ratajkowski. I’ve already predicted that it will influence the remaining of this season and the next season’s handbag trends. Its rectangular dome-shaped hard hat silhouette is a retro breath of fresh air compared to the once-popular single-strap bags of the 90s. I’m not saying the era of the hobo bag is completely over, but this could mark a turning point for a new category of bag shapes. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Shop the trend:
The It bag everyone is buzzing about right now.
This crushed leather looks so expensive.
Sweet and petite.
Buying: Bold Cuffs
Skipping: Body Chains
When it comes to jewelry, bolder is better. I’ve noticed that fashion enthusiasts are all about 80s-inspired bracelets, like the ones from Alaïa and Saint Laurent. Personally, I love pairing one or two of these bracelets with simple outfits.
Shop the trend:
A relatively small price to pay for an outfit-transforming detail.
This is truly a work of art.
Love this wavy shape.
Buying: Oval Sunglasses
Skipping: Colored-Lens Sunglasses
According to Trendalytics data, sales of oval sunglasses have increased by 12% year over year, and the reasons are not hard to understand. Classic sunglasses are more of an anti-trend item, but celebrities and fashionistas prefer their refined and sophisticated look over bold choices like colored lenses from previous summers.
Shop the trend:
I’ve been dangerously close to ordering these. To me, they’re a modern classic.
I’m telling everyone I know about this affordable brand at Nordstrom.
