These Key Summer 2024 Accessory Trends Inspire Effortless Style
From slouchy sling bags to '80s-era button earrings, these accessories encourage a laid-back fashion ethos.
Throughout the Pre-Fall 2024 season, designers were mindful that the goal of summer fashion is to keep cool in as little fabric as possible: you know the phrase—it's summertime, and the living's easy. The motto is gleefully on repeat as you sip Aperol spritz al fresco and log off early on Fridays. The key accessories of the summer 2024 trends—including reliable handbags, jewelry, shoes, and other add-ons—also lean into the warm-weather months' laid-back living ethos. They're vibrant enough to dress up your barely-there layers but with minimal fuss.
At Bottega Veneta, Matthieu Blazy sent out multi-purpose straw bags that work for business matters and the beach. Victoria Beckham designed summer scarves in pops of colors that will hide your ocean-sprayed hair and level up your canvas tote bag. Chanel and Isabel Marant leaned into the resurgence of '80s jewelry that can elevate your everyday tanks and tees.
They're all accessories that streamline your cute summer outfits without overcomplicating them amid rising temps—especially when you have more important matters to attend (like pool parties and backyard barbecues). Ahead, Marie Claire curated an edit of the summer's most sought-after accessories you can shop now.
In a Cinch
Nothing ties an outfit together better than a great belt. At Louis Vuitton, Nicolas Ghesquière used candy-striped leather wrap belts to cinch and create dimension on colorful sundresses. Meanwhile, Chloé's newly appointed Chemena Kamali leaned more toward fashion than function, with logoed metallic chains styled low on the hips.
Chock Full
Wedges never really went dormant, but the architectural silhouette is undoubtedly having its moment in the spotlight this summer. Louis Vuitton and Roberto Cavalli included leather summer boots, while Paco Rabanne designed backless asymmetrical heeled mules. Dior also joined in on the shoe trend: Maria Grazia Chiuri styled most of her Pre-Fall 2024 looks with espadrille wedge sandals that laced-up the leg.
Cherry Bomb
Designers continue to reinvigorate the red color trend season after season. In summer 2024, the shade is no longer the star of the show but more of a supporting character. The next time you're dressed in head-to-toe black, slip on a cherry-colored sling bag or bold sandal. Pops of ruby are prevalent at Valentino on shoulder bags and at Interior and Isabel Marant via kitten heels—a smart way to spice up an otherwise neutral look.
Cute as a Button Earring
Given the prevalence of '80s-inspired button earrings throughout the season, it's clear this era of decadence has a winning edge. Valentino, Isabel Marant, and Chanel unveiled sculptural metallic baubles, while Carolina Herrera offered colorful and kitschy styles mimicking your mom's vintage costume jewelry.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Structure Is Overrated
A slouchy shoulder bag is an ideal summer companion: it will carry all your essentials and reflect the relaxed energy synonymous with the season. Some iterations, like Valentino's, are more prim and proper, while others—namely Chloé and Burberry's—are unapologetically bulky and baggy. Consider a leather or canvas version—or leather and canvas, as in the case of Khaite's version.
Not Your Dorky Dad's Combo
Adding on an additional layer may seem counterintuitive during summer, but the unexpected warm-weather sock-and-shoe combo adds an element of intrigue to even the most basic of looks. Take a cue from Dior and Givenchy, where sheer socks and heels gave a little black dress and summer suiting extra edge. Opt for lightweight, transparent, or netted hosiery to make the styling trick work for your summer looks.
To Have and to Hold
There's something very tender about a bag you can clutch comfortably like a pillow. Several designers, including Philosophy di Serafini, Burberry, and Victoria Beckham, sent out soft leather pouches this season. Then there was The Row, which exaggerated the silhouette to supersized—but equally as cuddleable—proportions.
Scarf Down
It's always a good idea to keep a summer scarf in your bag—you never know when the AC will be too chilly, there's a strong breeze, or you just want to look like an Old Hollywood starlet. At Givenchy, a sheer and lightweight neck-erchief is a retro alternative to a choker necklace. At Victoria Beckham, a printed twilly is an elevated upgrade to a bag charm.
Emma is the fashion features editor at Marie Claire, where she writes deep-dive trend reports, zeitgeisty fashion featurettes on what style tastemakers are wearing, long-form profiles on emerging designers and the names to know, and human interest vignette-style round-ups. Previously, she was Marie Claire's style editor, where she wrote shopping e-commerce guides and seasonal trend reports, assisted with the market for fashion photo shoots, and assigned and edited fashion celebrity news.
Emma also wrote for The Zoe Report, Editorialist, Elite Daily, Bustle, and Mission Magazine. She studied Fashion Studies and New Media at Fordham University Lincoln Center and launched her own magazine, Childs Play Magazine, in 2015 as a creative pastime. When she's not waxing poetic about niche fashion topics, you'll find her stalking eBay for designer vintage, reading literary fiction on her Kindle, and baking banana bread in her tiny NYC kitchen.
-
Prince William Shares Rare Comments About Princess Diana and Prince Harry in New Documentary
"She took Harry and I both there... And I was a bit anxious as to what to expect."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Jennifer Lawrence Layers the Pendant Necklace Trend Over Her Timeless White Button-Up
She also accessorized with the season's biggest sneaker trend.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Sources Are Saying There's an "Engagement Countdown"
"He is not going to do anything careless or reckless with her."
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
This Winter's Fashion Trends Include Clothes You'll Actually Wear
From cargo coats, to denim, to sporty separates.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Preppy Outfits That Reimagine '80s Style
Fashion has a new-school take on the Americana uniform.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Fall’s Suede Bag Trend Is on Everyone, Everywhere, All at Once
The fuzzy leather finish is making a major comeback this season. From structured totes to slouchy crossbodies, the style is prolific on the streets, on social, and among celebs.
By Emma Childs Last updated
-
Style Fall’s Maximalist Leopard Print Trend Like a Neutral
Here's how fashion transforms the bold pattern into a minimalist outfit staple.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Recreate These Loafer Outfits Plucked From Fall Street Style
We've cracked the formula for all aesthetics, from ladylike to prepsters.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The Must-Know Boot Trends of 2024
These styles will anchor your fall and winter outfits.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Katie Holmes Tackles 3 Tricky Trends at Once in a Sheer Top, Ballet Flats, and All Black
The actress makes it look easy.
By India Roby Published
-
Channel the ‘90s With These Under-$350 Tube Top Outfits
We've curated 10 looks built around the wardrobe staple.
By Lauren Tappan Published