These Summer Sandals and Bags Are Classic and Work With Every Outfit

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Accessories make the outfit. This is especially true during the summer months, when creative layering ideas are at a minimum and all you really want is to throw on a cool dress, get out of the door and make the most of whatever decent weather and free time you may be lucky enough to have. So when you're reaching for that plain, trusty midi and wanting to keep indecision at bay, I'd recommend choosing classic, comfortable and practical accessories that still look chic but aren't so faddy or faffy as to require any effort. Look for items that combine neutral colours (beige, black, off-white) with staple summer fabrics (raffia, tan leather) and chic silhouettes (a simple shopper, a pair of two-strap sandals), and you'll have a guaranteed armoury of versatile add-ons that will work with almost any summer outfit you throw at them.

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(Image credit: @thecarolinelin)

Not to be totally biased, but the latest Who What Wear collection of bags and shoes ticks all the boxes. Affordable and hinting to the trends? Yes. But these styles are also created with longevity in mind. You'll find the kind of basket bag that will never date and a pair of flat, chunky-soled sandals you'll wear and wear until they need repairing (and I'd always recommend getting your favourite shoes repaired rather than buying new). It looks like our team isn't alone in appreciating this new line: Countless influencers from across the globe have been using these chic new pieces to complement their spring and summer looks, both avant-garde and über-minimal, proving that good accessories work hard for us all. Keep scrolling to shop the most expensive-looking shoes and bags on the high street…

1. The Basket Bag

Nothing signals summer quite like a basket bag, but if you're looking for one that has more year-round appeal and feels a little more elevated, then this black-trimmed bucket option is definitely a front runner. It's adorable with a sundress but is equally cool with tailoring.

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(Image credit: @veneti.a)

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(Image credit: @veneti.a)

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(Image credit: @josie_francis)

2. The Chunky Sandals

I wear them so much I'm not sure how I'd get ready each morning without a pair of chunky sandals. Therefore, it's not a crazy idea to own more than one pair if you're going to get lots of wear out of them. These puffy slides look directional, but they're comfortable, too.

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(Image credit: @thecarolinelin)

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(Image credit: @josie_francis)

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(Image credit: @scarletkent)

3. THE STRAPPY FLATS

If you prefer your flat sandals to be a more refined and less chunky silhouette, then these strappy flats fit the bill. Particularly popular in tan, they're a barely-there style that you can definitely wear with both pretty dresses and minimalistic tailoring.

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(Image credit: @rachelnosco)

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(Image credit: @em_tong)

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(Image credit: @sarahkretzu)

4. THE '90S SHOULDER BAG

Yes, we all have days where we need giant totes, but it's also good to have a smart shoulder bag for fancier moments. This woven style is simple in shape and still quite roomy, but the front detailing gives it that extra bit of pizzazz.

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(Image credit: @em_tong)

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(Image credit: @sarahkretzu)

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(Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

5. THE TOE-POST SANDALS

Just as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, toe-post sandals are surprisingly big news this summer. A very small tweak provides plenty of extra fashion kudos, but essentially, these black, white and tan flats are still classic, wearable and easy.

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(Image credit: @veneti.a)

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(Image credit: @veneti.a)

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(Image credit: @veneti.a)
Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the editor in chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.

Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.