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When memories of cold winter days are quickly fading, there’s no better buy for the fashionista than trendy spring accessories. This is the time your closet is full of garments that are last year’s news, but it’s not an option to toss everything and start over. The fix is a seasonal investment in bold accessories that’ll give new life to your old clothes.
If you look to the runways for trend-spiration, you’ll find accessories are more wearable than full garments, too. I mean, really, who wears a dress that’s fully covered in feathers? If feathers are trending, it’s easier to invest in a cute handbag with a feather detail.
That approach is a particularly good strategy this year. 2023 spring accessories, according to the runways, are funky. Thong boots, fringed hair bands, see-through hats…stuff you probably wouldn’t wear to your kid’s dance recital.
So my 2023 spring accessory wrap-up includes fun pieces that nod to the runway trends without going all-in. And don’t get me wrong — these aren’t your grandma’s accessories. A few of them are downright bold. But that’s what’s so fun about accessories. You can use them to step outside your style comfort zone in a subtle kind of way. Read on to see what I mean.
Runway-inspired spring accessories
1. The modern cowboy hat
The Cult Gaia spring ready-to-wear collection this year featured a neon green cowboy hat with a chain around the brim. Despite the $560 price tag and the hat’s bachelorette party vibe, the style is sold out on Cult Gaia’s website.
A more wearable option is a lighter-toned, wide-brimmed hat with a colored band or chain detail. I like Charlie 1 Horse’s straw hat and its green velvet band. This is a modern spin on the cowboy style, one that’s versatile enough to wear when you’re not at the ranch. Find it at Cavender’s for $70.
2. The stone pendant
The runways tell us that statement jewelry is back in a big way this season. Diane von Furstenberg paired a chunky chain and giant stone pendant with a polka dot wrap top, for example.
Whether it’s a necklace, bracelet, or ring, jewelry for spring is big and bold. If money were no object, you might be inclined to shop sapphire-adorned cuff bracelets or unique and beautiful ruby rings. But a colorful stone pendant from Esty is a more budget-friendly option.
The pendant shown here by TheSilverArtz is normally $49, on sale for $19.60. Made of sterling silver and labradorite, the pendant will dress up a simple white t-shirt or look fab teamed with a work blouse and blazer.
Another, toned-down option is an orb necklace from Baublebar for $48. It has a more delicate feel, especially if you choose the soft pink rose quartz option.
3. The statement thong shoe
Speaking of making a statement, have you seen Miu Miu’s thong boots? They’re a sleeker, chicer version of the knee-high gladiator sandal. Unfortunately, they’re also $2,000.
I did find a pair of knock-offs on Amazon for $50, but you could also channel this trend with an embellished flip flop. Ecetana has a nice option that’s perfectly wearable at any age. The rubber heel and cushioned footbed should add comfort — sadly, a nice change of pace for a cute shoe.
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You can wear these sandals with shorts, jeans, or your favorite spring dress. They’re available in 11 colors and sizes 4.5 through 11.
4. Bucket bag
Caroline Herrera models sauntered down the runway carrying the cutest white bucket bag with black trim. As soon as I spotted it, I went on a mission to find a cheaper version. Oddly enough, this was a tough search. I guess the budget designers don’t share my taste in this area.
I finally found a Karl Lagerfield Paris bag on sale at Macy’s for $107. Adorable, right? Personally, I’d remove the colorful, logo’d tag and the longer adjustable strap. The 4-inch top handle is perfectly functional and the bag is sleeker without those extras.
5. Narrow cat eyes
There’s always a couple sunglass trends in the mix. This year, we saw sleek and narrow cat eyes plus big rectangle shapes.
If you prefer the sleek look, Zenni has a narrow cateye frame that shoppers love. At a starting price of $13, these are easy on the wallet. You might even try these frames as your prescription glasses.
Rectangle frames can make a bolder statement, simply because they’re bigger. To stay in line with the trend, choose a patterned frame. Florals are on point. Eyebuydirect’s Rime frame has a floral pattern that’s subtle enough to last more than one season.
6. Chain belt
Yes, ladies, the chain belt is back. To be clear, this is not an accessory to wear over your bare abs with a crop top or bikini.
Try your chain belt with jeans or, as shown by Lulu’s, over a monochrome dress. The key here is to use the chain belt as an embellishment to your clothes — rather than as jewelry. You want the belt to rest atop fabric, not your skin. Keep that it mind, and you’ll find plenty of stylish ways to work this accessory into your rotation.
7. Embellished hair band
Gucci brought out a new accessory this season — a hairband with beaded fringe hanging from the ends. The embellishments hang just in front or behind the ears, depending on how you position the band. So you get the effect of long, dangling earrings without the droopy earlobe.
This accessory caught my eye because my lobes can’t take a heavy earring. However, Gucci’s version is somewhat over the top for everyday wear. It’s also $5,500, so there’s that.
I did find a more subtle, pearl-adorned hairband on Etsy. The headband itself is velvet and the faux pearl tassels hang from one side only — so it wears like a hairscarf but with more texture.
You can also find rhinestone hairbands on Amazon, but most have a costume look. That’s not what you want.
If you’re crafty, this is a piece you could easily make. Then you can go as bold or as subtle as you like.
Spring accessories for 2023
Whether it’s a modern cowboy hat, a colorful stone pendant, a statement thong shoe, a bucket bag, a narrow cateye sunglasses, a chain belt, or an embellished hairband, the trendiest spring accessories provide the perfect excuse to try something new. Go ahead and experiment. You’ll be amazed at how a few inexpensive pieces can revive last year’s spring clothes.
