25 Accessory Trends To Update Your Outfits In 2022

Accessories are a fun way to update the outfits that you already have in your closet. Want to refresh that jumpsuit outfit? Add a soft leather wrap-belt. Do you mostly wear neutrals? Add a pop of color with a vivid handbag. Want to upgrade your loungewear look? Add some fun new sneakers. Handbags, jewelry, belts, hats, shoes, and sunglasses can transform your outfit from plain to polished. What should you add to your closet? Here are some accessory trends to look for in 2022…

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Handbags

A stylish handbag can elevate even the most basic outfits. If you’re looking for a new handbag, then try a compact shoulder bag, bucket bag, crescent (moon) bag, or softly gathered clutch. For spring, summer, and beach vacations, opt for a crochet bag or basket bag.

1. Baguette bags

Baguette bags (small rectangular shoulder bags) were created by Fendi in the 90s and became a cult favorite when they were featured on Sex And the City. If a vintage Fendi isn’t in your budget, this Michael Kors Bradshaw Small Convertible Shoulder Bag is obviously inspired by the show, and more affordable.

This Buckled Leather Shoulder Bag from & Other Stories is a simple, clean version of the baguette bag. If you can handle it (pun intended😉 ) then try a bright color like this Ruby Suede Shoulder Bag from Frances Valentine. Brightly colored handbags are one of the biggest accessory trends for 2022.

2. Mini Backpacks

Mini Backpacks were also a 90s favorite, thanks to Prada. Longchamp’s Le Pliage Mini Backpack is an affordable version. Sol & Selene’s Mini Motivator Quilted Backpack would make be a good travel bag. The cutest mini backpack I’ve seen is this Lululemon micro clip-on City Adventurer Nano Backpack. (These colors are marked down but note that they are final sale items.)

3. Crescent Bags

Crescent (as in moon) bags have been popular for a few years now, and continue to be on-trend in 2022. I bought this Poolside Croissant Rattan Shoulder Bag for this spring and summer. Their Crochet Baguette is really cute too. Because I wear wearing a lot of different colors and prints in the summer, a neutral handbag is easier to style during those months.

If you prefer a year-round handbag, then choose a leather one like the Staud Moon Bag that I wrote about in this post.

4. Asymmetrical Bags

Asymmetrical Bags keep popping up when I’m browsing, but most of them are high-end designer ones, so I’m going to predict that by the end of 2022 we’ll see many more affordable versions. If you can’t wait for this trend, Staud’s Acute Shoulder Bag and Cult Gaia’s Nadia Suede bag are currently available.

5. Bucket Bags

Bucket Bags (literally shaped like a bucket) are also on-trend. I’m not crazy about an open-top handbag so I like the ones that have a drawstring closure like Vince Camuto’s Fabia Leather Bucket Bag.

The runway trend, that I’m avoiding is the super-sized tote bag. It’s a fun concept but I’d be too tempted to carry half of my house with me.

Jewelry

Who doesn’t need some sparkle these days, right? Whether you’re video conferencing or going to parties, jewelry can brighten up your look. These are some of the jewelry and hair accessory trends you’ll see in 2022…

6. Pearlcore

One of the biggest accessory trends of 2022 is Pearlcore. What is Pearlcore? Though it does include your grandmother’s pearls, it’s so much more. In 2022, expect to see pearl accents in new and creative ways like pearl makeup (as in pearl-like beads glued onto your face or nails!) Not ready for such a bold trend? You can start with a classic freshwater pearl choker which will add an elegant finish to your special occasion outfit.

You’ll also find plenty of pearl-embellished hats and hair accessories like Kate Spade’s Pearl Beanie or Madewell’s Freshwater Pearl Barette.

How about pearls on your feet? Stuart Weitzman and Jimmy Choo are putting pearls on their boots, sneakers, and sandals, so we’ll probably see more affordable brands jump on this trend. Right now, you can buy Bernardo’s cute Imitation Pearl Flip Flops for casual outfits or Kate Spade’s Marisol Pearl Pumps for dressy ones.

Even Birkenstock has a sandal with a pearl-like shimmer. These Sydney Sandals come in an iridescent snakeskin print.

(If you want to learn more about pearls, take a look at this post.)

7. Cascading Earrings

I’m seeing lots of gorgeous cascading drop earrings in both metals and stones. Mine are Argeus and Agent’s Half Moon Cascading Earrings which go with just about everything.

If you want something more colorful, take a look at these Shades Of Sea Glass Drop Earrings.

8. Modern Hoops

Hoops are another classic jewelry style, but in 2022 you’ll see some interesting details like the crescent shape in these Crescent Hoop Earrings or the floral feel of these Turquoise Twist Hoop Earrings. Look out for colorful jewelry like these Ettika Beaded Double Hoops. If you’re a minimalist, try Square hoops (and bangles) which are simple but modern.

9. Bangles And Cuffs

If (like me) you don’t have time to layer delicate bracelets, you’ll love that bangles are back in style. Soko’s 3 Bangle Bracelets are simple but not basic.

Jenny Bird’s Hidden Heart Cuff is such a clever design! It took me a few seconds to figure out where the hearts were!

I love the colorful stones on J.Crew’s Framed Stone Open Cuffs. They’re currently marked down.

10. Chain Necklaces

Once we’re done with turtlenecks and scarves, I look forward to wearing necklaces again! If you’re looking for something new, try a gold chain-link necklace or Layered Chain Necklaces.

Chokers are back in style, both in bold multi-strand styles and delicate little chains.

Belts

11. Chain Belts

The chain belt is yet another 90s/00s accessory trend that will be popular again in 2022. Wear it over your knit dress, or with your favorite wide-leg pants. Just keep in mind that this is more fashion than function (i.e. it probably won’t hold your pants up!) I’m not sure if I’m going to try this trend on my middle-aged belly but if I do I’ll probably try this Golden Chain Belt.

12. Tie Belts

Tie belts are a fresh alternative to the logo belts and skinny belts that we’ve seen over the past few years. Anthropologie has a classic wrap belt that you can wear over your dresses, jumpsuits, or skirts. If you want a functional belt that you can wear with your jeans and pants, then take a look at Isabel Marant’s Lecce Leather Belt or Cuyana’s Leather Tie Belt.

13. Wide (Corset) Belts

Super wide belts that were in style in the 00s are also back this year. Nip in your waist with a wide Leather Waist Belt over a dress or jumpsuit.

14. Belt Bags

Belt bags continue to be popular if you can pare down your essentials to a tiny pouch! This Club Monaco Purse Belt is a minimalist’s dream bag. Remove the purse to wear the belt alone. For a casual look, I really like this Accolade Convertible Belt Bag which you can wear across your chest, as a crossbody bag, or as a sling backpack.

Hats

15. Bucket Hats

Bucket hats are another 90s trend that has reemerged. You’ll find them quilted or in sherpa for colder months, and canvas or straw for warmer months. My favorite is this Raffia Bucket Hat that would be a nice change from my basic straw hat. If you’re looking for a basic cotton/polyester packable hat, take a look at this Packable Beach Hat available on Amazon.

16. Baker Boy Hats

Baker boy hats (round caps with short brims) also reappeared on the fashion runways this year and are trickling into stores.

Mine is an old one, and to be honest, I don’t wear it much, but if you like this style, this one is cute.

17. Cowboy Hats

Cowboy hats aren’t a new trend at all but are definitely a popular one for 2022. I like this Packable Rancher Hat from Anthropologie for the summer and this Felted Wool Western Hat for the fall.

Mesh-trimmed hats (think British Royalty or the 1950s) were also popular during the Spring/Summer 2022 runway shows, but I’m not sure how many of us will have a need for these this year.

Shoes

18. Colorful Shoes

If you only add one thing to your closet in 2022, make it something in a bright, happy color! I love these Visa Mules which come in pretty pastels and a gorgeous floral print.

Even Birkenstock is making their classic sandals in Fuchsia and Lavender.

19. Lace-Up Boots And Sandals

If you’re reading this post in the fall or winter, you’ll want to make sure you have some lace-up boots! I bought these Pikolinos Vicar Combat Boots in the fall and have loved them. I also really like the spring-friendly off-white color. For the summer, look out for lace-up or strappy sandals in pretty colors.

20. High-Top Sneakers

I learned just how popular high-top sneakers are right now when I went searching for some Converse All-Stars for my daughter and couldn’t find her size anywhere. Want something that the teens aren’t wearing? Try a brand like Gola; their Tennis Mark Cox (white/animal print) and Coaster Peak Platform (olive/cream) sneakers are both available at DSW.

21. Chunky Clogs And Sandals

As we head into the warmer months, we’ll see chunky clogs, slides, and sandals again. If you don’t already have them from last year, look for ones with wide round toe-boxes and comfortable soles.

I’m also still seeing a lot of designer sherpa sandals and clogs, I guess for those who are working from home and want a combination of warm and cool?! Let me know if you understand that trend!

22. Pointed-Toe Mules

There’s something so elegant and chic about pointed-toe mules, so I’m glad to see them in style this year. I found these bargains at Banana Republic last year, but you can buy similar ones from Madewell or A New Day (affordable but not leather).

For the office, a party, or for a night out, look for mules with a Mary Jane strap, like Kate Spade’s Marielle Pointed Toe Flats.

Sunglasses

As the days get longer, you’ll want some comfortable, fashionable sunnies. If you still have your cat-eye glasses from the past few years, they’re still in style. If you’re looking for something new, here are a couple of shapes that are trending in 2022.

23. Geometric Shapes

Rectangle, square, and hexagon shapes have been popular with high-end brands and are now trickling down to more affordable ones. I like J.Crew’s Square Sunglasses and Banana Republic’s Florentine sunglasses. I’ve already read great reviews about Quay Australia and am looking at their Total Vibe glasses for this summer.

24. Rimless Sunglasses

Remember the rimless sunglasses from Y2K? Well, if you still have them, dig them up! Right now, most of the rimless glasses I’m finding are high-end designer ones, but like the other new trends, they’ll be available in affordable brands soon. If it’s in your budget, Maui Jim’s Polarized Rimless Glasses are available now.

25. Scarves

For 2022, it’s not so much about what kinds of scarves to buy but how you wear them. This year, wear your favorite scarf in your hair. It will hide those grays, brighten your outfit, and allow you to delay that wash-and-blow-dry for one more day. There’s also something about a silk scarf that gives you that cool, sophisticated feel!

Ann Taylor always has pretty, affordable silk scarves – I like this Bandana Silk Little Scarf with its pops of pink and this Ganni Silk Square Scarf with its pops of yellow.

So, these are my 25 favorite trends for 2022. Some are brand new, others have been around for a few years. What I like about them all is that they are so versatile. So whether you are working from home or jet-setting around the country, you can adapt these trends to your lifestyle. Let me know which of these 2022 accessory trends you’ll be buying this year!

P.S. You may also enjoy my 2022 Fashion And Beauty Trends and 5Simple Ways To Wear A Skinny Scarf posts.