Resort Accessories 2026: The Pieces That Make Every Vacation Outfit Better
Here's a vacation styling secret that most packing guides miss entirely: the difference between "I packed five outfits and still have nothing to wear" and "I brought three things and looked incredible all week" almost always comes down to accessories.
Not more clothes. Not a bigger suitcase. Accessories.
Shop Resort Accessories and Vacation Jewelry NOW!
The right necklace turns a plain sundress into a dinner look. A great hat transforms a coverup into a poolside moment. Swap your daytime earrings for something with movement and shimmer, and suddenly the same dress you wore to lunch is ready for cocktails on the terrace. Accessories are the hardest-working items in your suitcase because they take up almost no space, weigh almost nothing, and completely change how an outfit reads.
This guide is specifically about the resort accessories that earn their place in your bag — the pieces that pull double and triple duty across every outfit you packed. No filler, no "nice to have" suggestions. Just the vacation accessories that actually make a difference.
Quick Picks: Best Resort Accessories at JuJu Loves
Best resort statement necklace: Coastal Charm Shell Necklace — $124 — genuine conch and cowrie shells, instant vacation energy
Best layering necklace: Ocean Charm Necklace — $124 — gold multi-pendant with ocean motifs, works solo or layered
Best vacation earrings: Gold Starfish Shell Earrings — $78 — pearl drop, beach-to-dinner versatility
Best statement evening earrings: Gold Pearl Coral Branch Earrings — $98 — sculptural coral design, your dinner reservation earring
Best resort cuff: Aqua Verde Crystal Cuff Bracelet — $148 — ocean blue-green crystals, the color of Caribbean water
Best daytime bag: Rattan Bucket Bag — $258 — woven rattan, vegan leather strap, goes everywhere
Best evening clutch: Embroidered Raffia Clutch — $128 — floral embroidery on raffia, dinner-ready
Best vacation sunglasses: Jackie O Sunglasses, Caramel — $78 — retro oversized, UV protection, also in tortoise and black
Why Accessories Are the Smartest Thing You Can Pack
Think about the math for a second. A dress takes up half your suitcase and gives you one look. A necklace takes up a corner of your jewelry pouch and gives you three. A pair of statement earrings weighs nothing and transforms a basic tee and shorts into something you'd actually post on Instagram. Accessories have the highest outfit-per-ounce ratio of anything in your luggage.
There's also the practical angle: resort destinations are warm, which means your clothing is simple by default. Sundresses, linen pants, swimsuits and coverups — the silhouettes are straightforward. That simplicity is actually a gift because it means your accessories become the entire story. A shell necklace over a white dress. A rattan bag with a flowy skirt. Oversized sunglasses that turn "walking to the lobby" into a whole aesthetic moment.
The pieces in this guide were chosen specifically for resort versatility — meaning each one works across multiple occasions (pool, beach, lunch, shopping, dinner, sunset drinks) without looking out of place at any of them.
Resort Jewelry: Coastal Pieces That Set the Mood
Vacation jewelry should feel different from your everyday pieces. It should carry the energy of wherever you're going — warm, relaxed, a little bit adventurous. The coastal jewelry trend has made that easy in 2026, with shell, coral, and ocean-inspired pieces that look intentional rather than touristy. The key is quality construction and thoughtful design — these are real jewelry pieces with resort personality, not souvenir-shop shells on a string.
The Necklace That Says "I'm on Vacation"
SHOP Coastal Charm Shell Necklace — $124
The Coastal Charm Shell Necklace ($124) is the single accessory that does the most work on any warm-weather trip. Genuine conch and cowrie shells on a gold chain — it reads as collected and intentional, like something you'd find at a boutique in Positano rather than a gift shop. Wear it over a swimsuit coverup during the day, then throw it on with a linen dress for dinner. It works with plunging necklines because the shells create a natural focal point, and it works with higher necklines because the length sits perfectly without getting lost.
What makes genuine shell jewelry so right for resort wear is the texture. Shells catch and reflect light differently than metal or crystals — there's an organic warmth to them that photographs beautifully in natural sunlight. Your vacation photos will thank you.
The Layering Piece for Days You Want More
SHOP Ocean Charm Necklace — $124
The Ocean Charm Necklace ($124) gives you options. Wear it alone for a more understated coastal look, or layer it with the shell necklace for that collected, "I've been traveling all month" aesthetic that always looks so effortless on other people. The gold ocean-themed pendants add enough visual interest to anchor a simple outfit without overpowering it, and the gold finish means it catches the warm golden light of sunset hour like it was designed for exactly that moment.
Earrings That Go From Beach to Restaurant Without Changing
SHOP Gold Starfish Shell Earrings — $78
The Gold Starfish Shell Earrings ($78) are your daytime-into-evening pair — the ones you put on in the morning and forget about until someone compliments them at dinner. The starfish and shell motif feels playful and resort-appropriate without tipping into costume territory, and the pearl drop adds just enough refinement that they work with dressier looks too. At $78, they're the most accessible entry point to resort jewelry and earn their suitcase space ten times over.
SHOP Gold Pearl Coral Branch Earrings — $98
For your reservation-only evenings, the Gold Pearl Coral Branch Earrings ($98) bring the drama. The sculptural coral branch design is a genuine conversation starter — the kind of earring that makes the waiter ask where you got them. These are the pair you save for the one special dinner, the sunset cruise, the anniversary evening. Pair them with a simple dress and let them do all the talking. If you love coastal earring options, our seashell and coastal jewelry guide has even more options for building a vacation-ready collection.
The Wrist Piece That Looks Like the Ocean
SHOP Aqua Verde Crystal Cuff Bracelet — $148
The Aqua Verde Crystal Cuff Bracelet ($148) is the piece in this guide that gets the most visceral reaction. That blue-green crystal color is pure Caribbean water — iridescent, shifting, alive. It's a slide-on cuff, which means no tiny clasps to fumble with (especially appreciated after a cocktail or two), and the antique gold setting keeps it feeling organic and resort-appropriate rather than overly sparkly.
Stack it with the Gold Pearl Bangle Bracelet ($78) for a warm gold-and-ocean arm stack, or wear it solo and let that color do the work. Either way, this is the bracelet you'll see in every single vacation photo and be glad you packed. For more cuff styling ideas, check out our statement bracelet guide.
The Cocktail Ring for Sunset Hour
SHOP Baroque Pearl Gold Cocktail Ring — $78
The Baroque Pearl Gold Cocktail Ring ($78) is one of those pieces that looks like it has a story — like you found it at an estate sale in the south of France. The irregular baroque pearl sits in a gold setting that feels collected and organic, not mass-produced. Slip it on before dinner and suddenly you're someone who "always looks put together, even on vacation." For more ways to style cocktail rings, our cocktail rings under $100 guide covers every occasion.
The Two-Bag Strategy: Day Bag + Evening Clutch
Overpacking bags is one of the most common vacation mistakes. You don't need five purses for a week away. You need exactly two: one daytime bag that handles everything from the pool to the market to sightseeing, and one evening clutch for dinners and nights out. That's it. Two bags, every occasion covered.
Your Daytime Everything Bag
The Rattan Bucket Bag ($258) is the investment piece in this guide, and it earns every dollar. The woven rattan texture reads as vacation from twenty feet away, but the structured shape and brown vegan leather strap keep it polished enough for a nice lunch or shopping excursion. It holds everything you need for a day out — sunscreen, phone, wallet, sunglasses case, a water bottle if you're smart — without looking like you're hauling a beach tote through a restaurant.
The neutral rattan works with literally every color and print in your vacation wardrobe, which is why this is a one-bag-does-everything situation. Floral dress? Perfect. White linen? Beautiful. Colorful resort prints? The bag grounds the whole look. For more rattan bag styling ideas, we have a full guide on taking them from beach days to date nights.
Your Dinner Clutch
SHOP Embroidered Raffia Clutch — $128
The Embroidered Raffia Clutch ($128) is your after-dark bag. The raffia keeps it resort-appropriate (not overly formal), while the embroidered floral details add the kind of personality that makes even a simple dress feel finished. It fits the essentials — phone, card, lip gloss, room key — and the textured surface photographs beautifully in that golden-hour restaurant lighting. For more clutch styling ideas, check out our complete clutch guide.
Sun Protection That Looks Like a Style Choice
Nothing ruins a vacation faster than a sunburn, and nothing makes a vacation outfit better than a great hat and sunglasses. These aren't afterthoughts — they're the pieces that make you look like you vacation professionally.
The Sunglasses You'll Wear Every Single Day
SHOP Jackie O Sunglasses, Caramel — $78
The Jackie O Sunglasses in Caramel ($78) are the pair you reach for every morning without thinking. The warm caramel translucent frames have more personality than basic black or brown, and the oversized round shape flatters virtually every face shape while providing real UV protection. They give you that effortless "I'm on vacation and look incredible without trying" energy that no amount of mascara can replicate.
Available in three colors — the caramel shown here, a classic tortoise shell, and black for when you want that anonymous movie-star-at-the-airport moment. At $78, you can genuinely afford to bring two colors and change your entire vibe day to day. The retro oversized silhouette pairs perfectly with wide-brim sun hats without looking overcrowded — which brings us to our next essential.
The Hat That Makes Every Photo Better
A wide-brim sun hat is the single most photogenic accessory you can pack. It transforms every photo from "tourist standing in front of thing" to "editorial travel moment." The Fuchsia Sun Hat ($138) is your bold color statement — bright, confident, and gorgeous against blue skies and white sand. The Blue Bow Sun Hat ($138) is the softer, more romantic option, with a bow detail that feels polished for resort lunches and garden strolls. This beautiful hat is also available in Black $138.
Both provide genuine sun protection for your face and shoulders, which is the practical justification your brain needs for what is honestly an aesthetic decision. Pack the color that makes you happiest — you'll reach for it constantly. For the full styling breakdown, see our wide-brim sun hats guide.
The Details That Complete the Look
A Belt That Does More Than Hold Up Your Pants
SHOP Rattan Stretch Belt — $58
The Rattan Stretch Belt ($58) is one of those accessories that solves a specific vacation problem: how to give shape to flowy resort clothing without looking like you're trying too hard. That oversized rattan buckle ties into the natural texture story running through your whole resort look (rattan bag, raffia clutch, shell jewelry), and the stretch elastic means it actually stays comfortable in the heat rather than digging in when you've had one too many tacos at lunch.
Cinch it over a coverup, belt a maxi dress, or add waist definition to an oversized linen shirt. At $58, it's the most affordable piece in this guide and arguably one of the most versatile. The rattan buckle also photographs beautifully in flat-lay outfit shots if you're the type to plan your vacation content. For more on styling vacation dresses, our guide covers how belts and accessories transform simple dresses from beach to dinner.
The Headband for When Your Hair Has Other Plans
SHOP Watercolor Knotted Headband — $78
Vacation hair is unpredictable. Humidity, saltwater, chlorine, wind — your hair is going to do whatever it wants. The Watercolor Knotted Headband ($78) turns that reality into a style moment. The blue and pink watercolor print is resort-perfect, and the knotted design adds enough visual interest that "I gave up on my hair" suddenly reads as "I styled my hair like this on purpose."
This is the accessory that takes you from pool to lunch without a mirror, from beach walk to dinner with just a quick change of earrings. It's vacation hair insurance at $78, and it takes up zero suitcase space. For more headband styling, check out how to wear headbands and our headband hairstyles guide.
The 3-Outfit, 14-Accessory Vacation Formula
Here's where this guide gets practical. Say you packed three simple outfits for a warm-weather trip: a white sundress, a linen pants-and-top set, and a coverup-to-dinner dress. With the accessories in this guide, here's how many looks you actually have:
White Sundress
Morning market: Sundress + rattan bucket bag + Jackie O sunglasses + starfish shell earrings = effortless explorer
Beach lunch: Same dress + shell necklace + sun hat + rattan belt cinching the waist = resort chic
Evening dinner: Same dress + coral branch earrings + aqua verde cuff + raffia clutch = actually glamorous
Linen Pants + Top
Sightseeing: Linen set + rattan bag + sunglasses + pearl bangle = polished tourist
Rooftop drinks: Same set + ocean charm necklace + baroque pearl ring + headband = sunset ready
Shopping district: Same set + rattan belt + shell necklace + sun hat = vacation style icon
Coverup-to-Dinner Dress
Pool morning: Dress as coverup + sunglasses + starfish earrings + rattan bag = poolside chic
Late lunch: Same dress + rattan belt + sun hat + ocean necklace = found-a-cute-spot energy
Dinner: Same dress + coral branch earrings + aqua verde cuff + raffia clutch + baroque pearl ring = reservation worthy
That's nine distinct looks from three outfits. The accessories did all the work.
What Makes Resort Jewelry Different From Everyday Jewelry
Not every piece in your jewelry box belongs on vacation. Resort jewelry has specific qualities that make it vacation-ready:
Durability matters more than delicacy. Gold-plated stainless steel (like the pieces in this guide) handles humidity, sunscreen, and saltwater air far better than plated brass or costume metals. You want pieces you can wear to the beach without anxiety. For a deeper dive into vacation-safe metals, our guide on how to care for gold jewelry covers what to watch for.
The aesthetic should match the setting. Your structured office necklace will feel stiff against a swimsuit coverup. Coastal pieces — shells, pearls, coral motifs, ocean colors — blend naturally with warm-weather environments because they were literally inspired by them.
Versatility beats everything. Every piece you pack should work across at least three different outfit-and-occasion combinations. If it only works for one dinner, it didn't earn its suitcase space.
See Resort Accessories In Person
Planning a trip and want to see these resort pieces before you go? JuJu Loves vacation accessories are available at Maris DeHart, a curated boutique in Charleston, SC located at 32 Vendue Range. Try on the shell necklaces, feel the weight of the rattan bucket bag, and see how those aqua verde crystals catch the light in person. Charleston in spring is the perfect warm-weather preview — grab your resort accessories before you head to the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions About Resort Accessories
What accessories should I pack for a resort vacation?
Focus on high-versatility pieces: one statement necklace, two pairs of earrings (daytime and evening), one cuff bracelet, one daytime bag, one evening clutch, oversized sunglasses, and a wide-brim sun hat. This combination covers every vacation occasion from pool to dinner without overpacking.
Can I wear gold jewelry to the beach or pool?
Gold-plated stainless steel jewelry (like 18K gold plated pieces) handles beach and pool environments well. Avoid exposing jewelry to direct sunscreen application — put jewelry on after sunscreen has absorbed. Rinse pieces with fresh water after saltwater or chlorine exposure.
What's the best bag for a resort vacation?
A woven rattan or straw bag is the most versatile daytime option — it works with everything and reads as vacation-ready. The Rattan Bucket Bag ($258) is structured enough for restaurants and shopping but textured enough for the beach. Add a small clutch like the Embroidered Raffia Clutch ($128) for evenings.
How do I pack jewelry without it tangling?
Thread necklaces through straws to prevent tangles. Store earrings in a pill organizer or small pouch. Wrap bracelets and cuffs in a soft cloth. Place your jewelry pouch inside a shoe for padding and space efficiency.
What jewelry goes with a swimsuit coverup?
Shell and coastal-inspired pieces are the most natural complement to coverups. A shell necklace over a white or neutral coverup is the classic resort look. Add a cuff bracelet and oversized sunglasses and you have a complete poolside outfit.
Are rattan and raffia bags appropriate for dinner?
Rattan and raffia are completely appropriate for resort dining — the setting is inherently relaxed. A structured rattan bag works for casual restaurants. For fine dining, switch to a raffia clutch with embroidery or embellishment for a polished but still vacation-appropriate look.
How many pairs of sunglasses should I pack for vacation?
Two is ideal. One everyday pair and one statement or different-color pair for variety. At $78 each, the Jackie O Sunglasses make it easy to bring both the caramel and tortoise shell without guilt.
What accessories make a simple dress look vacation-ready?
A shell or ocean-inspired necklace, statement earrings, an oversized sun hat, and a rattan bag instantly transform any simple dress into a resort look. These accessories signal "vacation mode" in a way that clothing alone can't. See our vacation dresses guide for specific outfit formulas.
Can I wear the same jewelry at the pool and at dinner?
Your starfish earrings and pearl bangle can absolutely cross over from pool to dinner. For elevated evening looks, swap to your coral branch earrings and add the aqua verde crystal cuff — the same base outfit reads completely differently with more dramatic accessories.
What's the best budget-friendly way to start building resort accessories?
Start with the Gold Starfish Shell Earrings ($78) and the Jackie O Sunglasses ($78). Together they cost $156, take up almost no suitcase space, and dramatically upgrade every vacation outfit. Add a sun hat or shell necklace next.
SHOP All Jewelry | SHOP Bags and Clutches | SHOP Headbands and Hats | SHOP Sunglasses and Belts
More Style Inspiration
Vacation Dresses That Go From Beach to Dinner
Beach Vacation Packing List 2026: The Accessories You'll Actually Wear
Best Coverups for the Pool and Beach
Seashell and Coastal Jewelry 2026: The Beach-Inspired Trend
Best Wide Brim Sun Hats for Women
How to Look Chic at the Pool
Rattan Bags for Every Occasion
How to Layer Necklaces Like a Pro
Accessories That Make Any Outfit Look Expensive
Mixing Metals Jewelry: The 2026 Guide