Now that hot weather is upon us, it’s time to peel back those layers and show off your summertime style. And you know what that means — it’s time to go shopping.

If your budget isn’t going to stretch to a full wardrobe overhaul, luckily there are some purse-friendly ways to update your look and, in this case, accessories are more crucial than ever. Here, we’ve rounded up summer’s most compelling stylish outfit-finishers.

Pearls

No longer the reserve of the prim and proper or cockney pearly queens, pearls have been given a heavy dose of cool-girl edge this season. Now for summer 2018, they come on everything from hair slides ala Simone Rocha, drop earrings as seen at Celine, cluster rings, ear cuffs and much more.

Our favourite way to wear this trend is with a modernised take on pearl earrings and pair from Mango tick all the boxes. Designed with a three-phase drop, faceted crystal detail and gold hardware they’ll make the perfect addition to any well-dressed woman’s jewellery box.

Lavender shoes

Footwear is a great way to update your look for summer and as luck would have it, they’re also our guilty shopping pleasure. With a range of divisive trends available including cowboy boots and dad trainers, lavender offers itself as the go-to option for those looking for something a little more feminine.

A subtle take on Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2018, Ultra Violet, the runway was awash with shades of lilac at Victoria Beckham, Tibi and Creatures of Comfort, but luckily the high street has plenty of affordable alternatives. We suggest picking up this pair of block heel sandals from Whistles that will see you through wedding season and picnics at the park.

Transparent everything

A trend that dominated the summer 2018 runways, all sorts of accessories went see through with Chanel leading the way. Here, everything from handbags, gloves, hats and even cap toe boots came completely transparent while Alexander Wang offered a selection of plastic upper sandals and thigh-high boots made from PVC at the foot.

Of course, this isn’t the easiest trend to pull off, especially when it comes to footwear. As such, we suggest investing in a bag like this one from Zara instead. A tote bag made from a combination of materials, it features a clear outer part, while the interior is made from a gathered drawstring bag.

The string bag

Last season, the fashion crowd lusted over basket bags and still do but this time round there’s a new style making its mark — the string shopper. A modest piece that was originally made for fisherman or carrying your groceries, it’s been given a high-fashion makeover in a sundry of bright colours.

This bright red version from Topshop takes accessories to new playful heights with a round wooden double handle and retro feel. It’s also available in white for those adverse to colour.

Micro sunglasses

On the top of your new season style list should be a pair of micro sunglasses that are already proving popular with the likes of Bella Hadid, Rihanna and Kendall Jenner. While hardly practical, small, Matrix-esque specs are set to become the ultimate statement accessory.

There are plenty of options available and though opting for designer will prove a wise investment those seeking to experiment with the Insta-worthy trend can get away with a stylish budget option like these slim cat eyes from Boohoo.

The Independent