7 Affordable Accessory Trends That Will Make Your Summer Outfits Look Very 2023

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

When it comes to summer dressing, I tend to rely on simple, easy, and elevated basics for the sweltering heat. Since my outfits tend to be comprised of more classic pieces, I have fun with accessories. Adding a trendy necklace or bag can make a basic outfit instantly feel more fashion-forward. 

So what pieces are trending this season that will make my ensembles feel very summer 2023? Below, I'm sharing seven of the coolest accessories currently taking over the fashion crowd. These are items that are unquestionably the secret sauce to every cool-girl outfit. The best part? You don't need to spend a fortune to get the look. In fact, all the picks I'm highlighting below range from $5 to $100. From wide stretchy headbands to mermaidcore jewelry, take a peek at the accents that will make your outfit this summer.

Wide Stretchy Headbands

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(Image credit: @kristengracelam)

In a time when we love all things '90s and Y2K, it will come as no surprise that the fashion crowd's latest nostalgic obsession is wide stretchy headbands. Originally spotted on the S/S 23 runways, the humble jersey headband has risen to fashion stardom this season. Wear with bold earrings for a fresh summer look.

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Big and Bold Earrings

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(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

Big and bold '80s jewelry has seen a major resurgence recently. Its popularity will likely continue long past summer as we saw S/S 23 and F/W 23 runways embrace the trend in a major way. We've seen statement earrings have a major moment this summer. Pair them with your casual summer outfits, or style a pair with one of the headbands above for a really trend-forward look! Very summer 2023.

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Mermaidcore Motifs

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(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

It's all about the mermaidcore aesthetic this season, and if you're looking for an easy way to add the trend to your outfit, opt for sea-inspired jewelry and accessories. There are plenty of affordable options on the market right now to lean into the look.

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Cuff Bracelets

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(Image credit: @hoskelsa)

Large silver and gold cuff bracelets will dominate this season. They are unquestionably the fashion set's arm candy of choice for the summer. The coolest way to wear them is by layering two or three cuffs of varying sizes for a statement look.

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Raffia and Straw Bags

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

No surprise here, but bags made of natural fabrics are everywhere this summer. They add the perfect carefree summer touch to your look. The beauty is there are plenty of raffia bag iterations for every budget.

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Rosettes

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(Image credit: @fiahamelijnck)

Pretty 3D florals are having a moment this year. The popular runway trend continues to be a hit among the fashion set on everything from chokers to belts, hair ties, and brooches. The trend shows no sign of slowing down for fall either, as it was spotted all over F/W 23 runways. 

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Mesh Flats

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(Image credit: @_jeanette.madsen_)

It's time to show off your toes this summer—in the most fashion-forward way. Mesh, net, and see-through flats are trending hard this season. Opt for a pair of mesh ballet flats or Mary Janes to add a trendy touch to your summer basics.

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Bucket Hats

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(Image credit: @nitsanraiter)

Bucket hats continue to be a favorite among the fashion set this summer. We've seen all styles, from crochet fabrics to fun prints and colors.

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Next, The #1 Dress Trend You Won't Regret Buying This Summer

Judith Jones
Senior Fashion Market Editor

Judith is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for nearly a decade. Judith started on the Shop Who What Wear team, creating content and managing a team of merchandisers for the Who What Wear shopping app. She later crossed over to the editorial team, where she shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands in her shopping-focused stories and social takeovers. She has become one of the top affiliate earners during her six plus years at Who What Wear. Before working in fashion, Judith was a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) and shared her passion for travel and food. She studied at the prestigious London Academy of Dramatic Arts as well as Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York. She later studied fashion merchandising and design, which laid the foundation for her career in fashion.


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