With summer comes a bounty of things to do — and naturally, a raft of accessorising options to match. Whether your holiday plans involve any combination of beach days, vineyard hopping, summer soirees or simply staying absolutely horizontal, we’ve curated our favourite accessories to keep you chic while you’re at it. From statement trinkets, versatile cover-ups, to the all important hats and sunnies, it’s all here.
Rebe Resort Wide Brim Panama $499 (left), Jojo Ross Alba Hat $139 (centre) and RUBY Paloma Hair Claw $19 (right).
You’re either a hat person or you wish you were. That was the musing that someone—clearly very wise—etched into my memory many years ago and which now crops up whenever I see an exquisite piece of headwear. And what better season to experiment with hats and work them into your outfits than Summer, where wearing them is just as much a must as it is nice to wear?
We’re absolutely loving the newly restocked Wide Brim Panama hats from Rebe. It’s classic, it’s versatile, it holds its shape beautifully and it’s just impossibly elegant. Want to take the edge up? Have a look at Jojo Ross’ Alba Hats for a modern, sculptural, swoop brim. Of course, when your hair is well and truly beached, let RUBY’s Paloma Hair Claw swirl it up in an understated yet chic way.
Yu Mei Claudia Tote $920 (left), RUBY Market Bag $5 (centre) and Rey Love You Forever, Knot Bag $199 (right).
The hallmarks of a great summer bag are simple: it’s easy to pack and pick up in an instant, holds a bottle of bubbly, and still has space for your plastic bag-wrapped togs after a swim. Best of all, you don’t have to resort to a full on beach bag for this. Leave the O-T-T St Tropez stripe printed, oversized beach bag with it’s flimsy and quick-to-fray, braided handles, because Kiwi designers have plenty of styles to take you and your summer loot between occasions.
Have a peek at Yu Mei’s line of canvas creations for practical, versatile and beachy-ready bags like the Claudia Tote or the Tom Tote in natural canvas. Want something to showcase your excellent taste in togs, towels, and market finds? RUBY’s aptly-named Market Bag has you sorted for that. Of course, you don’t have to stick to neutral or traditionally beachy aesthetics to have a good summer bag — Rey’s sleek Love You Forever Knot bag is a firm favourite for something that will complement any summer outfits and adventures, adding a chic and sleek edge while it’s at it.
Anoushka Van Rijn Ethereal Love Earrings $149 (left), Cathy Pope Azurite Turquoise Ring $299 (centre) and Isle of Eden Sunglasses $189.99 (right).
It might be too hot to pull off the exact outfits we want during summer, but it’s never too hot to pop on a trinket or two. For shelled, pearly, coral-dotted creations: Anoushka Van Rijn’s latest collection of ethereal and nautical jewels are available at Karen Walker. We’re also crushing on the Catherine collection from Cathy Pope Jewellery for sumptuous, maximalist pieces — like the stunning Eilat Stone Ring — to sparkle up any summer outfit.
Of course, you can never go without a good pair of sunglasses. We’re loving having our sunnies step in as a splash of colour in our summer outfits. Company of Strangers have plenty of simple and striking unisex lenses in solid tones — with many of them in neutral or jewel tones, like the Goldie in Green by Isle of Eden.
Kathryn Wilson Delacroix Heels $369 (left), Nomadic State of Mind Toe Joe Sandals $185 (centre) and Yume Yume Tyre Slide Sandals $325 (right).
A block heel is always a trusty element of a shoe at the best of times, but Summer is really when they shine. Frolicking through rows of vines, clomping up the deck stairs to a summer bbq, brunches and everything in between, they’re the most chic way to keep you feeling polished, poised, and of course as stable as you can while you’re navigating a few extra inches of height. Kathryn Wilson has plenty of these in the brand’s current collection, like the studded Delacroix heels or the platformed Zsa Zsa sandals.
In the flat department, you don’t have to stick to classic rubber jandals or Birkenstock-esque slides for easy, summer slip-ons. Have some fun with Nomadic State of Mind Toe Joe sandals or the wonderfully puffy and fun Tyre Slide Sandals by Yume Yume, found at The Shelter.
Knuefermann Architecture Scarf $269 (left) and Zambesi Medusa Scarf Dress $650 (right).
Alongside beach swims and vineyard hopping, luxuriating in the art of doing absolutely nothing is high on the Summer to-do list. Of course, you’ll need some killer pieces that give you just enough cover and comfort to help you along with that. First up: a sarong or cover-up like one of Knuefermann’s neutral yet geometric styles like the Large Architecture Scarf. Sure, it’ll keep you shaded while at the beach, but it’s also the perfect thing to wear around the house when you can’t quite bring yourself to get out of your swimmers or if you need a make-do dress for when it’s simply too hot to wear clothes. We’re also loving the Medusa scarf dress from Zambesi for a versatile cover up: a sheer scarf with a drawstring waist and straps galore for versatility, this too can be converted as a halter, tied wrap top or left floating.
Images supplied.