The conversation around sustainability is greater than ever before, but it can be hard to love our clothes when we are faced with a seemingly never-ending array of new styles on offer in shops.
Many of us are already making progress when it comes to ditching the habit of buying a cheap outfit for every occasion, but another step you can make is to consider new ways to wear the items you already own.
If you’re the kind of person that likes to stay on trend with the changing seasons but are also conscious about your fast-fashion buying habits, accessories are a low-key way to update your look in an instant.
And the good news is that for Spring/Summer 2019 there are a whole host of accessory trends that, while super-current, are tried-and-tested pieces that promise to stand the test of time.
Here, we take a look at five add-ons you can use to give your wardrobe an instant refresh.
The headband
This is the year of the hair accessory. From scrunchies to slides and pretty bows, hair accessories were all over the Autumn/Winter 2018 and Spring/Summer 2019 runways.
But the style to own more than any other has to be the headband.
Once the preserve of 80s Sloane Rangers and school girls, headbands have had a grown-up makeover, proving you’re never too old to wear one.
At Dior, they came elasticated while Simone Rocha and Miu Miu offered jewel-encrusted styles, and Miuccia Prada finished hers with oversized satin and leather versions.
To avoid entering Blair Waldorf territory, stay far away from perfectly groomed tresses and opt for dishevelled waves or a low-slung ponytail instead.
The belt bag
A style that’s dominated the fashion scene for some time, bumbags have been seen on the hips of some of the world’s most influential names, from Kendall Jenner to Adwoa Aboah.
However, this season there 90s favourite has had an upgrade and it’s more refined than ever.
Now referred to as belt bags, these small, flat versions are meant to be worn around your waist, either in place of a traditional belt or layered on top of an oversized coat or floaty dress.
On the runway, everyone from Chanel to Louis Vuitton and Fendi showcased their own take on the trend, while Burberry leading the pack with its chain link style.
The heeled mule
If there is one definitive shoe style to sport this summer, it’s the heeled mule. An extension of the kitten heel trend that reigned last year, this style promises maximum sophisticated with minimal effort and was seen on the runways of Rejina Pyo, Chloe, Alexa Chung and Ashish.
Forget chunky dad trainers or strappy stilettos, low-heeled mules are super versatile, meaning they can be worn for pretty much any occasion.
From casual weekend ensembles to tailored two-pieces at work and spaghetti strap cami-dress by night, this is the low maintenance rival to just about any other shoe trend.
The silk scarf
An accessory that many of us associate with our grandmothers, silk scarves are making a comeback, and it’s not hard to see why.
Whether you want to wrap one around the handle of a basic bag, tie it around your neck or plait it into your hair, printed scarves just got more stylish.
For his Spring/Summer 2019 show, Michael Kors offered several takes on the trend, using them to create turbans, bandanas and head wraps inspired by 60s and 70s icons, while Tom Ford hairstylist Orlando Pita opted for low buns teamed with soft, neatly tied silk scarves.
Until it warms up though, wears yours tied around your neck to keep it both cosy and classy.
The hoop earring
Statement earrings were seen all over the catwalk but for many designers it was the classic hoop that reigned supreme.
From J-Lo to Lauryn Hill and Carrie Bradshaw, hoop earrings have been worn by an eclectic mix of people over the years. A style that’s never really left the fashion fold, this season hoops were spotted on the runways at Oscar de la Renta, Burberry, Moschino and Erdem in a range of sizes and materials.
However, it was the gold styles at Valentino which updated the classic look by removing the bottom half of the design, which really stole the show.
While size is personal preference, we suggest opting for a small pair of matching hoops as a timeless way to stay on trend and layering them if you have multiple piercings.
