Summer’s hottest accessories

Summer’s here and it’s time for a wardrobe revamp – out with the old, in with the new. Ditch your stilettos for grandma birks and replace block heels with good ol’ mules. While practical backpacks trump slouchy totes, sunglasses retain their 'summer essential' status. Here’s a dose of the season's most scorching accessories.

Photographs: Imaxtree.com/Alessandro Lucioni

Backpacks: Backpacks aren’t just for school anymore, they’ve found their way on to the ramp. From Chanel’s graffiti print version to Tory Burch’s polka dotted one, this trend takes us happily back to our childhood.

SAVE: Leather backpack, Rs 4,145, Accessorize

SPLURGE: Leather backpack, Rs 18,000, Kenneth Cole

Studded PVC backpack, price on request, Furla

Canvas and faux leather backpack, Rs 4,145, Accessorize

Leather backpack, price on request, Christian Louboutin

Leather tote-cum-backpack, Rs 75,450, 3.1 Philip Lim at Net-a-porter.com

Mirrored acetate sunglasses, Rs 1,690, Zara

Mirrored acetate cat-eye sunglasses, Rs 63,230, Linda Farrow at Net-a-porter.com

Mirrored denim and acrylic sunglasses, Rs 10,990, Diesel

Faux leather mules, Rs 5,990, Zara

Mirrored Sunglasses

Whether you’re planning on spending summer sprawled on a beach, or running errands in the city, beat the heat in loud-and-proud reflective sunnies. Choose from cool blue or steely grey, or push the envelope with all-over gold.

Tip: If you want to tone down the mirror effect, choose ombre versions.  

Mules

Fashion is having a major ’90s redux and mules dominate the moodboard. From Alexander Wang’s chunky style to the sleek version at Sportmax, these slip-on beauties are back for good.

Tip: Wear with midi dresses or skirts for added elegance.

Slides and Floaters

Comfort is the new cool. Floaters and slides have made a comeback. Time to let your stilettos die a loveless death, just this once.

Tip: Pick your slides in metallic or neoprene to give them an on-trend update.

Leather birkenstocks, Rs 99,985, Céline

Foam floaters, Rs 28,700, Fendi

Silk and leather backpack, Rs 1,21,000, Hermès

Mirrored acetate sunglasses, Rs 36,720, Cutler and Gross

Mirrored aviators, Rs 10,480, Michael Kors

Leather mules, Rs 16,000, Diesel

Buckle leather mules, Rs 58,065, Rochas

Suede wedged mules, price on request, Tommy Hilfiger

Neoprene pool slides, Rs 2,550, Asos.com

Leather mules with deconstructed heel, Rs 46,700, Fendi

Tasselled leather floaters, price on request, Marni

Leather birkenstocks, Rs 5,607, Dune