Shopping·10 min read

17 Accessories That’ll Have You Surviving Summer with Ease

summer accessories
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Little Words Project, Baggu, Emi Jay
July 17, 2023

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Over the summer months, we’re reaching for the same stuff over and over again — whether we’re traveling for an extended period of time or we’re keeping ourselves (and our looks) refreshed at home. That’s why we rounded up our favorite everyday accessories for summer, from body care you can throw in your beach bag to jewelry and purses perfect for the sunny season. Little things to keep you feeling cool on a hot day? We’ll take them all.

Baggu

A lightweight shoulder bag that fits a ton…

It really fits everything. One of our editors bought this bag on a whim and now it’s the only one she’s been wearing this summer. It’s slouchy, but has just the right amount of structure. It comes in 10 colorways, and once you buy one, you’ll be itching for another one. And the fact that it’s under $50 and packs easily? Even more reason to pick up a few. ($44, Baggu)

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Little Words Project

A bracelet perfect for all your summer stacks…

Adult friendship bracelets for the win. This one from Little Words Project will add a colorful statement to your everyday lineup and it’ll look great with your favorite swimsuit or basic jean shorts and T-shirt combo. Plus, you can register the bracelet via its corresponding code and get access to the brand’s Nice Nation – their community of women dedicated to lifting each other up. ($25, Little Words Project)

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Visp

An electric whisk and bottle in one…

Iced lattes on the go are something we can always get behind. This bottle from Visp has an electric whisk built into the top. Just add your liquid of choice and your favorite tea or powders and blend. You’ll have lattes and more ready in no time. ($88, Visp)

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Apollo Neuro

A wearable meant to help with stress, sleep, and focus…

Whether your summer travel plans have you stressed or you’ve been to one too many late-night rooftop parties, this wearable from Apollo Neuro can help. It works to alleviate stress, improve focus, enhance sleep, and more thanks to its touch therapy technology that balances your nervous system. All you have to do is wear it on your wrist or ankle, or clip it onto your clothing. It works with a corresponding app that creates different vibration patterns depending on your needs. PS: Use code SUMMERTRAVEL for $40 off until August 21. ($349, Apollo Neuro)

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Vacation

An SPF 30 body sunscreen inspired by dessert…

This bestselling sunscreen from Vacation is all over TikTok for a reason. It’s easy to use, ultra lightweight, and is so unfussy that you’ll actually want to reapply. The whipped cream-inspired foam texture and nozzle don’t hurt, either. PS: Check out our other go-to SPFs. ($22, Vacation)

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Nordstrom

A pair of waterproof Birkenstocks that wipe clean…

You don’t have to be overly precious with this pair. They’re waterproof – so whether you’re spending a day in the backyard or at the beach, you can give them a spray and they’ll be good as new. Plus, they have the classic Birkenstock contoured footbed and arch support you know and love. ($49.95, Nordstrom)

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Quay

A pair of trendy hexagonal sunglasses for under $100…

We love this brand for their trendy frames at an affordable price point, and these are no exception. They come in five colors, from neutrals to Barbiecore pink. Psst…if you aren’t sure about the shape, you can try them on virtually before you buy. ($65+, Quay)

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Kinfield

A clean bug spray that actually smells good…

With notes of citrus and vanilla, this repellent is vegan and DEET-free. It has citronella to keep mosquitoes at bay and lauric acid to soothe your skin. Clove and lemongrass will have you saying bye to that typical bug spray stench. PS: Peep our full review on this product. ($22, Kinfield)

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Emi Jay

A cute claw clip for long days by the pool…

Salt- or chlorine-drenched hair calls for one thing: A claw clip to sweep it all out of your face…and you might as well grab one that’s cute enough to show up on your social feed. This one from Emi Jay is embellished with tiny rhinestones in a cherry print, and is made of biodegradable acetate. Clip it onto your tote handles to have it on hand at all times. ($32, Emi Jay)

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J. Crew

A soft gauze button-down shirt…

This is a closet staple that gets softer with time. Bring it beachside as a cover-up, wear it on its own with jeans or shorts, or throw it over camis, dresses, and more. Plus, it’s so lightweight that it easily packs into a carry-on — and the flowy fit keeps you cool in high temps. You need this. ($47.99+, J.Crew)

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Amazon

Some sleek silk scrunchies…

These slim scrunchies will hold your hair in place without snagging or breakage, thanks to the smooth silk covering. This six-pack comes in a range of colors, including neutrals and brights that’ll look cute on your wrist. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Quince

Chunky hoops that go with everything…

This gold vermeil pair from Quince make just the right statement for days out and about, and they’re chic enough to transition into evening. They’re ethically produced and customers rave about how comfortable they are. What’s not to love? ($44.90, Quince)

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Tower 28

A spray solution specifically made for stressed-out skin…

Warmer months = time for the spray-and-go skincare routine. This cult-fave product is made with hypochlorous acid to soothe inflammation —  and it’s free of fragrance, oil, and alcohol that can irritate sensitive skin. Use it as a toner before applying serums, or throughout the day for hydration. Psst…it’s also great for sunburns and heat rash. ($28, Tower 28)

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Outdoor Voices

A pair of biker shorts with gentle compression…

These five-inch shorts from Outdoor Voices are ideal for low-to-medium recreation, so you can take them from days on the couch straight to a walk, yoga, or Pilates class. Even though they have some compression, it’s still pretty light so they’re comfortable enough for lounging. One of our editors loves them for those days that are too hot to figure out what to wear. Your errands are calling. They want you to wear these. ($48, Outdoor Voices)

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Sunnylife

A carryall bag that’ll hold all your summer essentials…

Use it for groceries, the beach, shopping days, an overnight bag, you name it. This striped bag is waterproof, folds flat, and has a detachable pouch for your valuables. The best part? It even has drainage holes at the base for sand and water. ($39, Sunnylife)

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Amazon

An oversized beach towel…

Pack one in your travel bag so you can be prepared for any of the summer adventures that come your way — from picnics to the pool. This one is quick-drying, absorbent, and won’t lint up after you wash it. We love the candy-colored stripes, too. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Quince

A hard shell carry-on for your next vacation…

Psst..it’s a high-quality dupe for all the popular Instagram-famous luggage brands out there at a fraction of the price. It’s roomy, yet compact enough to fit easily in overhead bins and is made of a sturdy polycarbonate shell. Our favorite features include the 360-degree wheels (an essential for navigating stressful airports) and the removable laundry bag it comes with. Pick from five colors before it sells out again. ($129.90, Quince)

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