Whether you're a lover of basics or routinely trial trends, accessories are a category where you can really play no matter where you fall on the fashion spectrum. For Summer, when the general mood is easy breezy, simple outfits always feel the best whether you're concocting looks for the office [1], vacation [2], or weekend activities. While warm weather always puts me in an experimental mood — I'm currently obsessed with bubblegum pink shades and pretty much anything with a puffy sleeve — I tend to keep the majority of my Summer outfits simple. Where I get really playful is with my accessories, whether it's a statement-making shoe, unique bag, or bold piece of jewelry.
The best part is that these types of accessories make enough of an impact on their own that a simple outfit is oftentimes best to keep them fully in the spotlight. And wouldn't you know that the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's [3] is filled will stylish basics (all coming in at $50 or less!) to pair with Summer's biggest accessory trends — from the sandal every fashion girl is wearing to this season's It sunglasses shape, and a new-season take on the ubiquitous straw bag. In other words, it just got a whole lot easier to rock the freshest accessory trends with minimal effort.
Ahead, scroll through for the top 10 accessory trends for Summer styled with fresh and affordable basics [4] from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's [5]. And for more Summer outfit ideas, head over to The Outfit Bar at Kohl's [6], where you'll discover a range of affordable looks you can wear to work, on the weekends, for special occasions, and beyond.
Sculptural Heels
Whether for a special occasion, cocktails, or on vacation, a sculptural heel is the easiest way to dress up easy Summer staples like a white top and jeans.
Zara Geometric Leather Sandals [7] ($90)
POPSUGAR Puff-Sleeve Button-Down Top
POPSUGAR Puff-Sleeve Button-Down Top [8] ($26, originally $44)
POPSUGAR Skinny Pants
POPSUGAR Skinny Pants [9] ($50)
Shell Jewelry
Seashell jewelry has come a long way from the puka shell strand you no-doubt wore on vacation with your family as a tween. It's now a playful accent to pair with a warm-weather knit and shorts off duty.
Wald Berlin How Hi Gold-Plated Shell Necklace [10] ($227)
POPSUGAR Nautical Cardigan
POPSUGAR Nautical Cardigan [11] ($35, originally $50)
POPSUGAR Printed Pull-On Shorts
POPSUGAR Printed Pull-On Shorts [12] ($30, originally $44)
Natural Bags
Blame it on the French, but basket bags have become ubiquitous among the fashion set, from woven totes to handhelds and crossbodies. This Summer, a range of natural materials are finding their way into the spotlight, from beaded minis to macrame and even rope — a fail-safe accent with a comfy jumpsuit [13] on the weekends.
Mozh Mozh Cupis Crochet Bag [14] ($180, originally $225)
POPSUGAR Tie-Front Knit Jumpsuit
POPSUGAR Tie-Front Knit Jumpsuit [15] ($47, originally $68)
Barley-There Sandals
By now you know that naked, barley-there sandal is the shoe for Summer, from optic white to neon colors and, of course, nude. Whether you're for a lace-up, slingback, or strappy silhouette, you can't go wrong pairing your favorite with a striped top [16] and shorts [17] in the heat.
& Other Stories Square Toe Lace Up Heeled Sandals [18] ($129)
POPSUGAR Babydoll Swing Tee
POPSUGAR Babydoll Swing Tee [19] ($21, originally $30)
POPSUGAR Paperbag-Waist Shorts
POPSUGAR Paperbag-Waist Shorts [20] ($26, originally $44)
Hair Accessories
One of the most Instagrammable accessories of the season, hair accessories have returned, but with an elevated twist. Think rhinestone bobby pins, silk scrunchies, printed hair scarfs, and pearl barrettes — a fail-safe pairing with a summery white dress.
SVNR Tucker Point Barrette [21] ($125)
POPSUGAR Belted Maxi Dress
POPSUGAR Belted Maxi Dress [22] ($44, originally $64)
Flat Top Sunglasses
Micro-mini frames, retro cat-eyes, and optic white shades have been ruling the sunglasses scene as of late, but this Summer, flat top sunnies are taking over with an edgy vibe. Wear yours with a simple tank top and jeans for casual cool.
Victoria Beckham Half Moon High Brow Sunglasses [23] ($385)
POPSUGAR Relaxed Muscle Tank Top
POPSUGAR Relaxed Muscle Tank Top [24] ($18, originally $26)
POPSUGAR Straight-Leg Midrise Jeans
POPSUGAR Straight-Leg Midrise Jeans [25] ($25, originally $50)
"Ugly" Sandals
One of Summer's most controversial looks, the "ugly" sandal trend [26] is a fashion-girl favorite. For a sophisticated spin, pair yours with a tie-front button-down shirt and paperbag shorts for comfy-chic.
Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Slide Sandal [27] ($160)
POPSUGAR Knot-Front Button Down Shirt
POPSUGAR Knot-Front Button Down Shirt [28] ($30, originally $44)
POPSUGAR Chambray Paperbag Shorts
POPSUGAR Chambray Paperbag Shorts [29] ($30, originally $44)
Baroque Pearls
Modern pearl jewelry has been major over the past several seasons, but Baroque pearls are the new-season version with a natural feel. From pendant necklaces to drop earrings and even in the form of hair accessories, this trend is an easy way to elevate a T-shirt and swingy pants.
Donni June 16" White Pearl Necklace [30] ($238)
POPSUGAR Tie-Front Slouchy Tee
POPSUGAR Tie-Front Slouchy Tee [31] ($21, originally $30)
POPSUGAR Chambray Wide-Leg Pants
POPSUGAR Chambray Wide-Leg Pants [32] ($50)
PVC Shoes
You know what they say. Life in plastic, it's fantastic. Though see-through accessories have bubbled up over the past few seasons, this summer is all about the PVC shoe, from simple mules to strappy sandals. Try this look with head-to-toe denim for a nonchalant take on an otherwise showy trend.
Tamara Mellon Glass [33] ($450)
POPSUGAR Denim Cropped Jacket
POPSUGAR Denim Cropped Jacket [34] ($38, originally $64)
POPSUGAR Midrise Straight-Leg Jeans
POPSUGAR Midrise Straight-Leg Jeans [35] ($25, originally $50)
Anklets
If it's not clear by now, Summer's biggest accessory trends are tied to nostalgia, including another childhood favorite: the anklet. The 2019 version, however, is all about polished takes, from simple gold chains to chunkier chainlinks, and strands adorned with seashells or pearls. Give this old-school look a try by accenting a t-shirt and denim skirt with your anklet of choice.
Adornmonde Wilson Gold Anklet [36] ($88)
POPSUGAR Babydoll Swing Tee
POPSUGAR Babydoll Swing Tee [37] ($21, originally $30)
POPSUGAR Button-Front Denim Mini Skirt
POPSUGAR Button-Front Denim Mini Skirt [38] ($30, originally $50)