Not Jelly Sandals, Not Bag Charms—These Are the Highly Specific Accessories It Girls Are Wearing This Summer
If your Pinterest looks anything like mine, then your mood board has officially moved the spotlight from spring to summer. There is an entire folder dedicated to Thessaloniki outfit ideas for when the girls' trip finally makes it out of the group chat, a long-winded search for that niche Gen Z sunglasses trend you don't know the name of, and one too many sunset-photo-shoot ideas. Or maybe you're focused on finding the perfect day-to-night summer accessories. Don't worry; I've got it all covered.
With a few beachside getaways already in the books, I've been studying It girls to find the highly specific accessories trends chic people are wearing this summer. Turns out it's not jelly sandals, and it's not bag charms. These ultra-cool trends are flying slightly under the radar. Spoiler: The scarves in last year's scarf-belt trend are getting a new use.
From L.A. cool girl Elsa Hosk to Scandi style icon Josefine Haaning Jensen, scroll on to see the six It-girl accessories trends I declare must-packs this summer. Think rule-breaking jewelry trends, S/S 26 runway standouts, and a new use for a closet staple.
6 It-Girl Accessories Trends for Summer 2026
Bug-Eyed Sunglasses
Gen Z's style is anything but quiet. So it only makes sense that my generation's sunglasses of choice are loud, oversize frames. Don't be fooled; the bug-eyed sunglasses trend isn't niche to hyper-individualist Gen Zers but has walked on spring/summer 2026 runways. Miu Miu, Celine, and Saint Laurent, to be exact. If you can look past the obvious influence of the insect, you'll see these shield-style frames are perfect for shading the sun or hiding from paparazzi.
Silk Bandanas
Last year, we saw chic people from NYC to London styling silk scarves as part of the scarf-belt trend. Even the ultimate It girl, Alex Chung, put her spin on the trend. This year, we aren't saying goodbye to our silk scarves; instead, they've been promoted. The fashion set is slowly unlocking every styling hack of the silk scarf. And this summer, nothing is cooler than wearing a silk scarf as a bandana. IMO, it outranks any summer hat trends or hair accessories.
Crochet Cover-Up
A cover-up is a must-have summer accessory. It's convenient and practical, and it can elevate your beach-day outfit with one simple layer. Keep in mind not just any cover-up will do. It girls are reaching for crochet dresses, cardigans, skirts, you name it. As long as it's crochet, cool-girl status is imminent.
Beaded Necklace
The beaded necklace trend has slowly snuck up on me. It only makes sense that, with jewelry trends evolving toward organic shapes and materials, chunky beaded necklaces would be next in line. The colorful beadwork looks best when styled with anti-trend pieces like a classic white button-down or plain crewneck.
Bamboo Handle
I'm always looking for summer accessories that can go from day to night, or more specifically, beach to dinner. The bamboo-handle bag can do just that. It's laid-back ocean-front look can easily transition to a chic coastal 'fit—with the right styling, of course. The Gucci Bamboo 1947 Bag is a classic, but if you're looking for a more boho aesthetic, I suggest a woven raffia style from Clare V.
Mixed Metals
My love for the mixed-metal jewelry trend is well-known. It's how I maximize my jewelry collection. By ignoring this outdated jewelry rule, I have the freedom to experiment with two-tone pieces and mix and match how I please. If so inspired, I recommend starting with a dual-tone piece first, then adding solid tones or even other intriguing textural pieces like wood bangles, beaded necklaces, and so on.
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