10 Statement Accessories That Will Make Every Vacation Selfie Pop
Every season, a new crop of “it” accessories emerges. If you follow any celebs or style influencers on Instagram, you know this year is a celebration of statement-making pieces. From ultra-wide-brim sun hats and oversized frames to sky-high platform sandals and seashell jewelry (we never thought pukka shells would make a comeback), this year’s accessories embrace a “more is more” vibe. Vacations are a perfect time to test these out and snap a few striking selfies. When you get back home, you might find they’re just as great for running errands on a Sunday afternoon as they are on the ‘gram.
Statement Sunglasses
Greta Oversized Square Sunglasses
Last summer, micro sunnies (of the cat-eye and rectangle variety) took social media by storm. This year, the pendulum has swung to the opposite extreme, favoring majorly oversized frames. While high-end, ‘70s-inspired pairs from Gucci and Chloe can run you $400 or more, there are plenty of glam, wallet-friendly options like this chic leopard pair from Urban Outfitters. If you’re feeling a bit timid, opt for these sunnies in a subtler color like black or tortoiseshell and stay on-trend. Your vacation posts are certain to scoop up the likes, just maybe not as many as Beyoncé’s 3.7 million.
Statement Sun Hat
Peter Grimm Cabana Straw Boater
Ever since Ariana Grande graced the cover of Vogue in a Texas-sized sun hat, we’ve been aching to go big with our brims. Lately, we’ve had our heart set on Peter Grimm’s Cabana Straw Boater—a hat with colorful trim around the crown. Sun hats can elevate the most basic of outfits. Pair this one with a solid tee and distressed jeans or a monochrome maxi dress and sandals and let it take center stage. If you’re nervous about wearing a sun hat in public (been there!), ease into it by wearing yours around the block pre-trip.
Statement Earrings
Shashi Treasure Island Earrings
If you’re a millennial, chances are you rocked a pukka shell choker sometime during your elementary or middle school years. But as 2019 has proven, everything ‘90s is new again, and seashell accessories have come back with a vengeance. If you already own statement earrings of the hoop, acetate, and fringe variety, level up your collection with Shashi’s Treasure Island Earrings. This dangly pair combines freshwater pearls, natural cowrie shells, a wicker ball bead, and a cotton tassel. Don them on your next vacation to Maui for a bit of seaside drama.
Statement Pool Floatie
SunnyLife Monstera Leaf Lie On Float
Skip the birds and unicorns. Apparently, swans are done; they’re too “Taylor Swift circa 2015.” Instead, this summer has ushered in a slew of kitschy new options from pitted avocados to 6-foot-tall rosé bottles, none are as on-trend as SunnyLife’s monstera leaf, though. The tropical, pool party-friendly float is made of tough PVC and comes with a few repair patches in case things get rowdy. At 55 x 65 inches, the leafy float is nearly the size of a full bed, so you’ll have ample room to pose for your next profile pic.
Statement Headband
Top Knot Headband
Is it a headband? Is it a Rosie the Riveter kerchief? Your Insta followers will be asking, along with this question: Where can I get one? Headbands—knotted styles, in particular—have popped up on the noggins of just about every influencer this year. Strategically paired with a low chignon or messy plait, Urban Outfitters’ Top Knot Headband can transform a greasy hair day into a photo-op. We have our eyes on the velvet, leopard-print design (another 2019 trend) but you can’t go wrong with any of the patterns here, from gingham to citrus stripes.
Statement Barrettes
Lele Sadoughi Stick Barrette Pair
Statement-making hair accessories are having a moment—and none are enjoying the limelight more than barrettes. If you need any convincing, just check out the “it girls”—Ashley Graham, Bella Hadid, Chloe Grace Moretz—rocking them in their own IG posts. Whether styled with a braid, high ponytail, or pin-straight locks, these cool-girl accessories are sure to clinch your every outfit. You can pick up clips decked out with pearls, rhinestones, and even harmless expletives, but we’ve found none more enchanting than Lele Sadoughi’s acrylic set. Worn alone or as a pair, the glossy lilac clips draw all the right attention.
Statement Beach Bag
Steve Madden Balzie Woven Circle Tote
“You can never have too many totes” is a mantra we often mutter under our breath as we buy yet another bag. But in truth, woven totes are the accessory everyone needs on vacation, whether they’re made of raffia, straw, seagrass, or bamboo. Yes, their light, airy design and fun details (pom-poms, tassels, embroidered sayings) lend themselves to the beach, but these babies are versatile enough to be taken on town excursions, too. Don’t believe us? Try Steve Madden’s Balzie Woven Circle Tote on for size; the colorful jute bag—which is accented with tiered tassels and pom-poms—can easily handle essentials like your e-reader, sunscreen, and snacks.
Statement Shoes
Tory Burch Paloma 95mm Sandals
OK, we’re aware these platforms are a splurge, but Tory Burch’s Paloma 95mm Sandals are the absolute definition of “wow factor.” With a chunky 3.7-inch heel, multi-colored woven upper, and leather wrap-around ankle strap, they command attention, but they can actually get packed on a variety of trips. Post an #OOTD poolside shot with these sandals and your swimwear, show them off at a Mimosa-fueled bachelorette getaway, or take them out for a night of drinks and dancing. We guarantee you’ll be fielding “WHERE did you get those?!” shrieks on every outing.
Statement Caftan
Seafolly Horizon Striped Linen Caftan
Palm Springs. Tulum. Koh Phi Phi. We can see this caftan frolicking around the pools and shores of just about every resort destination out there. Sure, an oversized tee or hotel towel can get the job done, but why settle for Hanes when you can be a vacation vision in hot pink stripes? Best of all, Seafolly’s breezy linen caftan can take you from the beach to the bar to dinner. Simply tuck it into a pair of distressed denim shorts, add a few accessories, and you’re good to go.
Statement Cooler Bag
Ban.do Super Chill Cooler Bag
Leave it to 2019 to make cute cooler bags a thing, right? If you’ve been looking for a fashion-forward tote that can accommodate your favorite flavors of La Croix, look no further. Ban.do’s Super Chill Cooler Bag takes on the retro likeness of a juicy little orange slice and we honestly can’t think of anything more delightful. Bust it out for beach days, pool parties, picnics in the park—you name it. Once you’ve slurped down your drinks of choice, the tote doubles as a purse so you can slip in your Turkish towel, sunglasses case, and water bottle before hitting your next activity.
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