5 Must Have Summer Accessories

Summer may just be a rumor as I sit writing this in the snow, but the calendar and store shelves say that it’s coming soon.

Most of us can’t afford to buy a new wardrobe each season, so we rely on a few accessories to extend what’s already in our closet.

Here are 5 must have accessories that will take you all the way through summer.

Sunglasses. Protect your eyes from harsh light and UV rays with a pair of fashionable glasses that offer 100% UV protection. If you participate in a lot of summer sports, you may need specialized glasses – especially if you’re on the water a lot. For everyday wear, however, choose a flattering style for your face, choose a frame color that is flattering for your skin tone, and most of all, the lenses need to have UV protection. Make sure they’re comfortable to wear in addition to looking good.  I like this pair with round frames by Versace. Available from eluxury, $190.

Versace round sunglasses

Hat. Another fashionable yet practical summer accessory, a hat will protect hair, skin, and eyes while still looking good. Save the baseball cap for when you’re playing ball, and find something that will look good when you’re out shopping, lunching al fresco, or spending an afternoon at a picnic. Try the versatility of this Squishee Bucket Hat by Eric Javits. The bucket hat is a popular style, is easy to wear, and this one looks like it’s straw, but is really made of a fabric that maintains its shape. Available at Nordstrom, in black, antique, or natural, $170.

Eric Javits squishee bucket hat

Scarf. Fashionable and practical, a scarf can add pizzazz to an outfit or serve as a little extra warmth when temperatures drop. Find one small enough to wear around your neck, and spend some time learning a few of the many ways to tie and wrap it. Choosing a larger scarf give you additional ways to wear it, and allows it to be wrapped about your shoulders or across your lap if you need a little extra warmth. You can also use it to quickly cover your hair if you need to rush into a building and need protection from wind and rain. There are lots of fun prints to choose from, including this leopard print by Himalaya Trading Company. Available at Overstock.com, $39.99.

Leopard print pashmina by Himalaya Trading Co.

Belt. Another accessory that can change the look of an outfit and extend its versatility, the belts seen on the runway have been both wide and skinny. You likely have a skinny belt already in your accessory wardrobe, so consider going wide this summer. Wear with a dress, over a jacket or sweater, or topping off a skirt. You’ll find lots of variety to coordinate with your wardrobe. I like this wide patent belt that comes in black and sable. Available from Ann Taylor, $59.

Wide patent belt from Ann Taylor

Tote bag. Yes, they can be oversized, but that’s the exact reason you want a tote – to carry around all the stuff that you need for a day about town. You can tie a scarf around the handle, stuff your hat and sunglasses inside, and keep all your other essentials handy. There are lots of fun styles and materials to choose from, so it will be easy to find one (or more) that fit your personal taste and budget. I’d love to add a little color with a tote, maybe something like this Dolce Gabbana shopper in red. It’s classic enough to be an investment piece, and can go with anything from a little black dress to jeans. Available from MyWardrobe, $724.50.

Dolce & Gabbana Red Estelle shopper

Check your favorite stores to find variations of all these summer accessories that will fit any budget. There are choices in every budget range, and if you choose carefully, you’re summer selections should take you into fall.

Photo credits: eLuxury, Nordstrom, Overstock.com, Ann Taylor, My Wardrobe