From slouchy sling bags to ’80s-era button earrings, these accessories encourage a laid-back fashion ethos.
Throughout the Pre-Fall 2024 season, designers were mindful that the goal of summer fashion is to keep cool in as little fabric as possible: you know the phrase—it’s summertime, and the living’s easy. The motto is gleefully on repeat as you sip Aperol spritz al fresco and log off early on Fridays. Summer’s accessories—including handbags, jewelry, shoes, and other add-ons—also lean into the warm-weather months’ laid-back living ethos. They’re vibrant enough to dress up your barely-there layers but with minimal fuss.
At Bottega Veneta, Matthieu Blazy sent out multi-purpose straw bags that work for business matters and the beach. Victoria Beckham designed summer scarves in pops of colors that will hide your ocean-sprayed hair and level up your canvas tote bag. Chanel and Isabel Marant leaned into the resurgence of ’80s jewelry that can elevate your everyday tanks and tees.
They’re all accessories that streamline your cute summer outfits without overcomplicating them amid rising temps—especially when you have more important matters to attend (like pool parties and backyard barbecues). Ahead, Marie Claire curated an edit of the most sought-after accessories from the summer 2024 runways that you can start shopping now.
In a Cinch
Nothing ties an outfit together better than a great belt. At Louis Vuitton, Nicolas Ghesquière used candy-striped leather wrap belts to cinch and create dimension on colorful sundresses. Meanwhile, Chloé’s newly appointed Chemena Kamali leaned more toward fashion than function, with logoed metallic chains styled low on their hips.
Cherry Bomb
Designers continue to reinvigorate the red color trend season after season. In summer 2024, the shade is no longer the star of the show but more of a supporting character. The next time you’re dressed in head-to-toe black, slip on a cherry-colored sling bag or bold sandal. Pops of ruby are prevalent at Valentino on shoulder bags and at Interior and Isabel Marant via kitten heels—a smart way to spice up an otherwise neutral look.
Cute as a Button Earring
This season, there was a battle between the decades. Given the prevalence of ’80s-inspired button earrings throughout the season, it’s clear this era of decadence has an edge. Valentino, Isabel Marant, and Chanel unveiled sculptural metallic baubles, while Carolina Herrera offered colorful and kitschy styles mimicking your mom’s vintage costume jewelry.
Wedges never really went dormant, but the architectural silhouette is undoubtedly having its moment in the spotlight this summer. Louis Vuitton and Roberto Cavalli included leather summer boots, while Paco Rabanne designed backless asymmetrical heeled mules. Dior also joined in on the wedge momentum: Maria Grazia Chiuri styled most of her Pre-Fall 2024 looks with lace-up espadrilles showcasing the platform base.
Structure Is Overrated
A slouchy shoulder bag is an ideal summer companion: it will carry all of your essentials and reflect the relaxed energy that’s synonymous with the season. Some iterations, like Valentino’s, are more prim and proper, while others—namely Chloé and Burberry’s—are unapologetically bulky and baggy. Consider a leather or canvas version—or leather and canvas, as in the case of Khaite’s.
Scarf Down
It’s always a good idea to keep a summer scarf in your bag—you never know when the AC will be too chilly, there’s a strong breeze, or you just want to look like an Old Hollywood starlet. At Givenchy, a sheer and lightweight neck-erchief is a retro alternative to a choker necklace. At Victoria Beckham, a printed twilly is an elevated upgrade to a bag charm.
Not Your Dorky Dad’s Combo
Adding on an additional layer may seem counterintuitive during summer, but the unexpected warm-weather sock-and-shoe combo adds an element of intrigue to even the most basic of looks. Take a cue from Dior and Givenchy, where sheer socks and heels gave a little black dress and summer suiting extra edge. Opt for lightweight, transparent, or netted hosiery to make the styling trick work for your summer looks.
To Have and to Hold
There’s something very tender about a bag you can clutch comfortably like a pillow. Several designers, including Philosophy di Serafini, Burberry, and Victoria Beckham, sent out soft leather pouches this season. Then there was The Row, which exaggerated the silhouette to supersized—but equally as cuddleable—proportions.
