Spring Accessory Trends: What to Wear Now, Retro Edition

This spring, the accessories that lean retro are chain belts, loafers, statement earrings, small crossbody bags, tinted sunglasses and silk scarves. Most of them borrow from the 1960s through the 1990s, and all of them work on top of clothes you already own.

Below is what to look for in each, how to wear it, and which pieces suit a small budget. If you only buy one thing, pick the one that fixes the plainest outfit in your closet.

Section 01

What is trendy for spring in accessories?

Retro shapes lead: chunky resin jewelry, thin gold chains, cat-eye and tinted sunglasses, loafers, and compact bags. Color runs from pastels and warm neutrals (camel, olive, rust) to the occasional saturated primary.

You don't need all of it. One or two pieces per outfit is usually enough, and the rest of the look can stay quiet.

Section 02

Chain belts and scarf belts

A chain belt adds a waistline to anything that hangs straight: a shirt dress, a long cardigan, an oversized blazer. Wear it loose on the hips with a dress, or cinched at the natural waist over a tucked shirt.

A silk scarf looped through belt loops does the same job for less money and brings a softer texture and a color accent. Knot it to one side rather than at center front, which reads more relaxed.

Section 03

Which bags are trending: crossbody, tote or woven?

Small crossbody bags and woven totes are the easy picks. A crossbody keeps your hands free and sits at the hip, so it also breaks up a long top. Woven straw or raffia adds texture that looks right with linen and cotton.

A leather crossbody in a neutral like tan or cream goes with nearly everything. If you want a retro touch, tie a vintage silk scarf to the handle.

Section 04

Loafers and other spring shoes

Chain belts and loafers for spring make a good pair: both feel polished without feeling dressy. Loafers work with cropped trousers, straight jeans and midi skirts. Show a bit of ankle, since a hem that stops mid-shoe makes the leg look shorter.

Mary Janes and clogs are the other retro shoes people are reaching for. Pick the one whose heel height you can actually walk in all day.

Section 05

Statement earrings and gold jewelry

Statement earrings and crossbody bags are the two accessories that change an outfit fastest. Oversized hoops, pastel resin drops and chunky geometric shapes all fit the retro mood. Keep the neckline simple when the earrings are big, and skip a heavy necklace.

For finer jewelry, layer two or three thin gold chains of different lengths. Through the lens of evidence-based design, I'd think about contrast here: small, bright metal against a matte knit draws the eye upward, toward your face.

Section 06

Sunglasses, scarves and hats

Tortoise-shell cat-eye frames and lightly tinted lenses in amber, rose or mint are the retro choices. Frame shape matters more than tint: angular frames tend to balance a rounder face, and rounder frames soften a more angular one.

A silk scarf can go on your neck, in your hair or on a bag. A woven hat or a simple bucket hat covers the rest of sunny-day dressing.

Section 07

How to choose by color and skin tone

Gold usually looks warmer against warm undertones, and silver cooler against cool ones. That is a starting point, not a rule. Hold the piece up near your face in daylight and see which one makes your skin look more even.

Color pairs that work: camel with blush pink, olive with soft yellow, navy with cream. As an architect trained in evidence-based design, I'd also match surface to surface: a glossy resin earring looks more deliberate next to a smooth fabric than next to a fuzzy one.

Section 08

Practical tips for wearing retro accessories

• Start with one piece, such as tortoise-shell earrings or a leather-strap watch.
• Choose sturdy materials like brass, resin and leather over thin plating if you plan to wear a piece often.
• Store jewelry in a lined box or fabric pouch so it doesn't scratch.
• Check vintage and secondhand shops for sunglasses, scarves and brooches, which often cost less than new.

For more directions on the same theme, see Spring 90s accessory trends, Spring glam accessory trends and casual spring basics. If your style leans soft, effortless feminine accessories are worth a look.

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