The simplicity of my summer wardrobe cannot be overstated.  Dresses, shoes.  Maybe I add a blazer here or a cardigan there.  So it’s very important to have the right accessories.  Because while I like simple, I do not like boring.

Summer jewelry essentials are a little bit different for everybody.  My Mother considers long station necklaces the foundation of everything.  I prefer long pendants.  My friend, Miss M, wears stacks and stacks of bangles.  But whatever your preferences, let’s talk about starting points.

Necklaces

Disc Pendant Necklace ($39 + 30%-off)

When I’m on the hunt for a new long necklace, I start at LOFT.  They always have a great selection of colors, textures, and styles.  This layered disc pendant is a simple basic you can wear with almost anything. I also like their mixed stone cluster necklace and this multi-strand beaded chain necklace.

My second choice retailer?  Chico’s.  If you want color and verve in your jewelry box, shop where your high school art teacher shopped.  This reversible bib necklace in faux-lapis and this mixed-metal coin necklace are the kind of pieces that add real life to a simple sheath dress.

Earrings

Henna Drop Earrings ($38)

Kyle and I have been together for almost three years, so date night is usually a casual affair.  When I want to jazz up that eyelet dress he’s seen 20x or the off-the-shoulder striped top from last summer, I reach for a pair of big colorful earrings.

Baublebar has the best selection.  I like the beaded Henna drops above and these Corsica tassel earrings for a bit of color.  If you’d prefer something more neutral, these Julia resin-linked hoops mix black and white into a truly striking earring.

Can’t keep heavy earrings in place, without stretching your lobes?  Try these clover-back stabilizing earring lifts to give you some more oomph.

Looking for statement earrings at a whisper price?  H&M.  I love the look of these powder pink cluster earrings and these emerald-green tassels.

(Also, if you want the delicate hexagon hoops in the featured image, you can buy them at the Tales in Gold Etsy shop.)

Bracelets

Maze Cut Cuff Bracelet ($18)

I love a cuff bracelet.  They have great impact, but don’t jingle around like a lot of bracelets do.  I once wore a stack of gold bangles into a meeting and it sounded like Carmen playing the castanets.  Not great.  But a cuff gives you all the style without the sound.

This Maze Cut Cuff is a nice option; the lattice work keeps it light.  This Nadri pave criss-cross cuff also has a similar feel in a shorter height.  Or go big with this Baublebar Natania cuff.  Prefer silver?  This Gorjana Sia cuff has a geometric look to it.

One of my favorite summer options is a wood or tortoise bracelet. It adds a natural element to casual dresses.  These wooden Kenneth Jay Lane stacked bangles caught my eye; I like the cool shapes.  I also like this Natori Acacia wood cuff.  Also, this Jaya tortoise cuff from Stella & Dot is everything I want in a summer bracelet.

So what are your summer jewelry essentials?  These are the pieces you reach for over and over again.  the baubles that complete even the simplest outfit.

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