The Summer Accessories Trends, Approved By Our Editor

Maximalist packers can breathe a sigh of relief – the micro bag has made way for something much, much bigger. As well as oversized, overfull totes and shoulder bags, we’ve seen clever styling tricks this season, too. At Victoria Beckham tactile totes were carried open by one handle for extra oomph. While at Ferragamo and Rokh, we saw top-to-toe colour moments with large shoulder bags scooped under the arm like oversized clutch bags. Stick to buttery-soft leather in a neutral palette for an effortless take on the trend.

Longer than a choker, shorter than a standard chain. This might just be the most universally flattering length of necklace we’ve seen. Short, chunky chains reigned supreme at the Gucci and Sacai shows – styled with unfussy, black suiting and bare skin aplenty. If trinkety, stacking chains are more your speed, look to Jil Sander for new-season inspiration. Think tennis-style sparkling necklaces layered with a simple but high-shine silver chain.

Accents of vivid reds have long been a summer staple when it comes to manicures and make-up bags. But, happily, bright, brilliant red accessories are getting their moment in the sun, too. The trick? Unplanned is the aesthetic here, and the more unexpected the accent, the better. Take your cues from Altuzarra and Bottega Veneta, where models carried ladylike handbags, and The Row, where we fell in love with the most understated fiery-red flats.

There’s a good reason why designers return to the effortless elegance of pointed kitten heels time and again. A put-together fail-safe, they add instant chic to suiting, column dresses and even straight-leg jeans. Backless iterations at Valentino feel right for daytime, while Christian Dior and Prada solved wedding season with bejewelled and sumptuous satin takes on the trend.

While XXL bags and oversized shades might conjure up memories of Millennium-era It girls, this time round, things are a little more low-key. How big and bold you go with your sunglasses is up to you. Take inspiration from Chanel’s retro square glasses, Miu Miu’s ’70s styles, or sporty visor frames at Etro – all worn with your hair down and lashings of jewellery.

All rise for the return of the strappy sandal. Minimalist by nature, consider these your occasionwear shoe of choice this summer. Emilia Wickstead chose simple T-bar iterations and Miu Miu opted for the toe-thong for its shows, while Coperni’s slinky heeled mules feel decidedly season-three Carrie Bradshaw. Tick off multiple trends at once by going for barely-theres with kitten heels in neutral tones, too – for these, the high street’s got you covered.

The smart, foldover bag silhouette was a 2000s icon. The final flourish for any and every eveningwear look. Compact and easy to store, the chances are you’ve still got some tucked away, ready for their new-season renaissance. If not, this is your sign to invest in one. No longer the preserve of partywear, this summer’s updated designs are made to wear with relaxed suiting, easy co-ords and day dresses, too. Featuring oversized woven leather (the brand’s signature intrecciato weave) at Bottega Veneta, natural linen-wrapped versions at Proenza Schouler and seasonless, structured clutches at Chloé.

Pleasingly perennial, craft detailing heralds in warmer weather each summer. Whether you invest in timeless pieces to add to your weekly wardrobe rotation or choose a souvenir item from your travels, look for luxe, leather-trimmed basket bags, woven raffia footwear, tactile stitching and, where possible, tassels.

Haute hardware now extends beyond the jewellery category, with Loewe leading the charge with their chunky chain bag charms. Many of summer 2024’s most notable bags feature chain handles – see Louis Vuitton – or if minimal is your MO, look to the trinket, curb-chain handles dangling from Gabriela Hearst’s leather clutch bags. Or, simply clip a chunky chain onto your favourite tote for an easy new-season update.

Without even realising it, we’d collectively forgotten about belts over the past few seasons. But now they’re back and styled in a way that feels fresh. We love how effortlessly the knotted waist belts seen at the Jil Sander and Chloé shows transform tailoring. While at Louis Vuitton we learned how to use a chunky, wraparound belt to streamline any tucked-in shirt and skirt pairing.