The art of accessorizing is taking what you already own and making it feel entirely new. And arguably, there’s no better time to work these fresh accents into your most reliable seasonal ensembles (cotton dresses, easy pull-on trousers, billowing blouses, etc.) than peak summer. Vacationing or not, it’s when the collective mood shifts to take on a more exuberant and expressive tone—and all you need is one bag, shoe, or whimsical accent to embrace this sensibility.

The season’s top accessories reflect summer’s playful attitude with capsules and designs that balance nonchalant ease with an energetic and joyful spirit. Even the most familiar and quintessentially summer items feel as covetable as ever—think canvas totes the Miu Miu way, espadrilles enlivened by Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza’s crafty touch, or even Khaite’s raffia bags outfitted with a city slickers’ edge. Go ahead, summer is short as is—why not have the most fun with it?

Off to the Market Totes

Fashion is no stranger to turning everyday objects into cult-fashion items and the market tote is back and better than ever for summer. The Row’s striped mesh tote and Chan Luu’s sequined trim feel like souvenirs picked up from travels, turning trips to the farmer’s market, school drop off, and the beach all the more fun while carrying one.

Fun-in-the-Sun Espadrilles

Skip the classic tan espadrille for something more joy inducing. Leave it to Loewe and Paula’s Ibiza to bring a vibrant take on the historically Spanish shoe; this season’s summer capsule offers the flat in a hot fuschia, with splashes of color even accenting the sole. Following suit, Prada has a light cherry pink Mary Jane ripe for the picking, J. Crew’s done a red mesh, and Valentino Garavani has a printed mule ready for a Euro-summer.

Sophisticated Raffia

Finished off with sleek black leather accents, the raffia bag goes beyond the beach this summer. While practically every designer has their version of a logo raffia tote, designers are giving shopping a new reason to invest in one with city-friendly styles that can live on long after the summer season sunsets.

Playful Pendants

Like a fish to water, to summer ensemble is complete without jewelry. Pick your poison (or should we say poisson?), from fish-shaped pendants to seashells, tassels, and beads. Why not string your favorite seasonal motif from your neck this summer?

Destination Carryalls

Day trippers, overnighters, and holiday vacationers, rejoice! Oversized carryalls from Hereu, Kallmeyer, L.L. Bean, and Bode offer exceptionally roomy (and stylish) solutions to throw it all in and go with effortless ease. Anything to make the realities of summer travel more bearable—even if it’s just a big, big bag.

Dip Your Toe in… Jelly Sandals

The Row’s caged jelly flats were a sold-out hit last summer. This season, the transparent PVC material lives on through yet another of the moment silhouette: the thong sandal. Offered in soothing oceanic shades from Chloé, Christopher Esber, and more, these are really the ideal vacation shoe, whether you venture into the blue or not!

Flip-Flop Mania (Continues)

We can’t talk about summer accessorizing without mentioning flip-flops. The ultimate in ultra-laid back dressing, the carefree shoe is in fact an intentional sartorial choice—as it should be.

Not All Who Wander Are Lost

Ground yourself in Khaite’s studded slingbacks, and sling on a day-tripping raffia or netted bag from Loewe or Saint Laurent for a relaxed, bohemian island feel that works in any locale.

Shades of Summer Straw

There’s nothing wrong with a plain straw tote, except for the fact you might already own one. Update yours with one in color, stripes, or colorful stripes! Your white cotton dresses will thank you!

East-Coast Coded

Raffia and canvas is to summer what suede and leather is to fall—a match made. A striped canvas tote strikes a nautical chord, from Miu Miu and Prada’s take, to more traditional iterations from Rue De Verneuil and Toteme. You can’t go wrong with any of these.

Fish Scales

Summer dressing is supposed to be fun. Lean all the way in with playful paillettes that make a splash, from Lizzie Forunato’s glinting pouch to Jimmy Choo’s mint-green heeled sandals. You won’t be able to take you eyes off them!

Whimsical Wicker

From Gucci’s Jackie to Jacquemus’ Le Bambino, the picnic basket bag comes in friendly and familiar silhouettes—each one, Jane Birkin-approved.

Foulards With Flair

Wear one in your hair, around your neck, as a pareo, a little handkerchief top, knotted around a bag strap, or as a belt around the waist of skirts and dresses. Bring personality to any look with a single silky, small, and—best of all—incredibly easy to pack, accessory.

All Eyes On: Sunshine Shades

It’s not summer without sunglasses. Here are the need-to-know pairs: Selima Optique collabed with colorful knitwear Zankov on a line of standout shades, plus, Miu Miu’s it-girl geeky wire frames, ASAP Rocky’s Raybans, and Loewe’s oversized shield shades.