The Accessory Trends Everyone Will Wear Post Quarantine

At last: Going out is officially in for summer 2021. With the pandemic waning in certain parts of the world, normalcy has faded from a distant daydream to something that’s actually happening. There are pool parties, backyard BBQs, weekend brunches, group trips, and countless other social gatherings filling up our calendars. But with a booked-and-busy agenda on deck for the season, one all-important question remains: What should I wear?

If you’re looking to update your wardrobe as quickly as possible, the easiest way is to invest in your accessories. Your closet staples — like that go-to black dress, white tee, and denim skirt — feel instantly on-trend with the right accoutrement. All you have to do is zero in on the aesthetic you’re going for. Is it sporty chic or poolside glamour? Nineties logomania or Legally Blonde-worthy pink?

Tiffany Reid, Bustle Digital Group’s VP of Fashion, says mixing luxury fashion with more budget-friendly pieces is a no-fail approach to summer style.

“We’re getting out for our first vaxxed summer,” Reid says. “Outside is opening back up and we are itching to treat ourselves — hence the mix of high and low.”

And when in doubt, remember that more is more. For summer ’21, there’s no such thing as dressing too extravagantly.

“Maximalism is what we love right now,” Reid adds. “People are ready to get dressed again.”

Here, Reid walks us through the best summer accessory trends to shop right now.

2000s Pretty In Pink

Take a cue from Legally Blonde or Paris Hilton at the height of her early 2000s fame. Pink is a classic summer shade — and the brighter, the better. The vibrant hue is one of Reid’s personal favorites.

“It’s just about summer brights,” she says. “I love how bold everything is. There’s never too much pink — here for it from head to toe.”

’90s Logomania

Logos are meant to be playful and not so serious, and Reid says casual summertime activities are just the place to debut a logo accessory with an unexpected twist. Take, for instance, a towel that matches your poolside slides — a level of coordination designers like Louis Vuitton are really loving right now.

“It’s meant to be fun,” she says. “Buy logo items that you will [use] on your leisure, like a towel.

Totally Translucent

Who amongst us didn’t wear plastic jelly shoes in the ’90s? In 2021, the chic way to wear translucent accessories is to go dressy with everything else you’re wearing like an Hermès scarf or structured dress. That way, your clear pieces don’t appear overly casual.

“[Clear pieces] just feel light and airy,” Reid says. “It elevates the look a bit — this is the sort of minimalism I love.”

Sporty Chic

Whether you’re dominating on the court or watching from the sidelines with a refreshment in hand, tennis style is a ubiquitous summertime trend. “[It’s] definitely for on the weekends, in the park, and at the beach,” Reid says.

From pleated skirts to sporty visors, these items are comfy and versatile, so they work well when you’re on the go or meeting up with friends for a casual hang.

The New Florals

Florals are an obvious summer go-to, but this year, they look a little different from what we’ve seen in the past. Gone are traditional prints that feel overly romantic, in are the blooms that are a bit quirkier and more unconventional.

“Florals will never be played out for summer,” Reid says. “This season, the florals feel more graphic and bold, like most of the collections overall.”

We only include products that have been independently selected by Bustle's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Photographer: Emman Montalvan

Stylist: Tiffany Reid

VP Of Fashion: Tiffany Reid

SVP Of Creative: Karen Hibbert