What are outfits without accessories? These accoutrements might seem insignificant, but when you combine them with clothing, you suddenly have an outfit. With the addition of a chunky gold chain, a chic leather bag and a truly great pair of heels to a plain white tee and blue jeans, you end up with a truly great-looking outfit. At Who What Wear, we spend a lot of time analysing a variety of trends, and accessories are one area that we make sure to never overlook. To get a good idea on the key add-ons that our editors really want to wear this season, I asked them all to tell me which two they put above the rest.
There are plenty of standout bags, including candy-coloured totes, that are definitely ones to mark for when you see friends again. There are oversize bags for trips to the park and beaches and a canvas tote that one editor is convinced is set to be the next big thing. As for shoes, flatforms, mules and loafers all make an appearance, but my personal favourite are the clogs. Find these, plus plenty of other ideas, if you keep scrolling.
“I wear a headscarf, so I’m really excited about seeing more printed and colourful silk scarves on the market. They make such great accessories whether you wear them on your head, tied to your bag or as a top. I also think they’re an easy way to incorporate a pop of colour into your outfit, especially if you’re timid about contrasting colours in your actual clothing pieces.”
“I used to own a pair of Lizzie McGuire platforms in the late 2000s, and I think I wore them every day till the straps broke. I’m so excited they’re back because I could use the added height, as I’m just shy of 5’3″. I’m already looking to purchase a black leather pair to be my go-to summer shoes.”
“While S/S 21 runways were filled with flatforms and clogs, the micro-shoe trend I can’t stop thinking about is heeled mules. I loved a good statement summer sandal (especially in mule form) and can’t wait to bust out my favourite pairs of mules.”
“While there are so many good S/S 21 handbag trends, the one that’s left me in shambles is the candy-colour trend you saw at Versace and Fendi. IDK about you, but I think there’s no other trend that can carry us into the new season like this one.”
“I’ve been wanting to try this shape for a while now and will be looking to get a very plain black pair of rectangular shades. They’re minimalistic but also still quite unusual, perfect for flinging on and (trying to) look cool in.”
“Highly likely that I’m going to be schlepping a lot of crap around now that I’ve moved to the seaside and will be heading to the beach as often as possible with my 1-year-old! Getting out of the house with him requires a very long list of things, and I’d quite like something chicer than a boring old black leather rucksack to carry them around.”
“It doesn’t quite feel right to call this a trend, as it’s so classic. However, to me, a pair of statement gold hoops or earrings completes an outfit and always makes me feel put-together. This pair by Completedworks is on my wish list for this year.”
“Whether I make it to a beach or not this year, I love how practical these are for any summer plans. This Chloé logo bag is set to be even more popular than the Loewe basket bag this summer.”
“After a three-year love affair with round sunglasses, this year I am returning to the retro, bug-eyed appeal of ’70s sunnies. If I’m honest, they probably aren’t the most flattering style on me (big sunglasses + a small mouth does not a balanced silhouette make), but I can’t resist the instant vintage glamour they add to any outfit. I’m planning to wear my Joseph pair with denim dungarees and a ruffled-collar blouse this spring.”
“Comfortable flats have become a necessity for many of us over the last year, and my favourite style has to be the loafer. Polished, timeless and versatile, it’s one of those pieces that I can throw together with everything from denim to dresses and everything in between. My perfect pair comes courtesy of G.H. Bass, but there are plenty to be found on the high street from the likes of Arket and & Other Stories.”
“This ’90s trend is sticking around for another year, and I’m more than okay with it. I’ll be opting for organza, taffeta and silk textures in an oversize silhouette to help dress up my otherwise lacklustre ponytails and topknots.”
“Okay, it’s another hair accessory, but hear me out. Basically, every cool girl on Instagram has been stepping out in a claw clip recently, and I’ve been well and truly influenced. I’ve already bought a lilac one and a tortoiseshell one for easy half-up, half-down hairstyles, and I’ve got my eye on this adorable pearl one from Tort.”
“I know this is quite the ‘fashion’ choice, but I love a good baseball cap. I’ve got a vintage one from Champion, but I’m eyeing up the Celine version and classic plain black ones.”
“I didn’t think I’d be a clog person, but it turns out I am. The moment I saw the Hermès versions, I was hooked. Whether you prefer the more minimalist versions or the bold, fluffy stylings from Fabrizio Viti, I’m convinced there’s a clog for everyone this season.”
