Nothing adds vim to an outfit quite like sharp accessories: their ability to transform quotidian work attire, inject a twist to well-loved summer dresses or add fizz to your holiday capsule wardrobe should not be underestimated. 

This is especially important now that we have all wised up to a more mindful, investment-led way of dressing. Choose carefully and you’ll see that one judiciously placed piece of jewellery, a snappy tote or statement earrings will not only reinvent your look but will also add instant wow-factor long after the summer ends.  

Not sure where to start? Look no further than Chanel’s ironically named ‘Dad’ sandal. It’s a functional item of footwear that will ensure you can pound the pavements of Sloane Street – or Sorrento – in style and comfort. It also has Velcro straps and a cushioned sole but, that’s where all ugly Dad-sandal similarities end. 

These sandals – which have been spied on style mavens including Alexa Chung and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley – come with bouclé or leather trims (to match your Chanel 2.55 bag) and will add a cool-girl touch to an ankle-skimming floral dress or trouser suit. Think of them as a less sweaty, infinitely more glamorous alternative to a pair of trainers. 

For more devil-may-care swagger, try a bucket hat. Prada’s thick canvas version comes up trumps, because not only will it hide a bad hair day but it’ll add insouciance to your outfit – just ask Hailey Bieber or Rihanna. It is as practical in SW1 as it is in the Cotswolds or the rocky shores of Panarea. For something more overtly summery, Gucci’s monogrammed raffia option exudes jet-set glamour. 

You might even pair it with Gucci’s equally stylish (and timeless) monogram-buckle belt if you are in the market for a bit of matchy-matchy. Indeed, the right belt can be a magic bullet in your arsenal of summertime accessories because it can be cinched around your Heidi Klein kaftan, or through the loops of what The Times has christened the ‘dapper chino’. These cargo-esque, mid-rise trousers that taper at the ankle are certainly the most fashionable option for rainy summer days. A logo belt will also add designer verve to cut off denim shorts or a pair of Katharine Hepburn-esque jeans. 

It wouldn’t be a summer accessories round up without jewels, and plenty of them. To start, reach for timeless golden hoops that complement headwear such as a straw hat or silk scarf perfectly. Or, for something sparkly, try Louis Vuitton’s ‘Volt Upside Down’ earrings – in pretty yellow and white gold, these logo-inspired pieces are sprinkled with diamonds and just right for wearing with your hair swept back. 

2022 is also the year of joyful jewellery, when more is more, and colours are all the better when they’re clashing. For best results, stack up bracelets from sustainability champion Anabela Chan, which are saturated with kaleidoscopic lab-grown gems. Meanwhile, Balenciaga’s gold chain bracelet and loop heart earrings have a reassuring clunk to them. 

If your tastes veer towards minimalism, then you could do far worse than Cartier’s ‘Santos’ watch in stainless steel. This timepiece – created more than a century ago and long considered an icon of design – is enjoying a huge revival, which is unsurprising given its timeless elegance and versatility to both male and female wrists. 

And finally, what bag? Anya Hindmarch’s witty designs are nearly always the answer, especially because shopping at her stores around Sloane Street is always such a joyful experience. Her Return to Nature collection, which was the result of two years of research and innovation, comprises bags that biodegrade and make for one very stylish eco option. For something fun, look to the ‘Donkey Basket’ – a sure option for bringing a smile to everyone’s face. Never one to forgo practicality, Anya has included a leather card holder and ties to ensure your belongings are safe inside. 

However, the ne plus ultra of poolside one-upmanship is surely the Dior ‘Book Tote’, carried by the likes of Bella Hadid, Camille Charriere and Rihanna. Choose the smallest size to hold your copy of War and Peace – not only will you be the chicest holiday-goer for miles, but you can stride forth with the searing intellect to match. 

Carolyn Asome is a fashion journalist who writes for Vogue, The Telegraph and The Observer. She is formerly Fashion Editor at The Times