As you and your air conditioning bill know all too well—it’s summer! A wonderful season that your average menswear enthusiast typically likes just a little less than everyone else, because it’s pretty hard to get a fit off when really, you just want to get your clothes off.
Thankfully, there’s an answer to this summer style malaise: Accessories. Not only are they light enough to keep you cool, they’re also the exact kinds of little updates—a fresh hat, a better pair of shades, a beach-ready bag—that suddenly make the season feel new again, even when you’ve already faced down multiple heatwaves.
The best part about shopping for accessories? You don’t need to spend like crazy to get some great stuff. (This is especially useful when your wallet’s feeling light after a few weeks of impromptu park hangs and evenings drinking outdoors.) Since what money you have remaining is better spent on ice cream, fireworks, and desk fans, we’ve rounded up a treasure trove of outfit-completing, summer-enhancing accessories—sunglasses, jewelry, footwear, and more—that all cost a Benjamin or less.
The Best Summer Accessories Under $100, According to GQ
The Beach-Ready Mesh Tote: Bather Island Tote
We love a heavy canvas tote, but sometimes you just don’t need all that. This mesh number from Bather has the look and feel of your favourite basketball shorts—lightweight, breathable, and easygoing. It’s roomy enough for a bottle of wine, a towel, a cap, and whatever else you’re hauling. (And bonus: the smart exterior mesh pocket is perfect for stashing wet trunks.)
The Neck Protect: Chaptain Capital
Capital
Printed Cotton-Voile Bandana
This summer, take a cue from our most stylish Italian friends and reach for a cotton bandana—it’ll shield your neck from the sun and spare your shirt from sweat. Tempted by silk? Don’t be. It just won’t do the job, and sweat stains are a nightmare. Just celebrate that a cotton option—from Kapital, no less—is somehow available for just $30.
The White Deck Shoes: Vans Authentic
Unboxing a new pair of white Vans at the start of summer, only to spend all summer beating and scuffing them up, is one of the great boy summer rituals. Mid-summer is a more than acceptable time to start.
The Status Beach Towel: Tekla Striped Towel
Tekla
Green Block Stripes Beach Towel
Tekla has been the Aesop hand soap of towels, sheets, and blankets for a while now—minimalist, luxurious, and an easy flex. Why not extend your proof of good taste to the beach, with the Danish brand’s organic cotton striped towel.
The Power Shades: Crap Eyewear No Wave Sunglasses
Crap Eyewear
The No Wave Acetate Sunglasses
Crap Eyewear makes well-priced shades that are anything but crap. Handcrafted from (plant-based, biodegradable) bioacetate, these thick black frames and red-tinted lenses feel straight out of 70’s power producer Robert Evans’ sartorial playbook. Add an unbuttoned linen shirt, talk fast, and boom—the kid stays in the picture.
The Actual No-Show No-Show Sock: Bombas Low Cut Socks
Bombs
Low-Cut No Show Sock, 4-Pack
We’ll leave the sock-vs-no sock debate for another time. For now, it’s fair to say that no-shows get a bad rap. My theory is that this stems from guys simply wearing the wrong kind of no-show socks—the too-high kind that peek out from the top of your loafers. These Bombas’ Low Cut Socks are a different story—extra points for the heel grips that ensure they stay in place.
The Airy Silk Tie: Buck Mason Italian Silk Knit Tie
Buck Mason
Midnight Navy Italian Silk Tie
The silk knit tie is a summer neckwear secret weapon. Lighter, airier, but still dressy. You’ll see them on Wimbledon attendees, Italian industrialists, and anyone who needs to look hot while keeping cool.
The Downtown Cool Cap: Emily Dawn Long Swan Hat
Emily Dawn Long
Swan Shadow Puppet Hat
New York designer Emily Dawn Long has been quietly building a following (Kendrick is a fan) from her downtown, appointment-only studio. But for those of us more than a subway ride away, she’s got easy pickups like this new swan shadow-puppet cap, complete with a pre-distressed brim. I’m especially into the very dialled “Paris, Texas” red.
The Oasis-Reunion-Ready Bucket Hat: Drake’s Bucket Hat
Drake’s
Off-White Heavy Cotton Bucket Hat
Some Might Say that a bucket hat is an ideal piece of summer headwear anytime, but it’s an especially relevant look during this Oasis Reunion Summer. This all-cotton ecru beauty from Drake’s will help you Roll With It whether you’re going to a show, or just queuing for a pint. It’s Definitely, Maybe the best way to top off your summer look. D’You Know What I Mean? (Sorry.)
The Retro Summer Socks: 3-Pack American Trench Stripe Socks, $28 from $42
American Trench
Stripe Crew Socks, 3-Pack
A striped cotton sock, when paired with a white deck shoe (or the Vans above) and some shorts channels serious ‘90s Ralph Lauren ad energy. This three-pack from American Trench is soft, comfy, and—crucially—made from American-grown cotton at the brand’s North Carolina factory. Summering in Maine not required.
The Pool-Safe Slides: Birkenstock Eva Arizona
The much-lauded Birkenstock Arizona has a more waterproof, cheaper cousin. Lightweight and comfortable, they work at the pool, the beach, and really anywhere around town. Style, value, and lightweight versatility: check, check, check.
The One-And-Done Flip Flops – Havaianas Sandals
Haven’t you heard? Flip flops are the story of the summer. They’ve been appearing in Spring 2026 collections, The Row have made headlines with their $750 take, and celebs have been wearing various kinds on red carpets. But who needs all that when you can pick up a pair of OG Havaianas? At $20, there’s room in the budget to get a pedicure to go with ‘em.
The Easy Touch of Shine: Mejuri Figaro Necklace
Mejuri
Figaro Chain Necklace
There’s something about a chain glinting in the summer sun that just hits right. Mejuri’s sterling silver chain necklace comes in under $100—a rare combo of shine and value, something the brand does very well. Wear it with a tank or a tee, out or tucked in.
The Chill Guy Bracelet: Eliou Amelia Bracelet
Miami-based éliou has a knack for turning coastal nostalgia into modern jewelry. This bracelet pairs freshwater pearls with bright blue floral glass beads and a sturdy piece of 14k gold-plated hardware. No wonder Harry Styles wears the brand so much.
The Long-Lasting Summer Scent: Malin + Goetz Dark Rum
Malin + Goetz
Dark Rum Perfume Oil
Your typical summer scent will be light and citrusy, but maybe not much else. This fragrance from Malin + Goetz is richer, deeper and a lot less expected. This scent blends the sweetness of Caribbean rum with base notes of ripe plum, amber, patchouli and a whiff of leather. Warm and seductive, but not too spicy. And because it’s oil-based, it lasts longer on skin—ideal for long, hot days and even longer nights.
The Sport-Mode Shades: Goodr Bolt G, $35
You’re playing tennis, you’re going for a run, you’re posted up near a body of water: you need shades that look good, stay put, and won’t have you fall into a depressive state if they go missing. Summer’s too short for that kind of drama. Goodr’s polarized sunglasses check every box—they cut glare, keep up with the action, and won’t break the bank.
The Rounds-Ready Wallet: Maximum Henry Snap Card Case
Maximum Henry
Snap Card Case
Maximum Henry has been crafting leather goods for over 10 years, most famously its excellent belts. But the rest of the lineup is just as strong—especially these snap wallets. Made from premium full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather in its eponymous founder’s Long Island City studio, each one is built to age beautifully, and wear in like your favourite pair of boots.
The Tropical Ivy Belt: Todd Snyder Guanabana Belt
Todd Snyder
Guanábana D-Ring Fabric Belt
A unique ribbon belt like you used to see on Ivy campuses of yore, but with a South American twist. Think Colombia meets Columbia.
The No-Fuss Beach Watch: Casio G-Shock
Casio
G-Shock Classic Digital Watch
Nice dress watch you’ve got there. Shame if it slept with the fishes. When the heat’s on and there’s water around, Casio’s famously durable G-Shock can handle it all. Water-resistant, shock-resistant, and trusted by everyone from surfers to military personnel—it’ll take a dippin’ and keep on tickin’.
The Charming Keychain: Frog General Store Anchor Charm Keyring
Front General Store
Anchor Charm Keyring
If you’re gassing up the whip for a summer road trip, make sure your keys are looking on point too. Front General Store stocks all kinds of tasteful gear, including Japanese-made keyrings. This charming anchor design catches the eye and keeps things secret, plus the solid brass construction means it’ll age beautifully—and last forever.
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