5 Summer Style Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed

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By now, you’ve probably figured out that woven bags and seashell anything are this summer’s must-have accessories. And while they help elevate your warm-weather wardrobe, they don’t harbor much on the basis of functionality.

Meanwhile, there are a few other trends quietly making their way onto our summer packing lists by managing to be both stylish and practical. These unexpected accessories each help to alleviate the common struggles that go hand-in-hand with long travel days — overheating, losing your sunglasses, etc. — while also keeping you in line with summer trends.

Below, a round-up of summer’s chicest travel accessories you didn’t know you needed.

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A Hand Fan

Courtesy of Fern Fans

Daisy Hoppen and Amanda Borberg, the designers of Fern Fans, launched their brand of wooden hand fans to modernize the 18th-century trend. Their fans are playful-yet-practical accessories that’ll keep you feeling cool and elegant in the sweltering summer heat.

To buy: fernfans.com, $79

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A Transparent Bag

Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

Finding your boarding pass, passport, phone, or wallet among the gum wrappers and used bus tickets you accumulate during your summer travels has never been easier. One of this season’s most popular trends, the transparent bag, will help you avoid that irrational, “oh crap, I lost my phone,” moment we all have when digging into our cluttered bags. With a transparent tote like this Staud number, you’ll know exactly where to dig for what you’re looking for.

To buy: bergdorfgoodman.com, $210

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A Glasses Chain

Courtesy of Matches Fashion

The common practice of losing sunglasses during your travels is what inspired Frame Chain, a contemporary line of chic sunglass chains, to keep your sunglasses safe while traveling. Frame Chain draws inspiration from vintage jewelry and hip-hop, turning a typically uncool trend into one that is highly coveted. The line features an array of styles — from freshwater pearls to slinky gold chains — that double as statement necklaces.

To buy: matchesfashion.com, $312

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Scrunchies

Courtesy of Shopbop

Silk scrunchies are the perfect carry-on companion for overnight flights, and for vacations to dry or humid climates. They’re a comfortable (and now, stylish) way to keep your hair shiny, soft, and free from breakage when you’re constantly on the move.

To buy: shopbop.com, $40

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A Raffia Waist Bag

Courtesy of Etsy

A raffia belt bag is a sustainable, lightweight summer bag that allows you to go hands-free while scouring markets and bazaars during your travels. (Plus, one less personal bag leaves you free for one more shopping bag. Win, win.)

To buy: etsy.com, $62

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5 Summer Style Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed