8 Essential Accessories for Summer

via @_yanastylez

Whether it's skirts that could pass for belts, shorts that pass as underwear, or tube tops that fit easily in a small purse, the summer heat always inspires the most minimal outfits seen all year. Since dressing from June to August can often result in ambiguous looks suitable for the club, the beach, and bedtime, one of the biggest challenges–or fun adventures–for most of us is finding the right add-ons to make the simplicity of summer looks just as memorable as the endless nights that come with the season. Continue on for some of my favorite accessories to compliment your next warm weather look.

via @soooraven

Statement Jewelry

Nothing makes an ordinary little black tube dress stand out amongst the crowd like a pair of unforgettable hoops or a statement necklace similar to the one Yana wears above. Statement jewelry always makes for a fun shopping experience: you can make a day of it by making your own unique pieces from craft store materials or opt for a high end piece of art you may spend more time admiring than actually wearing like these JeBlanc hoops on Raven Tracey. Accessories like these are perfect for a sleek makeup look paired with an updo or bun to give your statement pieces their own moment to shine.

via Pinterest

Rain Boots

Fashion conscious or not, most women are familiar with the unspoken rules of ratio exposure: a tiny top with lots of cleavage and midriff usually calls for baggy pants or maxi skirts. Hot pants and micro minis calls for a mesh long sleeve or fitted tee that keeps most of the upper body covered. Of course, these aren’t requirements, but these guidelines tend to help women feel more secure throughout the day and into the night. But for those 90+ degree days when a tiny top and tiny short combo is a must, the security of adding a calf or knee length rain boot can be just what a girl needs to mean business for the day like Juliana Nalu above. Not to mention the benefit of always being ready for a hike or one of those festivals that’s 40% muddy grassland. Just be sure to apply extra sunscreen on your bottom half to avoid unflattering tan lines!

via @oliviasade

Tights and Fishnets

There's no denying that tights are more like pants these days since the iconic debut of Yeezy whose one continuity between each female model was their flesh mesh clad bodies accompanied by some of fashion’s most controversial pieces at the time. In the twelve years since their first season's risk, runways have been filled with tights of all varieties often paired with a matching thong alone. While the tights-only revolution makes a sexy statement, pairing them with that skirt that’s just a little too short for your comfort zone still adds a fun touch to any summer look–especially if they’re printed! Pairing fishnets with shorts as Olivia Sade does above is also a great way to take a night look from casual to sexy.

via @sparxxflie

Scarves

Scarves are one of the most versatile ways to add character to any summer look: over the head to keep the sun at bay as I do above, around the waist to keep mini skirts at that perfect length of sexy, or even tied to your purse for an extra pop of color. While cotton and wool should be avoided until late October, twill and silk scarves are easily accessible and cost efficient pieces that can be found at local hair stores or thrifts in an overwhelming amount of options.

via @charbarker

Claw Clips

The frequency of claw clips in my Instagram feed is a testament to the y2k revival and they made their way back for good reason. A bun is one of the most essential summer hairstyles to beat the heat but a claw clipped pony is the elevated version of that. If the right one is used, it can simultaneously liven up your look while also looking even more effortless than the traditional bun or pony. Like printed scarves, this is one of the cheaper and accessible accessories of the list so stocking up won't hurt!

via @minamarlena

Minimal Mules

The last thing we should be worrying about when sweat is coming from unimaginable places is a difficult heel. And while this is the season that most opt for a flat sandal, there’s still something so tempting about topping off an outfit with some extra height; which is why a minimal mule like the ones above from Australian designer, Tony Bianco, or even an open toed thong mule from various designers can be a great summer option. The lack of straps on a pair of mules makes trekking to and from summer activities effortless–not to mention the tendency for this style to come with a shorter heel–thus making it the perfect alternative for your favorite pair of platforms that can wait until the leaves change again.

via @asiamonetray

Statement Belts

Wether your bottoms have belt loops or not, a statement belt is a flattering choice to make your last minute look seem put together with care. The range of statement belts makes it the most fluid accessory on the list–it would be hard to find someone with a style that couldn’t benefit from one good belt purchase. While the gold one Asia Monetray wears above is perfect for adding some extra elegance, woven belts are perfect for a bohemian look while oversized leather belts can offer a more edgy vibe.

via @aixajahara

Wraparound Sunnies

As a Capricorn rising sign, this is by far my favorite summer accessory to keep handy because there’s no better way to feel private and secure while still looking sleek--which I love. A pair of wraparounds can be just what an outfit needs to take it from basic to untouchable. Brands like Giant Vintage offer tons of affordable options similar to the ones Aixa Jahara owns here while designer brands like Linda Farrow’s “The Mask” shades can offer a one of a kind experience that will make anyone feel like the top choice for the next Tomb Raider reboot.