Dressing up for summer can be a major hassle that forces you to work around the sky rocketing heat and the expensive price of trendy clothes and accessories. Although it might seem wise to bail on the accessories this summer, you may be missing out on some major trends and a little extra skin protection in some case. There’s no reason to worry about the affordability of summer accessories though. With a DIY attitude and some simple tips to get you on your way there should be no reason to miss out some of the hottest trends of the summer. After all, your cute sun dress wouldn’t be the same with the same old flip flops now would it? So, rest easy and let these tips help you make some or buy some cool new accessories meant to make you a trendsetter for this summer’s highest fashions.
1. Hair Ties
Hair in the summer can be a huge chore. With the temperatures rising it might be pretty tempting to cut it off. However, even with short hair you’ll probably want a few different ways to accessorize your style. There’s a few simple and cheap ways to get some awesome hair ties so you can get your hair off your neck while making it look tres chic. Start with finding hair ties at home. You’re bound to have hundreds of them lying around the house somewhere. These ties can easily be customized with glitter or other sparkly add ons. If you prefer to use a head band then considering adding flowers or fabric butterflies to the band in order to give it a warm weather look. Ribbon is an easy way to get the style you desire without going overboard on cost too. You can usually buy this in spools at a low cost, so you won’t have to feel bad when you lose a piece. Try grabbing some patriotic colors, which are always in fashion during the summer, as well as some vibrant and neon colors. You may also shop your local discount or dollar store to see what hair ties they offer.
2. Sunglasses
There’s no getting around summer without having a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright rays. The best way to remedy the high price of sunglasses is to shop online. Usually you can find great pairs at a discounted price and many will even offer a money back rebate. If you wear prescription glasses then there’s a wide variety of online stores that offer reduced price prescription sunglasses. Simply pick a frame and add in your prescription. You may want to look for a coupon before you confirm any payment though. Another great way to remedy the price is to purchase a pair of glasses with transition lenses. Sure, these do cost a bit more than regular prescription glasses or sunglasses, but they’ll suit your needs all year long. During the summer there is usually quite a few deals on sunglasses in local stores. Make sure to shop around online and off before you do make your final purchase though. You may try discounted stores for a cheap temporary pair, especially if you spend a lot of time at the beach. This will ensure your pricier glasses won’t be lost at sea when you play in the waves.
3. Totes
You can’t deny that totes are a total lifesaver in the summer time. It doesn’t matter if you’re using them as a fashionable purse or toting around the day’s worth of beach gear, because these amazing bags will suit your every summertime need. There’s a lot of fashion totes on the market that are outrageously priced though. One remedy for this problem is to make your own. Try to find an old t-shirt or fabric you love and with a few cuts and some minor sewing you’ll be styling in a hurry. You can easily find tutorials online for this type of project. Discount shops are also a great place to find cheap totes. These usually mimic the high fashion totes, so you won’t stray too far from the trends. You may also want to check out a thrift shop to see what great vintage finds you may come across. If all else fails, grab your local grocery stores reusable bag and enjoy giving them a boost in business while you lug your goods from one place to another.
4. Hats
When it comes to hats, summer has a wide array of option to choose from. One of the most trendiest looks at the moment is big floppy hats with wide brims. These are amazing for the pool side or beach and will always make you look impressive and in style. These hats can be pretty pricey when you buy them name brand though. Luckily, most local department stores will have them for a cheaper price and if you have a coupon you’ll be doing even better. If you can wait a while for your hat then try to shop in the winter to take advantage of clearance sales. These hats are also easily customized so if you want to enjoy your own unique look then pull out your craft supplies and get work. The classic baseball cap is another amazing summer hat. These are also easily customized, great for kids and can be found in a wide assortment of prices. Try to find blank hats at your craft store and you’ll be in store for an amazing family craft session with the kids.
5. Shoes
Although many people love to spend much of the summer barefoot it isn’t always possible. With the concrete baking and sand not too far behind, walking around with no shoes can be rather painful. This is when your laid back summer flip flops come in handy. There’s a lot of companies that are making flip flops that cost as much as a regular pair of shoes. This isn’t convenient for the budget and will take away money from all the other col accessories you may want. Instead of shopping big name try to find a place that sells flip flops for no more than $3 a pair. This will ensure you can buy more than one, because they may not last long. When you get home, break open those craft supplies and get to customizing. You’ll have the hottest shoes on the block without the price tag associated with them. You should also be able to catch some amazing Buy 1 Get 1 Free deals on sandals for kids and adults.
6. Clutch
Purses are so out of season in the summer and will cause you to lug around heavy items in the hot summer sun. Instead of spending money on new purses try checking out some of the clutches in your local store. These items are usually much cheaper than purses and will leave you feeling elegant and in style. Try to wait until there’s a sale before you purchase, but if you love shopping online there should always be a wide selection of choices at a great price. If you’re feeling crafty then check out some online tutorials for making your own. There’s always fun ways to construct one, but you might also consider adding some extra flair to one you already own. If you really like duct tape art then this is a pretty simple solution to your clutch dilemma. There’s lot of colors to choose from and you can get really creative without having to put a whole lot of work into the project.
7. Party Jewelry
Summer means all those lovely tight and heavy pieces of jewelry you own are probably going to end up back in the jewelry box. It’s simply too hot to have something metallic or heavy on the skin. Instead of going without try the whole party jewelry look. These pieces are loose, long and very colorful. You can usually find them at any department store or even a simple party store. If the price is a bit too steep for you then head to a craft store and grab an assortment of beads. You can usually find a set of bulk beads in these stores that won’t cost a whole lot. However, if you’re uncomfortable with the price check some online stores to see if they can provide you with a better deal. Making these pieces of jewelry won’t take any time at all and will allow you to feel like you had a hand in creating your own signature look. If bright colors aren’t exactly your thing, then try looking for vintage party necklaces and bracelets at a second hand store. You may stumble across something that really strikes your fancy.
8. Flowers
It doesn’t matter what season it is, adding a flower to your style will really make you shine. However, there’s something very fitting about wearing flowers in the summer time. With such a large selection to choose from its hard not to find a flower for every occasion. The best part about this simple accessory is its incredible cheap and often times its free. Try finding flowers from your own yard to show off in your hair or on your clothing. If you’re around many real flowers then make your own. This can easily be accomplished with tissue paper or lighter fabrics. If you really want a custom flower then try cutting up an old t-shirt that might be to worn to wear anymore. There’s lots of online tutorials that can help you create a wide variety of different flowers, so get creative with the idea. The best thing about these accessories is they can be worn over and over again.
9. Friendship Bracelets
When summer roles around its hard not to think back on all of those happy camp memories or simply memories spent with friends over the school break. Of course, with any fond memory like this comes the friendship bracelets shared. Luckily, these hand crafted designs still haven’t gone out of style. You can find these cute accessories in any store that caters to trendy accessories at a price that won’t leave you hurting. However, one simple way to spend even less money is to make your own. For the price it takes to buy one of these bracelets you can weave several. This can be a fun way to spend a night with the girls or you can make it a family memory with your own kids. With bracelets this fun you may even want to start wearing them as anklets to show off your summer legs. You may even find yourself digging out your old memory boxes to find the bracelets you wore as a kid.
10. Scarves
Scarves don’t have to be reserved for the winter month. In fact, a light scarf can take your outfit from drab to chic with one simple wrap. There’s lots of light scarves out on the market during the summer so make sure to shop around to find the best deal. Look for colorful designs and prints to really draw out the vibes of summer or stick to solids for a business friendly look. Scarves don’t have to be reserved for the neck either. Spice up an outfit by tying it around your arm of leg. If it’s long enough you may even be able to use it as a waist tie. You could also try placing it on your head to protect your scalp from the sun. There’s a lot of possibilities with this accessory so feel free to get as creative as possible!
Accessorizing in the summer can be an amazing thing. Without the restriction of money you may become the biggest trendsetter amongst your friends this summer. When you follow these ten tips on how to be chic on a frugal budget, you’ll definitely feel like a top model.
