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
A slew of belts seen at Tibi, Chloé, Huisan Zhang, and Louis Vuitton.
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 of all sorts, from espadrille sandals to boots, at Paco Rabanne, Roberto Cavalli, Louis Vuitton, and Dior.
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
Valentino, Isabel Marant, and Interior used red as a playful pop of color.
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
Behold, the button: Carolina Herrera, Valentino, Isabel Marant, and Chanel all opted for bulging studs.
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.
Structure Is Overrated
Soft and slouchy handbags to fit your easy-going attitude, as seen at Chloé, Burberry, Khaite, and Valentino.
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
Before you scoff, take a look at how Givenchy, Ulla Johnson, Khaite, and Dior styled their socks and sandals.
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
The Row, Philosophy di Serafini, Burberry, and Victoria Beckham encourage you to clutch your purses close to your heart.
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
From wooly iterations to lightweight silks squares, Chanel, Givenchy, The Row, and Victoria Beckham sent out various scarves.
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.
