15 fun summer accessories that won’t break the bank

Summer is the perfect time to lighten up and have a little fun with our outfits. And when it’s too hot to layer, accessories add some zest to simple summer basics. I’ve found some really fun summer accessories that don’t cost a bundle, and are perfect accents for casual outfits.

As the temperature rises, we can add a touch of whimsy and personality to our ensembles with some carefully chosen statement pieces. Whether you’re strolling along the beach or attending a backyard barbecue, these accessories will liven up your summer looks effortlessly.

Jewelry with a beachy vibe 🏖️ 🐠 🐚

Madewell gold hoop earrings with shell dangle.

Tiny conch shells with gold accents dangle from these huggie earrings.

These silver-tone earrings with blue beads are perfect for you Summers and Winters.

Talbot's silver shell drop earrings with blue beads
J.Crew gold knot necklace with freshwater pearl pendant.

Pearls are another option with a summery, beachy feel. This pretty knotted chain necklace with a freshwater pearl pendant can dress up or down.

This delicate silver station necklace with pearls would be pretty worn alone or layered.

Silver station necklace with pearls

Versatile bandanas

Cotton bandanas are one of my favorite summer accessories. You can wear around your neck for sun protection (or even dampen with ice water to cool off). I love to wear them as head scarves or tie around the handle of a bag to add color and pattern.

Anthropologie nature print organic cotton bandana

They call this pattern “Wild Prairie,” but I think the colors have an aquatic vibe. Organic cotton bandana.

Polka dots are a perennial fave, here in nautical navy and white.

Madewell polka dot organic cotton bandana

Bringing the shade…

Not only do hats provide some sun protection, but they also can function as a “third piece” to make outfits look more finished.

Madewell embroidered bucket hat

I love this adorable bucket hat embroidered with fruit!

Packable, and with a UPF 50 rating, this cute sun hat comes in a bunch of colors.

Wallaroo "scrunchie" packable sun hat in blue.
AIRE sunglasses in cobalt blue.

Don’t forget sunglasses, which not only help protect your eyes, but can add a bold touch to your outfit. (Check out more from this brand for some on-trend, budget-friendly styles!)

Take it with you…

This canvas tote comes with either a zip or open top, and has interior pockets! Several color options available, and you can personalize with monograms, words, or embroidered designs. (I’d pick the flamingo to go with the pink!)

Lands' End canvas tote with pink accents.
Amazon straw tote bag with drawstring liner.

I purchased this straw tote 3 or 4 years ago, and think it’s an excellent value for the price! There’s a cloth liner inside with a drawstring, so you can close the bag to keep contents secure.

Walking on sunshine

Colorful sandals add a nice pop to your summer outfits, and don’t have to be spendy.

Orange and raffia are two of this season’s biggest trends, here in one sandal.

Fun summer accessories: Dolce Vita orange slide sandals.
Sam Edelman slide sandals in bright blue with navy sole.

These bright blue and navy sandals in croc effect leather would be a nice choice for Winters.

These waterproof Birkenstocks come in a bunch of colors, including this pretty lavender (Summers, take note!)

Birkenstock essentials EVA waterproof sandals in Lavender.
Talbot's striped flat buckle sandals

These striped flat sandals would look great with jeans (white or blue) or a sundress. Springs & Autumns, these are your colors.

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5 Comments

  1. Absolutely adore the wild prairie bandana. I am so full of admiration for you Susan, having only just read about your husband’s diagnosis. How you have the time to put so much effort into your excellent website, plus caring for our husband (and your son from what I have read) is inspirational.

  2. Susan, I really like your your Azure Days combo… pop of peacock is so pretty. It is your recent Weekend Getaway combination that made me smile… so close to the colours I packed…(although more items for sure for my 3 weeks in the UK ) , going by small ship with many ports of call…(Dartmouth, Scilly Isles, Dublin, Belfast) or excursions in London and Glasgow before cruise and after. If you are familiar with UK brand HOBBS, there’s a shop near Russell Square that I visit which had a dress very like the one you showed, and a Breton striped top… with cream, coral, rust red…and both went so well with my packed items.
    Added a top from Devon Lazy Jacks and another from Fat Face, both shops discovered in Dartmouth, a beautiful coastal Devon place with a deep channel for smaller ships. My colours , soft Autumn , are etched in my brain now!

  3. Gosh, these are all so pretty. I love bandannas – last year I went to a conference and wore won around my neck (because conference rooms are COLD) and someone commented on how stylish it looked. I then pulled it up over my head because I wear it out in the sun to protect my purple/teal hair from fading and said, “See, it’s dual purpose!” 😀