The Spring/Summer 2021 Accessories Trends We Can't Live Without

This spring season, it's all about accessories. Amongst a sea of face masks and sweatpants, accessories are the perfect opportunity to show your personal style and prove you're up to date on 2021's latest fashion trends. Because of our new work-from-home, stay-at-home, no-pants-needed lifestyle, we aren't getting dressed up the way we used. A humble piece of jewelry or beloved handbag offers a small daily indulgence that brings a sense of nostalgia for our favorite 'fits.

Though the fashion trends on the Spring/Summer 2021 runways were straightforward and functional, the accessories trends were a bit all over the place. While some felt utilitarian and survivalist-inspired, others abandoned practicality for whimsy and irreverence. Fendi and Erdem showed sky-high platforms, yet Louis Vuitton and Molly Goddard showed cozy slipper shoes. At Versace, there were futuristic phone holders, but at Valentino, there were folksy knotted sacs. 

To help you unravel the latest runway shows, we've broken down the biggest accessories trends of the Spring/Summer 2021 season. Paired with this spring's casual styles, these It-items will up your outfit game during all your pants-worthy pandemic-era activities: takeout runs, Zoom meetings, FaceTime dates, socially-distanced drinks, Tik-Tok videos.

From Balenciaga's new curved-bottom handbag to Burberry's rainproof bucket hats, here's how to stand out from the crowd... or these days, the 25% capacity grocery store.   

Up your  grocery store outfit game with these Spring/Summer 2021 accessories trends 

Curved Bottom Handbags

Balenciaga

Curved bottom handbags staked their claim as an emerging accessories trend for 2021. While reminiscent of the Meteor Bag from Off-White's Spring/Summer 2020 collection, this season's cutout purses were far more practical.  At Balenciaga (a house that's quite familiar with funky It-accessories), mid-size leather handbags were updated with a sharply curved bottom that accentuated a Balenciaga-B logo buckle.  

Charlotte Knowles

A similar curved-bottom handbag was seen at Charlotte Knowles, an up-and-coming London-based designer. Paired with low-waisted bootcut bottoms, suede jackets, and sheer separates, Charlotte Knowles' Hydra Bag felt both eclectic and modern. While only time will tell if the trend catches on, we're predicting these uniquely-shaped shoulder bags will be making an appearance on the upcoming fall runways as well.  

Face Masks

Rick Owens

It's little surprise that face masks were one of the biggest accessory trends for spring. Designers like Anna Sui and Collina Strada infused their distinct style to the Fauci-approved accessory with unique textiles and prints. Some replaced basic straps with oversized ties and dangling chains. Rick Owens put his own spin on the classic face mask with the addition of a fluttering layer of chiffon in 2021's brightest and trendiest colors. 

Marine Serre

Face masks were an obvious addition to utilitarian, survivalist-inspired collections this season. Their sensibility was met with irreverence at Marine Serre, where they morphed into second-skin bodysuits and moon-print morphsuits that covered all or almost all of the model's face. Other looks were topped with chic hats with a clear face shield attachment. 

Over-The-Top Earrings

Acne Studios 

Because our lives exist largely over a computer screen these days, "keyboard-up dressing" is the new norm. With a pair of this season's statement earrings, you're sure to be the best-dressed one on your company Zoom meeting or family group FaceTime call. Trade in your smooth gold styles in favor of the crushed textures seen at Acne Studios, Chloe, Valentino, and Jacquemus.

JW Anderson 

Regardless of whether they're paired with casual knits or diaphanous dresses, oversized earrings ensure all eyes are on you. Decorative shoulder-length earrings stole the show at JW Anderson, Simone Rocha, Giorgio Armani, Paco Rabanne, Saint Laurent, Isabel Marant, Dolce & Gabanna, Ulla Johnson, and more. The statement-making styles were often adorned with colorful beads, pearls, and floral embellishments. 

Bucket Hats 

Celine

Bucket hats have been a staple streetwear accessory for countless seasons, but this season they proved their staying power amongst the mainstream. At Celine, bucket hats and baseball caps were paired with bra tops, boyfriendy straight-leg jeans, and sporty jackets for a Princess Diana meets model-off-duty feel. Bucket hats also made an appearance at Etro, Philosophy, and Jason Wu. 

Burberry 

Other designers opted for more exaggerated takes on a traditional bucket hat. At Burberry, wide-brimmed rain hats topped layered outwear, leather separates, and striped rugby sweaters. Over-the-top hats were also seen at Françoise, Nina Ricci, Thom Browne, and Marine Serre.

Chunky Chains

Versace 

Fall 2020's chunky chain accessories have carried over into the spring season, and we expect they're here to stay! In addition to classic gold and silver, designers also debuted brightly-colored chunky purse straps. Trendy chunky chains were seen on purses and shoes at Louis Vuitton, Jil Sander, Versace, and JW Anderson. 

 Victoria Beckham

Spring 2021's chunky chain jewelry varied from oversized chain-link necklaces to chunky cuff-like bracelets to sleek ankle straps. At Victoria Beckham, chunky chain jewelry brought weight to sleek separates and delicate lingerie dresses. Similar chain jewelry was seen at Brunello Cucinelli, Tod's, Sacai, Chloe, Hermes, Bottega Veneta, Marques'Almeida, Jacquemus, Givenchy, and more. 

Logo Print Purses

Christian Dior

Streetwear lovers rejoice! Logomania lives on in summer 2021! At Christian Dior, sleek logo print clutches were carried solo or tucked nonchalantly inside netted leather market bags. Logo-covered handbags also staked their claim as a modern wardrobe essential at Chanel, Coach 1941, Balmain, Fendi, and more.

Louis Vuitton

At Louis Vuitton, the house's classic LV print covered everything from harness-inspired crossbody bags to embossed shoulder bags in the spring season's trendiest colors. In addition to logo prints, designers like Burberry, Fendi, and Prada also adorned large totes and shopping bags with oversized branding and logo graphics.  

Sheer Socks

Rodarte

This season's socks and sandals combination felt a bit chicer than the pairings of seasons past. Say goodbye to chunky fair-isle and athletic tube socks, and say hello to this season's lightweight sheer socks. At Rodarte, gauzy crew socks and minimalist heels were paired with flirty floral dresses and sweatsuits alike. 

Sportmax

At Sportmax and Acne Studios, super-sheer tights were paired with strappy heeled flip-flops. The airy tights added a contrasting pop of color to the collections' sporty tailoring and gauzy midi dresses. The spring footwear trend was also seen at Givenchy, Zimmerman, Marine Serre, and Simone Roche. 

Macrame Purses & Netted Market Bags

Valentino

This season's macrame purses, netted market totes, and straw bags offer a chic alternative to a canvas tote. At Valentino, knotted leather sacs complemented Pierpaolo Piccioli's homespun crochet tops and dresses to create a chic hippie feel. Similar woven bags were shown at Fendi, Nanushka, Maison Margiela, Bottega Veneta, JW Anderson, The Row, Christian Dior, and Anna Sui. 

Simone Rocha

The embellished carryalls at Simone Roche and Burberry were anything but bohemian. Ample amounts of pearls, crystals, and fringe, brought a fanciful feel to simple totes and sacs. Though shown on the runway with escapist evening wear, they'd be a stylish addition to a simple jeans and tee look this spring. 

Designer Tech Accessories

Chanel

While we're only one year into the 2020s, we're predicting stylish tech accessories will be one of the biggest accessory trends of the decade. Thankfully, this season's phone cases, lanyards, belts, and mini-purses looked far more sophisticated than the pragmatic phone holders used by our Boomer parents. At Chanel, quilted leather AirPod holders hung from skinny chain belts and double-C phone cases hung as chic necklaces and crossbody bags.

Fendi

Devices were never far from reach at Fendi either. Their chic Apple Watch charm belts and sleek leather phone holders accessorized fluttering silk dresses, chic tailoring, and intricate lace separates. Similar tech-savvy accessories were seen at Balenciaga, Versace, Coach 1941, Balmain, and Jacquemus. 

Outdoorsy Harnesses & Belt Bags

Marine Serre

It's official: belt bags are still in style in 2021. Only for spring, they've gotten a bit of an upgrade. Now, instead of just fanny packs, there are harnesses, vests, and thigh straps too. The practical harness bags at Marine Serre are perfect for holding your hand sanitizer, water bottle, snacks; you name it! Similar utilitarian accessories were seen at Kenzo and Filippo Fior. 

Boramy Viguier 

Yet another practical bag choice was the humble water bottle holder, like those seen at Givenchy, Fendi, and Alyx. At Boramy Viguiler, colorful belt bags were cinched tightly over minimalist outerwear, and quilted utility bags were strapped crossbody-style over windbreakers and straight-leg trousers. Other designers, like Louis Vuitton, Privacy Policy, and Stella McCartney, slung fanny pack-inspired leather bags cross-chest. 

Images c/o Vogue Runway.