Top 11 'Seaglass-and-Sunbleached' Textural Accessories to buy for a Salt-Air-Inspired Wardrobe this Summer
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine it. The gentle hiss of waves pulling back over wet sand, the warmth of the late afternoon sun on your skin, and the faint, briny scent of salt in the air. This is the very essence of summer—a feeling of effortless, sun-drenched ease that we all crave. It’s a feeling that can be woven directly into your wardrobe, not just through breezy fabrics and light colours, but through the often-overlooked power of texture.
This season, we're moving beyond fleeting trends to embrace a more timeless, sensory aesthetic: the 'Seaglass-and-Sunbleached' look. It's a style defined by the textures and tones you’d find washed up on a quiet shore. Think of the smooth, frosted patina of sea glass, the soft, faded feel of sun-bleached driftwood, the rustic weave of a fisherman's net, and the delicate strength of a seashell. It’s about accessories that feel as good as they look, telling a story of long days spent by the coast.
Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe that true style is captured in the details. It's about how a piece of jewelry catches the light or how a bag feels in your hand. This guide is your curated collection of the top 11 textural accessories that will infuse your wardrobe with that coveted salt-air-inspired spirit. Get ready to build a summer look that’s not just seen, but felt.
1. The Woven Raffia or Straw Tote
The undisputed queen of coastal accessories, the woven tote is an absolute non-negotiable. But we're not just talking about any beach bag. Look for pieces with a distinct, tactile quality—a slightly chunky weave of natural raffia, a tightly coiled seagrass construction, or even a classic straw design with a hint of intentional fraying. The magic is in its imperfect, handcrafted feel.
This bag is the ultimate style workhorse. It’s structured enough to carry your essentials for a day in the city, yet relaxed enough to toss in a towel, a good book, and a bottle of water for an impromptu trip to the shore. The natural, sandy hue of the straw acts as a perfect neutral, grounding brighter summer outfits and complementing an earthy palette of whites, creams, and blues.
- Styling Tip: Don't reserve it just for the beach. Pair a medium-sized circular raffia tote with a floral midi dress and sandals for a perfect brunch look. For a touch of personality, tie a vintage silk or frayed linen scarf around one of the handles.
2. Genuine Seaglass Jewelry
This is the heart of the aesthetic. True seaglass, tumbled and frosted by the ocean for decades, has a soft, matte lustre that is impossible to replicate. Its beauty lies in its history and its subtle, milky colours—seafoam green, pale aqua, cornflower blue, and cloudy white. These are not loud, flashy gems; they are quiet, contemplative treasures.
Look for simple settings that let the glass be the star. A single, smooth piece on a delicate silver or gold chain, a pair of teardrop-shaped earrings, or a collection of small pieces on a simple corded bracelet all capture the spirit perfectly. When the sun hits it, seaglass doesn't sparkle—it glows from within, holding the memory of the sea.
- How to Choose: When shopping, look for pieces labelled "genuine sea glass" or "beach-found glass." Authentic pieces will have small C-shaped marks and a slightly pitted, frosted texture from their time in the surf. This unique patina is what makes each piece so special.
3. Sun-Faded Canvas Espadrilles
Nothing says Mediterranean summer quite like the espadrille. The key to the 'Seaglass-and-Sunbleached' look is finding a pair in a soft, washed-out canvas. Think of the colour of a beach towel left in the sun too long—a muted navy, a dusty rose, a soft khaki, or a classic off-white. The texture of the canvas should be soft and yielding, not stiff and new.
The soul of the espadrille is its sole, traditionally made from braided jute rope. This natural, fibrous texture provides a beautiful contrast to the soft canvas upper. It’s a shoe that is inherently relaxed, comfortable, and versatile. They are the perfect companions for linen trousers, denim shorts, and floaty sundresses.
- Styling Tip: Opt for a classic flat or a low-wedge style for maximum comfort and versatility. The beauty of these shoes is their ability to be dressed up or down effortlessly, taking you from a seaside market in the morning to dinner on a terrace in the evening.
4. A Frayed-Edge Linen Scarf
Linen is the unofficial fabric of summer, and a lightweight linen scarf is an incredibly versatile accessory. For this aesthetic, seek out one with a raw, frayed, or hand-finished edge. This small detail prevents the scarf from looking too pristine and adds a crucial layer of textural interest.
Choose colours inspired by a coastal palette: the pale grey of a cloudy sky, the sandy beige of the dunes, or the soft blue of a shallow lagoon. The natural slub and crinkle of the linen fabric mean it’s meant to look a little lived-in, so you never have to worry about it being perfectly pressed. It’s the epitome of effortless chic.
- Ways to Wear: On a breezy evening, drape it loosely around your shoulders over a simple camisole. During the day, use it as a headscarf to protect your hair from the sun, or tie it to the handle of your woven tote for a pop of soft colour and texture.
5. Beaded & Shell Anklets
Anklets are back in a big way, but we’re leaning into the more organic, beach-found versions. This is a subtle nod to the salt-air lifestyle, a playful detail that draws the eye to sun-kissed ankles. Forget flashy metal chains and think more about natural, textural materials.
Create a layered look with a mix of different styles. A string of tiny puka shells, a simple strand of muted glass seed beads, or a cord adorned with a single freshwater pearl or cowrie shell all work beautifully. The goal is to create a delicate jingle and a flash of texture that feels like a personal memento from a seaside holiday.
- Pro Tip: This is a great place for a DIY project! Visit a local craft store for some durable cord and a selection of wooden, glass, or shell beads to create a unique piece that is entirely your own.
6. The Bleached-Wood Bangle
Step away from shiny metals and embrace the warmth and organic beauty of wood. A bleached or light-toned wood bangle adds a sculptural, earthy element to any summer outfit. The smooth, worn-in feel and visible grain of the wood provide a tactile experience that is both grounding and stylish.
Unlike cold metal, a wooden bangle feels warm against the skin. It’s a statement piece that doesn't shout. Look for simple, rounded shapes or slightly more abstract, uneven forms that look like they could have been carved from a piece of driftwood.
- How to Style: Wear a single, chunky wooden bangle as a standalone statement piece with a simple slip dress. Alternatively, stack a few thinner wooden bracelets with your beaded anklet-style bracelets for a richer, more layered textural look.
7. A Macramé or Net Bag
A beautiful, artisanal alternative to the classic straw tote, the macramé or net bag speaks to a bohemian, handcrafted spirit. Made from knotted cotton or jute rope, these bags are all about showcasing their intricate construction. The open weave is light and airy, perfect for the hottest summer days.
The beauty of a net bag is its transparency. It invites you to be mindful of what you carry, turning your essentials—a brightly coloured water bottle, a book with a beautiful cover, a small floral pouch for your keys and phone—into part of the accessory itself. It’s functional art that feels both vintage and completely modern.
- Styling Tip: To keep smaller items from falling through, place them inside a simple canvas or linen pouch. The contrast between the solid inner pouch and the open-weave net creates a lovely visual and textural interplay.
8. Worn-In Leather Slides
Every summer wardrobe needs a perfect pair of "throw-on-and-go" shoes, and worn-in leather slides are the elevated choice. Look for styles made from vegetable-tanned leather in shades of tan, cognac, or sand. This type of leather is designed to develop a beautiful patina over time, meaning it only gets better with sun, salt, and wear.
The "sunbleached" aspect comes from this aging process. The leather will soften, mould to your foot, and develop a unique, lived-in character that is yours alone. Prioritize simple designs—a single wide strap or two thinner criss-cross straps—with a comfortable, moulded footbed.
- Pro Tip: To speed up the softening process and protect the leather, treat your new slides with a quality leather conditioner before their first wear. This will help them achieve that perfectly worn-in feel much faster.
9. A Gauzy Cotton Sarong
Perhaps the most versatile piece of fabric you can own for summer, a sarong (or pareo) is the ultimate textural accessory. The key is to choose one made from a very fine, gauzy, or semi-sheer cotton. It should feel almost weightless, allowing the breeze to pass right through it.
While a bold print can be fun, for the 'Seaglass-and-Sunbleached' aesthetic, opt for muted tones or subtle, sun-faded patterns. A solid colour in a creamy white, a soft sky blue, or a dusty terracotta is incredibly chic. The slight sheerness of the fabric adds a layer of breezy sophistication.
- Endless Versatility: A sarong is a master of transformation. Tie it around your waist as a skirt over swimwear, knot it at the neck for an instant halter dress, or simply use it as a lightweight beach blanket or a shawl to protect your shoulders from the sun.
10. Matte Finish Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a summer essential, but the finish matters. To align with our textural theme, skip the high-gloss, reflective styles and look for frames with a matte finish. This non-reflective surface has a soft, almost rubberized feel that absorbs light rather than bouncing it, creating a modern and understated look.
Choose frames in colours that complement the coastal palette. Think of shades like sand, olive green, slate blue, or a translucent "frosted" acetate that mimics the look of sea glass. A matte finish lends an instant touch of effortless cool to any frame shape, from classic wayfarers to modern cat-eyes.
- Insider Detail: The tactile sensation of putting on a pair of matte-finish sunglasses is a small luxury. It feels more organic and less harsh than slick plastic, perfectly embodying the relaxed vibe we're aiming for.
11. A Weathered Rope or Canvas Belt
The final touch for cinching a breezy dress or pairing with loose linen trousers is a belt that prioritizes texture. A woven rope belt with slightly frayed ends and a simple knot closure is a perfect nautical-inspired choice. It adds an authentic, maritime feel without being overly thematic.
Another fantastic option is a simple canvas belt in a faded, sun-bleached colour. Look for one with a simple, slightly tarnished brass or pewter buckle—nothing too shiny or new-looking. The goal is a belt that looks like a well-loved favourite, capable of pulling an entire outfit together with quiet confidence. As Goh Ling Yong often advises, sometimes the most impactful pieces are the most unassuming ones.
- Styling Tip: Use a rope belt to cinch the waist of an oversized white shirt-dress. This breaks up the volume and adds a defined waistline while enhancing the overall coastal, textural feel.
Embrace Your Inner Beachcomber
The 'Seaglass-and-Sunbleached' aesthetic is more than just a look; it's a feeling. It’s about choosing pieces that tell a story, that feel good in your hands and against your skin, and that evoke the simple, profound beauty of the coast. By focusing on these 11 textural accessories, you can easily infuse your existing summer wardrobe with the calming, effortless spirit of a long day by the sea.
Don't be afraid to mix and match these textures—pair the worn leather with the woven straw, the frosted glass with the frayed linen. The beauty of this style is in its imperfection and its personal, collected nature.
Now, we want to hear from you! What's your go-to textural accessory for summer? Do you have a piece of sea glass jewelry with a special story? Share your favourites in the comments below! We love getting inspired by our community.
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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