Ten Best Accessories For Summer 2012

By Lois Joy Johnson

Summer is an annoying season for babes of a certain age like us. First of all, we're on high flesh- alert. The idea of bare legs, sleeveless dresses, low-cut tops and putting in a beach appearance is stressing us out. Then we also hate spending money on items with a short life span. Splurging on a cashmere sweater or boots makes sense. Flip-flops or a beach bag? No way! So here's the 10-step plan.

A Straw Cowgirl Sun Hat

Instead of a big floppy brimmed hat (which, let's face it, looks strange on everyone) get a straw cowgirl style, currently making waves from Malibu to South Beach. It won't block your vision or view, looks kind of sexy in a jet-set/ bohemian/ rock star way and keeps the sun off your face and neck with maximum efficiency. The airy weave also lets your scalp breathe and protects your processed color or highlights from UV rays. "Cowgirls" look great with a swimsuit but throw it on for any outdoor routines from family barbecues to gardening or days at the flea market. You'll take it on vacation in January too. Chico's straw cowgirl hat style # 570046246 ($49, chicos.com)

Super-Size Cat-Eye Sunglasses Lightweight large modified cat-eye shades in tortoiseshell or black look newer than the giant Jackie O- inspired styles of recent years. Aren't you tired of them ? These add attitude to a totally unmade-up face and UV protection lenses keep crinkles and crow's feet from forming. C. Wonder Kathmere oversized cat eye sunglass ($68, cwonder.com)

A Skinny Chain Link Belt Wanna lose five pounds in ten seconds? Define your waist (not your hips, please) with one of these. A chain link belt in gold, silver or tortoiseshell looks fresher this summer than leather and is adjustable, so don't worry about bloat from those poolside margaritas or last night's pint of Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Therapy. Wear it to shape tailored sheaths, straight shifts, tunics and long cardigans. Zara tortoiseshell chain belt ($29.90, zarausa.com)

A See-Through PVC Beach Bag You will never want to dig through a straw bag again. A transparent beach bag is part of the see-through fashion trend and has a modern minimalist vibe. The practicality of being able to spot your sunscreen, flip flops, swim cap, Kindle and reading glasses without pulling out everything is kind of irresistible. My extra tip: Throw in a few clear Zip-loc baggies for wet swimsuits, snacks and your tech toys. H & M Turquoise and clear plastic tote ($29.95, hm.com)

A Long, Super-Light Summer Scarf Don't say no till you try one. Long, drape-y, tissue-weight scarves in prints and solids are huge now for women of any age. We love the way they hide crepiness at the neck and throat and camouflage sun damage on the upper chest. Who needs a statement necklace when these do more? Gap Kaleidoscope Print Scarf ($29.95, gap.com)

Glam Black Flip-Flops Some things, like rubber pedi-thongs, need a seasonal upgrade. Try a wedge glammed up with beads or glitter. Black goes with all your basics, but check out the gold and silver too. Old Navy Embellished Wedge flip-flops in black glitter or black beads ($14.94, oldnavy.com)

A Statement Cuff Bracelet A wide wrist-wrapping band of color - or two stacked -updates all your 3/4 and elbow-length sleeve tops and dresses. I'd combine orange and pink for spring for the black and tan if you're into neutrals. Cooler than layers of necklaces when the heat hits the fan. Tory Burch Logo Double Snap Cuff Style #556451 ($95, nordstrom.com)

A White Bag Swap your wintry black and brown leather work bags for a big slouchy white leather hobo. It instantly summer-izes your entire wardrobe, especially your cross-seasonal neutrals, and makes bright colors pop. Be sure to switch up your shoes at the same time! Jennifer Lopez for Kohl's Caroline zipper hobo ($62.55 on sale, kohls.com)

Soft Coral Nail Polish Nail polish in a soft velvety coral is the new goes-with-everything shade that makes wearing open shoes worth it. Treat your tootsies to this shade as I did recently. It de-ages your feet like a healthy dose of peachy-pink blush. Deborah Lippmann Nail Color in Girls Just Want To Have Fun ($16, beauty.com)

New And Improved Nude Fishnet Tights Fishnets in this shade are still the best solution for women with light to medium complexions and pasty legs splattered with brown spots, veins and broken capillaries. Pricey yes, but one pair will have you hooked. No need to deal with leg makeup or self-tanner- just hand wash with care and they'll last till fall. Only one brand has come up with a wide non-pinching waistband and the right micro size cross-hatch weave. Commando Fabulous Fishnet Tights style # COMMA30010 ($30, shopbop.com)

About The Author

Lois Joy Johnson is a makeup and fashion blogger and the co-author of "The Makeup Wakeup," available on amazon.com.