In the past year and half, it feels like we’ve all changed a little. Whether that’s your shape, your career or your outlook, the coronavirus has had a profound effect on us in myriad, often unpredictable ways.
Now the weather’s warmed up, restrictions have lifted, restaurants have opened and the pull of socialising has lifted us off the sofa and into the pub, we’ve increasingly found ourselves peering in to our wardrobes for outfit inspiration and being left a little cold.
Is that still in fashion? Do I still have the confidence to rock those? Did I really used to struggle along wearing these?
Rather than throwing money at a new collection of clothes, why not bring some vigour and vitality to your next outfit with accessories? An affordable, effortless way to inject some swagger into your outfit, here are 5 must have accessories for summer 2021.
OVERSIZED, WIDE BRIMMED HATS
Nothing says summer quite like an oversized, breezy hat. This timeless accessory adds a touch of sophistication and mystery to even the most casual of outfits, and is ideally suited for keeping the sun off your face and neck, too.
After a year and a half spent primarily indoors, we’re going to need as much sun protection as possible, and an oversized, wide brimmed hat is the ideal way to achieve this.
We’re particular fans of scalloped edge hats with a wide brim, or alternatively, a natural weave Panama hat with frayed edges looks great, too. No matter what style you choose, your hat should ideally possess an exaggerated brim, big enough to cover the wearer’s entire face, for ultimate protection with a little incognito glamour to boot. Stick a feather in the band for added foppish flair.
STATEMENT SUNGLASSES
Whether it’s functionality or frivolity you’re after, sunglasses are perhaps the ultimate accessory. 2021 has so far been all about oversized, flamboyant sunglasses, with wearers keen to show off, peacock, and make it clear that the dark days are behind us.
Whilst we love to don shades that make a style statement, the oversized element offers a functional purpose, too, providing maximum eye protection should they possess UV protection capabilities.
Don’t just assume larger lenses and frames offer full safety; check the label for the level of UV protection – to stay safe from the sun, always go for 100% UV protection, from both UVA and UVB rays. If the shades you’ve been cooing over don’t have it, walk away, no matter how cute they are.
Be prepared to spend a little more to be stylish and secure; a good pair of prescription glasses and sunglasses will not only make you appear great in any outfit, but they will also protect your eyes and decrease damage to the skin around your eyes.
SILK SCARVES
Silk scarves can be worn in a variety of ways, around your handbag, on your head, and even as a top, meaning what was considered an outdated look is now one of the hottest accessories for summer 2021.
A silk scarf – lightweight and flowing – is a simple, versatile way to create some visual contrast without having to layer up, and is ideal for the warmer months.
Silk headscarves, in particular, are a great way to add some colour and personality to your summer style. Choose geometric, bold prints and chaotic multi-coloured patterns, and pair these with some hoop earrings to really up the ante. A practical accessory if ever there was one, summer headscarves are also brilliant at hiding that dreaded summer frizz many of us fall victim to.
There are, of course, many ways to wear a silk headscarf. You can easily update a low pony with a silk scarf – just roll and tie around a secured ponytail. Equally, you can tie it in a bandana style to tame unruly poolside hair. And when it’s not on your head as a headband, loop it through your jeans or around a bag handle for a little added flourish.
A BIG PAIR OF HUGE HOOP EARRINGS
A pair of oversized, shoulder grazing hoops are a summer must have. They are the ideal summer accessory and can instantly make any summer outfit look chic.
Make no mistake, every woman’s summer wardrobe should have a pair of huge hoop earrings. Think Jennifer Lopez, who has been wearing jumbo sized hoop earrings for decades. Anyone else suddenly got the “Love Don’t Cost A Thing” lyrics stuck in their head?
Speaking of keeping things iced, we’re totally in love with huge rhinestone-bedazzled hoops for summer. You just can’t go wrong with a classic pair of gold or silver oversized hoops. And if you want to add a pop of colour, go for a sculptural, statement-making resin style.
As the Independent so eloquently writes “stylish and simple, gold hoops work as the jewellery equivalent of a pair of jeans – both sartorial pieces that you return to year after year and that go far beyond trends and seasons”. So, go ahead and invest in some big bold hoop earrings that will turn heads.
A WOVEN BASKET BAG
Denim shorts, straw sun hats and flip flops, there are some fashion items that simply sing summer, and although the hot weather seems a long way away, the basket bag is one of these items. Both practical and versatile, this bag adds texture and dimension to any outfit.
It’s ideal for hitting the beach on your holiday, looking chic in the city while you run your errands or even well suited to going on a country picnic, the humble basket bag will be the summer accessory staple this year. Consider opting for a small rustic raffia style for everyday use.