Whether it be for a casual brunch or special occasion, accessories can make or break an outfit. And they're often one of the most difficult items to style, and the most challenging when it comes to branching outside of what we're most familiar with (Hi gold hoops!) — even we have to admit it.
That's why we enlisted the help of style expert Melissa Garcia, who shared some of her favorite accessory trends and picks for summer. While they're perfect for the upcoming season, you'll also be able to make use of them every year, too.
Keep reading to seeing these must-have accessories for summer, plus other genius finds that are too good not to share.
Seen on TODAY | Shop All Day picks | How we chose
Summer fashion accessories seen on TODAY
Bucket hats
H&M Straw Bucket Hat
“Bucket hats made a comeback a few years ago — they’ve stuck around,” says Garcia. And you might just want to book a trip to the beach with this one. It is hand-braided with paper straw and has a grosgrain sweatband.
H&M Straw Bucket Hat
Looking for a more affordable version? H&M has a similar style for only $20 right now.
Abercrombie & Fitch Straw Bucket Hat
A bestseller for the brand, Abercrombie’s Straw Bucket Hat is made from 100% paper and is perfectly shaped to wear from the beach to lunch and everything in-between.
Beach bags
Mark & Graham Oversized Ribbon Straw Beach Tote
Garcia says you “need an oversized beach bag...no question about it,” because you obviously need a roomy and cute place to store towels, toys and snacks this summer. Plus, this one pairs well with the straw hats she recommended above.
Mark & Graham Sayulita Woven Beach Tote
Garcia notes that there has been a recent trend with woven plastic bags, such as the one here, and we are a fan. Plus, for an additional $12.50 (like most products from the brand), you can personalize the tote. “Makes a great gift if invited for a summer gathering,” she suggests.
Mark & Graham Cabana Stripe Straw Beach Tote
We are also obsessed with the relaxed shape and stripe detailing on this straw beach tote. It doesn’t hurt that the bag is currently on sale, too.
Loft Travel Hat Bag
“Not only is this beach bag on trend (natural woven fibers), it solves a problem: How to carry your hat when not wearing and carrying a million other things,” Garcia notes. This Loft hat promises to store two hats comfortably in inside and outside its compartments.
Miami Buy the Bag Missoni Bag
“Use a clutch for night time [and] bag within [the] daytime,” notes Garcia. Plus, this clutch from Miami Buy the Bag adds a “pop of color” she loves, and is crafted from repurposed couture fabrics. “Great alternative to purchasing a designer bag which can be thousands — affordable way to buy designer; accessible.”
Interested in more styles? See other prints from the brand here.
Jelly flats
Ancient Greek Sandals Iro Sandals
Jelly flats are “not a new phenomenon,” says Garcia “I think we all remember them from the 80’s.” But the shoe is currently trending for the summer because it is equally stylish as it is comfortable. For this one in particular, the brand suggests sizing up one size than normal.
Jeffrey Campbell Jellz Slip-On
“Love the cage mesh style — seeing a lot of mesh flats — this is the next iteration for summer,” highlights Garcia. Jeffrey Campbell’s Jellz, in particular, have a unique diamond-gridded mesh style that surely pops out to the eye.
Retro sunnies
Wire frames
Anthropologie Breezy Cat-Eye Aviator Sunglasses
We are “seeing lots of wire frames this season,” Garcia suggests, ranging from cat eye frames to oval and diamond, such as this gorgeous pair from Anthropologie. It’s a “dainty option for those that don’t like a heavy frame.”
XPONNI Cat Eye Sunglasses
Lightweight and comfortable is all you need to know about these sunnies. They have a perfect cat eye, and are at an unbeatable price point, too.
Aldo Unirerin Oval Sunglasses
Not into a cat eye frame? Garcia also recommends this gold oval pair from Aldo that looks more expensive that it actually is.
American Eagle AEO Rose Gold Round Metal Sunglasses
Combined with the UV protected pink lens, American Eagle's rose gold metal frame sunnies are surely pretty in pink.
AIRE Mars Oval Sunglasses
Outside of fitting the retro trend, these AIRE sunglasses offer 100% UV protection in its lens and a supportive fit with its wide frame, according to the label.
Aviators
American Eagle Oversized Sunglasses
“On the other end of the spectrum we are also seeing chunky acetate style aviators,” says Garcia. “Love a large oversized pair of sunglasses for days when you just don’t feel like putting in a ton of effort to get ready — throw these on and go!”
AIRE Whirlpool Aviator Sunglasses
Here’s another pair of aviators Garcia loves, but from AIRE. From the UV protection to the luxe tortoise print, these are nothing but stylish.
Sito Shades The Void Sunglasses
The Void sunnies are made from handmade plant-based acetate, and claim to provide 100% UV protection.
Vests
Yimoon Women's Vintage Floral Embroidered Vest
“Often don’t think of vests as an accessory but they are an amazing layering piece,” explains Garcia. “By adding this layer, it totally changes the look and feel of an outfit...Gives it this boho, beach-y trendy vibe.”
From the same brand, this exact style comes in other prints, too, such as the one below at a lower price point (varies per design):
Gihuo Women's Vintage Floral Embroidered Vest
Another perk about wearing vests is that there are “So many different ways to style, too,” Garcia mentions. Some of her favorite pairings? “Jeans, oversized trousers, maxi skirt with tank,” just to name a few — the options are endless!
Shop All Day: Accessories under $30 and more must-have finds
Shop TODAY editorial director Adrianna Brach previously joined the 3rd hour of TODAY to talk about some of her favorite accessories, from a stylish summer sandal to a genius no-sew hemming hack — and they’re all $30 or less.
Vorspack Clear Stadium Purse
Editor's note: Our pick is only available as used, but we found another similar option below.
Whether you're headed to a sporting event or a festival this summer, you might have to deal with bag policy restrictions. Most stadium-approved bags aren't fashionable, but Brach found a clear option that looks just as chic as any other bag you might have in your closet. Just be sure to check with the venue ahead of your event to make sure it meets their specific requirements.
Ketiee Clear Crossbody Bag
This clear bag boasts a long crossbody strap and enough room for the essentials. You can shop it in eight different colors, including a few neon styles that are perfect for summer.
Adidas Alliance II Sackpack
While you likely know Adidas for its sneakers, the brand's Sackpack is a classic accessory that is just as reliable as its footwear. It boasts enough room for essentials (or a change of clothes for anyone traveling) in the main compartment, but also features a mesh water bottle holder and zippered exterior pocket for extra storage, if you need.
The Original Tucky
This find feels genius — and we're not alone in thinking that! Brach says The Tucky, which acts as a no-sew hem hack, will help you get more use out of your clothing and give you more options to style pieces you already own and love. You can wear it underneath everything from sweaters to button-down tops to create a perfect cinched waist that Brach says "almost looks tailored."
Duke Cannon Cold Shower Cooling Field Towels
Summer heat is just around the corner! These towels can not only provide a cooling sensation, according to the brand, but also make for a quick cleanse when you're on the go thanks to ingredients like menthol, aloe and jojoba. Since they come in individually wrapped packages, you can grab a few for the whole family to use on camping trips or after sports games.
GoGoHeel Stoppers
Wearing heels to summer weddings can be a struggle if your heels are constantly plummeting into grass or sand, but not anymore! These clear heel pads can fit a variety of shoes (just not block heels) and prevent your shoes from getting ruined while you're outside. They come in several different sizes, so be sure to check out the size chart before adding to cart.
Kintion Pocket Mirror
Whether you need to touch-up your lipstick on the way to an event or make sure your flyaways are tamed before a photo-op, this pocket mirror is a convenient way to check yourself out. It is dual-sided, so you have magnification options to choose from, plus it is lighted to help you see during any hour of the day.
Octobuddy Silicone Phone Case
This neat phone cases suctions onto mirrors, windows and other flat surfaces, so you can snap photos without a tripod or apply makeup if you forget a pocket mirror.
Barbie x Kitsch Satin Pillowcase
Although the film's debut has passed, Barbiecore is still in! A satin pillowcase is a nighttime accessory you'll want to incorporate into your routine if you want to avoid bedhead and wake up with minimal frizz, according to experts we previously spoke with.
Chemical Guys Microfiber Towel
According to the brand, this microfiber towel can hold over a gallon of water, which makes it a convenient pick for drying your car off after you wash it (which can be done in just one swipe, the brand says).
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team spoke with TODAY and Shop TODAY editorial director Adrianna Brach and style expert Melissa Garcia to gain insight into the best summer accessory essentials.
We then scoured the internet and chose shopper-loved items that met the guidelines provided by the experts.
