We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Accessories make the outfit. This is especially true during the summer months, when creative layering ideas are at a minimum and all you really want is to throw on a cool dress, get out of the door and make the most of whatever decent weather and free time you may be lucky enough to have. So when you’re reaching for that plain, trusty midi and wanting to keep indecision at bay, I’d recommend choosing classic, comfortable and practical accessories that still look chic but aren’t so faddy or faffy as to require any effort. Look for items that combine neutral colours (beige, black, off-white) with staple summer fabrics (raffia, tan leather) and chic silhouettes (a simple shopper, a pair of two-strap sandals), and you’ll have a guaranteed armoury of versatile add-ons that will work with almost any summer outfit you throw at them.
Not to be totally biased, but the latest Who What Wear collection of bags and shoes ticks all the boxes. Affordable and hinting to the trends? Yes. But these styles are also created with longevity in mind. You’ll find the kind of basket bag that will never date and a pair of flat, chunky-soled sandals you’ll wear and wear until they need repairing (and I’d always recommend getting your favourite shoes repaired rather than buying new). It looks like our team isn’t alone in appreciating this new line: Countless influencers from across the globe have been using these chic new pieces to complement their spring and summer looks, both avant-garde and über-minimal, proving that good accessories work hard for us all. Keep scrolling to shop the most expensive-looking shoes and bags on the high street…
Nothing signals summer quite like a basket bag, but if you’re looking for one that has more year-round appeal and feels a little more elevated, then this black-trimmed bucket option is definitely a front runner. It’s adorable with a sundress but is equally cool with tailoring.
I wear them so much I’m not sure how I’d get ready each morning without a pair of chunky sandals. Therefore, it’s not a crazy idea to own more than one pair if you’re going to get lots of wear out of them. These puffy slides look directional, but they’re comfortable, too.
If you prefer your flat sandals to be a more refined and less chunky silhouette, then these strappy flats fit the bill. Particularly popular in tan, they’re a barely-there style that you can definitely wear with both pretty dresses and minimalistic tailoring.
Yes, we all have days where we need giant totes, but it’s also good to have a smart shoulder bag for fancier moments. This woven style is simple in shape and still quite roomy, but the front detailing gives it that extra bit of pizzazz.
Just as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, toe-post sandals are surprisingly big news this summer. A very small tweak provides plenty of extra fashion kudos, but essentially, these black, white and tan flats are still classic, wearable and easy.
Up next, here’s our guide to the most important autumn/winter 2021 trends.
