GQ Recommends

19 Sub-$100 Summer Accessories to Help Your Fits Sparkle

Save on the finishing touches so you can spend on the grand flourishes.
Accessories Bag Sunglasses and Tote Bag shoes belt scarf on a colorful background
Collage: Kassidy Davidson

When the layering opportunities are scarce, the right summer accessories can make or break an outfit. And even when the purchasing rationale is utility-based, the right accessories won’t just protect you from the sun or free up your overstuffed pockets—they’ll make your breezy knit shirts and garden-party-ready linen shorts feel exponentially more thoughtful, pulled-together, and intentional. In other words, they’ll make the simple stuff pop.

And the best part about accessorizing in the heat? You don’t need to spend like crazy to get some great stuff—especially useful when your wallet’s feeling a light after a few weeks of impromptu park hangs and evenings drinking out of doors. So, to help maximize your dollars (and minimize your regrets) we unearthed a treasure trove of ante-upping, outfit-making, money-saving summer accessories—a red-hot rotation of sunglasses, hats, rings, and more—that cost a Benjamin or less.

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

  • The Budget Sunglasses That Don't Look Cheap

    1/19

    Le Specs

    Unreal! Sunglasses

    $78

    Amazon

    If you're prone to losing your shades, minimize risk by copping a pair that delivers high-end vibes at an entry-level price.

  • The Colorful Ribbon Belt

    2/19

    Beams Plus x J.Crew

    Striped Ribbon Belt

    $60

    J.Crew

    Sometimes, all you need is a funky belt to crank the volume on a simple summer outfit.

  • The Beach-Ready Watch

    3/19

    Casio

    DW5600BB G-Shock Black Out Watch

    $99 $73

    Amazon

    That swanky dress watch you just bought? We're sure it's a beauty, but save it for work, weddings, and chill nights out. When things get sweaty, Casio's legendarily durable G-Shock will help you keep a cool head—without stressing the month's rent on your wrist.

  • The Scintillating Summer Scent

    Courtesy of brand
    4/19

    Hawthorne

    Mineral Wave Eau De Parfum

    $60 $48

    Nordstrom

    Need a break from office life? A few spritzes of this is like a tropical getaway for your nose.

  • The Trusty Cap

    5/19

    Wythe

    Chainstitched Canvas Ranch Hat

    $48

    Wythe

    Unless you were blessed with hair that’s perfect every single day, having a hat you can always rely on is key—this is one of those hats.

  • The Classic Canvas Sneakers

    6/19

    Vans

    Authentic Core Classics Sneakers

    $55

    Zappos

    We can’t explain our methodology, but it does feel like Authentics are primed for a comeback.

  • The Can't-Have-Too-Many-Pockets Tote Bag

    7/19

    The North Face

    Base Camp Voyager Tote

    $90 $63

    Backcountry

    A tote with some teeth. And a bunch of pockets. And a daisy chain! In other words, your current tote could never.

  • The Non-Touristy Bucket Hat

    8/19

    Gramicci

    x And Wander NYCO Hat

    $80

    Gramicci

    When you get bored of your baseball caps—and also could use the 360º coverage—reach for a low-key, highly-functional bucket like this one.

  • The City-Friendly Sling Bag

    9/19

    Patagonia

    Ultralight Black Hole Sling 8L Backpack

    $69

    Patagonia

    Patagonia's crossbody bag might be designed for hauling your gear on the trail, but it's even better at stashing your sundry chargers when you're back in the city.

  • The Rich Guy (Presenting) Sandals

    10/19

    Deer Stags

    Antonio Sandals

    $100 $60

    Zappos

    Sandals at the beach, loafers in the streets.

  • The Do-It-All Bandana

    11/19

    Kapital

    Nadeshiko Champetre Fastcolor Floral-Print Selvedge Bandana

    $45

    Mr Porter

    This year, you will mop your brow in style.

  • The Subtle Wrist Candy

    12/19

    Miansai

    Snap Rope Bracelet

    $95

    Miansai

    All-metal jewelry absolutely still plays in the summertime, but when the outside thermostat's really cranking, it's nice to have something a little lighter to turn to.

  • The Lightweight Sandals

    13/19

    Birkenstock

    Arizona EVA Sandals

    $50

    Todd Snyder

    Suede Birks are great if you're relaxing at home, but the next time you hit the beach reach for a pair that are actually waterproof.

  • The Ready-for-Anything Carry

    14/19

    Mystery Ranch

    Gallagator Minimalist Trail 15L Backpack

    $99

    Huckberry

    They shouldn't be able to pack this many features into a backpack this lightweight, but they did and your next adventure will be all the better for it.

  • The Rough-and-Refined Fob

    15/19

    Madewell x Craighill

    Wilson Carbon Keyring

    $15

    Madewell

    Easily attaches to any belt loop to save those sunglasses from the wrath of loose keys.

  • The Iridescent Frames

    16/19

    Oakley

    OO9454 EVZero Blades Sunglasses

    $121

    Amazon

    Zoom zoom mf.

  • The Cherry-On-Top Ring

    17/19

    Jaxxon

    Beveled Tiger's Eye Signet Ring

    $79

    Jaxxon

    The Eye of the Tiger in the palm of your hand. And by palm we mean finger.

  • The Off-Base Baseball Cap

    18/19

    Noah

    Plaid Crown 5-Panel Hat

    $88

    Noah

    The key to a good plaid hat? Using a plaid pattern that blends in to its surroundings, like this one does.

  • The Elevated Garden Clog

    19/19

    Aime Leon Dore

    Garden Mule

    $95

    Aime Leon Dore

    The rare pair of mules that are unafraid of a little weather.

Reed Nelson is a proud menswear nerd who has written and edited for Refinery29, Heddels, Well Spent (RIP), the Salt Lake Tribune, and the San Francisco-Bay Guardian, among others, covering men’s fashion, sports, local politics, criminal justice reform, and more. In another life, he spent years working the retail floor... Read more
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