This summer’s trends are turning heads with mirrored sunglasses, statement hair accessories and neon everything. You won’t find soft shades or delicate lace this season. Instead, we’re keeping things hot. Use this summer trend guide to find looks straight from fashion blogs and lookbooks—but with bargain price tags.
MIRRORED SUNGLASSES
Inspiration: How to Chic
What’s your favorite summer shade? Turquoise, perhaps? Well, now you can sport your favorite bright colors front and center on summer’s most necessary accessory. Mirrored sunglasses are popping up all over the web, but forgo pricey shades in favor of these inexpensive mirrored aviators or Wayfarer-style black frames, courtesy of Tobi.
Our Picks: Tobi Top Gun Sunglasses ($20), Tobi Emma Sunglasses ($18)
WEST COAST TRUCKER HATS
Inspiration: Free People’s As You Are Lookbook and Forever 21’s Cali Vibes Lookbook
Summer is the season for not taking things too seriously. Relax, breathe in the warm air and throw on a trucker hat to complete your laid-back look with just one accessory. To those responsible for this trend: we owe you thanks for the major morning time-saver.
Our Picks: Billabong Ocean Air N Hair Trucker Hat ($18), Billabong Hippie Heartz Trucker Hat ($19.50)
HEAD WRAPS
Inspiration: Anthropologie Blog
And (no) thanks to humidity for the frizzy and uncooperative hair we so often tackle during the summer months. If you’re not ready to jump on the trucker hat trend, these head wraps are a feminine look that you will be seeing more of throughout this season and into the fall. This chic accessory is inexpensive and can easily be worked into any outfit year-round. Forever21 offers multiple styles for under $4.
Our Picks: Tobi Wrap Party Headband ($12), Forever21 Kaleidoscope Self-Tie Headwrap ($3.80), Forever21 Mod Polka Dot Wire Headwrap $3.80
BOHEMIAN HAIR ACCESSORIES
Inspiration: American Threads Stylebook
Trends inspired by summer festival fashion have worked their way into our hearts (and closets) once again. Every summer an updated take on bohemian style finds its way onto enter stage, and this year you will find beaded, braided headbands and flower crowns dominating storefront displays. These are not your typical pull-your-hair-back headbands; we’re talking low on your crown or straight across the forehead, boho-style.
Our Picks: Threadsence Embellished Headband ($18), Threadsence Picking Daisies Headband ($18)
ROUND FRAME SUNGLASSES
Inspiration: Forever21 Summer Accessories Lookbook and H&M Blog
Similar to the mirrored trend, these round lenses are not for the fashion-timid. The black circle frames are retro-inspired and just plain fun. Just try not wearing a smile with this accessory! This is another easy pick to complete any laid-back summer look.
Our Picks: Delia’s Black Round Frame Sunglasses ($9.90), Tobi Wonka Sunglasses ($20)
BRIGHT BEACH BAGS
Inspiration: Roxy Summer 2014 Lookbook
Wearing tropical colors adds a hint of paradise even when you aren’t jet-setting to Bora Bora. Take a cue from surf style, and pick a bright and sporty beach bag for your summer adventures. These functional packs will even hold up for picnics and long hikes.
Our Picks: Mossimo Supply Co. Solid Backpack ($14.98), Hurley Drum Shoulder Bag ($19.22)
STRAW HATS
Inspiration: Madewell Blog
Dying to buy a straw hat? Don’t reach for the first one you find—straw hats are not all created equal. This season’s style is a straw hat with ribbon. These hats can be pretty pricey, especially if you are eyeing yours at a touristy locale. Luckily, H&M has inexpensive options that fit this summer trend perfectly.
Our Picks: H&M Straw Hat ($12.95), H&M Black Bow Straw Hat ($12.95)
DAISY PRINTS
Inspiration: Elle Spring 2014 Trend Report
Florals rocked the runway this spring, paving the way for daisy-inspired summer accessories. In order to stick with the vibrant looks of this summer, these floral scarves we’ve chosen are not soft wildflowers. Daisies are a confident flower: bright white and yellow with defined edges.
Our Picks: Ruche Fresh As A Daisy Scarf ($18.99), GoJane Lazy Daisy Infinity Scarf ($7.80)
ALL NEON EVERYTHING
Inspiration: Lulu’s Beauty Blog
Your nail polish changes with the trends just as much as your accessories do. When you shop for your beachy sandals, get inspired by the latest neon and tropical nail trend. These bright flip-flops will look even better next to your Technicolor pedicure!
Our Picks: JCPenney Mixit Colorblock Flip Flops ($8.99), Old Navy Printed Flip Flops ($9)
POM POMS
Inspiration: Lovelyish Blog
Pom pom shorts have become more popular, but as far as accessories go, we’re seeing pom poms trim the edges of this summer’s fun, flowy scarves. This little detail goes a long way in styling a basic outfit into something more interesting.
Our Picks: Dillard’s Pom Pom Scarf ($19.69), ModCloth Mint to Be Scarf ($17.99)
Looking for more budget-friendly style inspiration? You might also like… Q&A with a Budget Style Blogger, 7 DIY Projects to Revamp Your Summer Wardrobe
