I’m a Fashion Editor—Here Are 21 Summer Accessories on My Wishlist, Starting at $13

My mom has an incredible jewelry collection—something I discovered recently when I needed to “borrow” a few pieces for a trip—and it’s inspired me to grow my own. These sterling silver hoop earrings remind me of one of her David Yurman pieces, minus the costly price tag. The intricate herringbone trim on either side really makes these pop, making them stand out among my average hoops.

Anyone else getting major Celine vibes? Same. As soon as I saw these, I immediately thought of the Celine Triomphe metal round sunglasses, which cost a whopping $550—an investment I’d consider justifying, but before I do, these Amazon look-a-likes will fit the bill. They’re made with HD lenses that are designed to reduce glare and offer more protection against UVA and UVB rays, plus they have more than 1,000 five-star reviews, so the people approve.

I don’t know if it’s the pearl skin trend or a simple shift in taste, but I’m all about the effervescent gemstones. That’s why I’m bringing back the pearlcore trend this summer and setting my sites (and wrists) on Jenny Bird’s Noa bracelet. The strand of cool freshwater pearls is simplistic yet oh-so stunning, making for a gorgeous bracelet that can stand alone or in a stack. It’s made with a foldover clasp that can only be opened by manually pulling the tab, so this baby won’t be going anywhere once it’s on.

Full disclosure: I already own these Vans, and they’re great. Once I saw the Vans checkerboard classic slip-ons take off on TikTok, I knew I wanted in, but as someone who is more minimalistic and neutral-prone in nature, the Old Skool sneakers spoke to me. You get that classic quality with a bit of a modern twist (hello, platforms), and the suede fabric against the canvas upper is a luxurious detail that looks great IRL. Best of all? They’re a really comfortable sneaker, so much so that I wore them all day exploring NYC just a few weeks ago and there was no blister in sight.

I recently spent a week in London celebrating the 190th anniversary of Wolf, a family-run global luxury brand specializing in safekeeping for your jewelry and timepieces. Think: jewelry boxes and trays, watch boxes and winders and passport holders and wallets. While I was at the opening for their new storefront in Covent Garden, London, I immediately clocked the Evie bag dangling on the wall. Much to my surprise, CEO Simon Philip Wolf V told me that this small collection of fabric mini bags is part of an exclusive collaboration with his wife, Fiona Howard, a well-known British luxury wallpaper and textile designer. The bag has one roomy interior compartment that can fit your phone, and two interior credit card slots. The most striking detail, however, is the bamboo handles, which provides a perfect earthy contrast against the dainty fabric. I actually purchased not one, but two of these bags before I left London, and I already need the entire collection.

Because talking about my trip to London isn’t enough, I’ll now buy a baseball cap announcing my love for the city in hopes someone asks me about it. It doesn’t help that it’s darn cute. I’m a believer that you can never have too many baseball caps, especially if you suffer from a bad hair day more often than you’d like to admit. It’ll keep your greasy hair at bay and give you that cool factor at the airport.

When Matthieu Blazy debuted the Drop earrings during Bottega Veneta’s F/W ready-to-wear collection in 2022, it was all any fashionista could fixate on. These $13 look-a-likes will save you heaps (considering the $1,350 designer pieces), and buyers find that they’re comfortable, lightweight and look expensive. Plus, the 14k yellow plating is 100 percent nickel free and hypoallergenic.

It’s time I give into the hype—after all, silver flats are all New Yorkers are wearing this summer. These beautifully marry a trend to a classic pair of ballet flats, even incorporating a decorative bow at the toes much like you’d see on traditional ballet shoes. This season, I’ll be styling them with shorts, jeans, dresses and linen pants, too.

Summer is here, and with it comes travel plans of all sorts, from weekend getaways to beach vacations, so stocking up on packing cubes is one of the smartest things you can do in this obsessively organized Virgo’s eyes. This set comes with eight durable cubes made with water-repellent material that’ll keep your delicates protected. Not to mention, these cubes can save you so much valuable space you’ll probably want to save for any trinkets and knick-knacks.

You know what time it is…time for a phone case update, and this one complete with cherry tomatoes is incredibly cute and making me a little hungry, might I add. Last year was all about the tomato girl summer and 2024’s summer fashion trends are panning out to be all about delectable prints—tomatoes included. This case is not only cute, but it’s also built with a shock-absorbing, sturdy design geared to protect your phone from steep drops. (If you look closely, you’ll see that each tomato has a face!)

Last month, I bought these Steve Madden Mayven sandals and I swear, every time I wear them, people think they’re from Hérmes. As the Birkenstock look rises in popularity, I like that these still have that essence but feel and look a lot more luxe. I wrote an in-depth review detailing all my thoughts on the slides, but the TL;DR is that they’re uber comfortable (thanks to that molded footbed), supportive and boast a customizable fit with the Velcro strap. Do note, though, that there’s a 24-hour break-in period for my fellow wide-foot people.

Another travel essential: a dopp kit. Béis makes a spill-proof bag that opens up wide to house your travel-size bathroom essentials in organized compartments. It incorporates a clever loop to hang on a towel hook, too, so you don’t have to plop it on top of the bathroom lid (been there). Like the Béis Weekender bag, this has a zip compartment below the main pouch where you can keep larger or long items that need to lay flat.

When formal events sneak up on you, you’ll be thankful you have these darling earrings that are plated in 24k gold, dipped in ruthenium and embedded with cubic zirconia. They have an elegant slim silhouette that feels vintage, perhaps because they are inspired by jewelry from the Victorian Age, per Zara’s description. So, if you’re the type that loves antique jewelry, then these are for you. Not to mention, they’re under $80.

Come summer, you can find me by the ocean, sipping on an Aperol spritz while sporting this straw shoulder bag. As PureWow fashion editor Abby Hepworth predicts in her summer handbag trends analysis, “I’m seeing tons of structured raffia mini bags with leather detailing, ideal for summer weddings or cocktail parties, as well as straw totes…for everyday use.” This one has a short strap that’ll fit perfectly under your arm, and a magnet fastening at either end that, when locked, completely transforms its shape.

Spinelli Kilcollin jewelry is on the long-term wish list, but that $1,000 and up price point just won’t cut it. Fortunately, my sister shared this similar style ring, which has a stacked, two-tone interlocking design that looks uncannily like the designer piece. Yes, it’s still a little pricey, but buyers say that it has a heavy, high-quality make to it oh-so worth it.

After not one but two of my colleagues put Hoka sneakers to the test—one of whom tested them against a pair of On running shoes—I’m officially curious. The Mach 6 model is crafted with a cushioned EVA midsole and has breathable fabrics to keep your foot cool and comfortable no matter your activity. I’m no runner, but you bet I’ll be taking full advantage of their lightweight and responsive capabilities in my every day. Plus, it helps knowing that the neutral stability will help correct my pronated feet and keep me from losing my balance (because I’m clumsy and that happens more than you know).

I’m sure you’ve seen this leather belt on your social feeds, so this is your sign to update your everyday, basic black belt with this elegant accessory that’s anything but average. Handcrafted in Italy, the Hollyhock style is made with smooth calf leather and features a silver-tone buckle and row of rings that replaces the simple loop you see on most belts. I’ve seen so many other brands try their hand at their version of this cool-girl look, but nothing beats this luxe quality. It really does elevate any look, even a basic white T-shirt and jeans. Oh, and it comes in plenty of colors (seven to be exact!) and finishes, including gold and mixed metals.

I used to laugh at my mom, who wears a rancher hat any chance she gets—while gardening, while washing the cars, while at the beach—and as I approach my 30s, the wide-brim straw hat gets more and more appealing to me. I want to keep my skin looking youthful for as long as I can, so I will taking every preventative step I can. Also, the rancher style is super cute and reminds me so much of my Mexican roots, so I have a feeling I’ll be overcome with a sense of pride when I put this on.

If you have a few summer weddings on the docket, you’ll need a fancier purse that can double as a day and evening bag. Enter: this beaded beauty from Mango. It’s small, though it will fit your phone, and has a gorgeous pearl-like design that’ll glisten in the sunshine. The interior is fully lined, too, and there’s a magnet fastening that’ll keep it safely closed.

Reformation always has some of the most fabulous footwear. Case in point, the heeled Suzy sandals. I like that they’re super strappy yet still exude a sense of ‘90s minimalism, especially with that snake print finish which I drool for. With that chunky block heel, let’s add this to the top of our list of comfortable heels, shall we? It’ll give you extra stability, alleviate some pressure on your heels and make walking long periods of time that much easier.

If you’re not familiar with Heaven Mayhem, the accessories brand has a ton of timeless, vintage-inspired statement pieces that are well-made, high-quality and reasonably priced. Even celebrities can’t get enough of the pieces, from Hailey Bieber to Matilda Djerf and Rosie Huntington-Whitley. I’ve been wanting the knot earrings—one of their best-sellers—for some time now, as they’re the type of earring that’ll complete my capsule wardrobe. Plus, I’m a sucker for the mixed metal look.