5 On-Trend Accessories That Will Revolutionize Your Closet

This season's must-have accessories will take your look from basic to brilliant.

By Lindsay Samson

Mar 29, 2021

What’s an ensemble without a few head-turning accessories? Well, it’s fine, we suppose, but trust us—if the loud, proud, bright and bold designs that designers have been flaunting in their latest collections is anything to go by, you’re going to be unable to resist having a little fun with the season’s vibrant offerings. From oversized totes to colorful gems, we’re shining a light on the accessories that should play a starring role in your wardrobe. Shop the spring accessories edit here.

1.
Woven basket bags

Practical, timeless, and an easy addition into a laid-back and relaxed spring-summer wardrobe, woven basket bags were all over the SS’21 international runways. If you are looking to try the trend yourself, we’ve got you covered. An elegant drawstring basket style from Egyptian accessories brand Reform Studio, the Mini Afro Basket Bag is a gold-hardware-gilded, sustainable statement piece that comes in three versatile colorways: pink and orange, black and gold, and beige and gold. Make it the finishing touch to a classic jeans and blazer pairing, or add one to a simple summer dress and sandal combo. Looking for something a little more beach-outing worthy? AAKS’ Baba Berry and Hawa Rainbow Bags are just the ticket; with their spacious interiors and durable leather handles, these Ghanaian-made holdalls are ideal seaside or lunch date companions.

2.
Flatform sandals

Seen at the SS’21 showings of Jacquemus, Gabriela Hearst, and Ulla Johnson, flatform sandals are taking their place in the spotlight this season as the perfect, on-trend spring wardrobe addition. A comfortable everyday alternative to a pair of heels, Loza Maléombho’s King K and Uri flatform styles are practical and pretty, imbued with an air of covetable sports-luxe via chunky soles and elasticated straps, while the designer’s White Fah Plus design serves as a sleek canvas for her 14k-gold-plated embellishment. Handcrafted in Côte d’Ivoire by skilled artisans, Maléombho’s designs are the epitome of pared back elegance, and work well with everything from a simple jeans and t-shirt combo, right through to floaty, summertime frocks and tunics.

3.
Oversized Earrings

When it comes to ear adornment this season, size matters. But we’re not just talking oversized hoops: designers including Thebe Magugu and Versace have used their SS’21 showings to reveal gleaming earrings in mixed materials that epitomize the idea that more-is-more, so we’re updating our jewelry collections accordingly. IAMISIGO’s I AM MOUNTAIN hoops marry sterling silver with 24-karat gold, with touches of carved camel bone providing a natural contrasting effect that will instantly dress up even the simplest of looks, while the handcrafted Bindu and Shimenawa styles from Pichulik mix brass with handwoven wax cotton, shells, and glass beads to mesmerizing effect. If you’re looking to make an even bigger statement, turn to Adele Dejak’s Dhamani Adele and Lalla earrings and allow their gold-tone brass shade and shoulder-skimming forms to do all the talking.

4.
Precious stones

If the runways of Etro and Giorgio Armani are anything to go by, precious stone jewelry has emerged as a must-have for the season; simple earring styles are spruced up with the application of colorful gems, while necklaces—from the architectural to the classic—are heavily embellished with touches of freshwater pearls, black onyx, and more. Ami Doshi Shah’s Orbit Bangle and Collar Necklace are sculptural, aventurine choices that look best worn with a neutral-toned, minimalist ensemble so as to allow the polished brass and wood creations to take center stage. If you prefer something slightly softer and more graceful, the Egun necklaces by Pichulik, available in pearl, rose quartz, and aventurine iterations, exude a quiet femininity, while the brand’s Sodalite Garland Hoop earrings are a subtly playful spin on a timeless style.

5.
Extra Large Totes

While teeny tiny bags are definitely still trending, the oversized tote appears to have come back swinging, having been spotted in the latest collections of designers like ACNE, Jill Sander, and Rich Mnisi. The ideal choice for a long weekend away, a dash to the grocery store, or a day at the office, it is a hardworking style that belongs in everybody’s sartorial arsenal. Reform Studio’s upcycled Rebel Totes are just the thing to deliver the spacious and practical doses of color your warm-weather wardrobe requires and, through their construction from upcycled materials, are a fine example of conscious production. For a dose of vibrant color, consider Femi Handbags’ technicolour Maxi Maxi Tote, but if you prefer your larger than life carryalls with a touch of sophistication, the craftsmanship and inherent elegance of Bouswari's genuine leather Kabrousse Weekender is for you.