Diving into the ocean: The hot seashell trend of summer

From high fashion runways, fast fashion outlets, to TikTok DIY options – the recurring motif of seashells, the sea, and the ocean is emerging as one of the hottest trends of Summer 2024.

 Smiling young woman using seashells as earrings (photo credit: INGIMAGE)
Smiling young woman using seashells as earrings
(photo credit: INGIMAGE)

With all the affection for autumn issues and such, summer accessory trends have a winning power and the ability to transform any outfit into something extraordinarily fun. One standout trend is seashell jewelry – treasures of the ocean and their companions – which has become universal. You can find it on Instagram feeds, Pinterest boards, and in virtually every fashion store that respects itself and the coming summer wonders. It's a mix of elegance and playful flair, and honestly, no one here invented the wheel.

Seashell jewelry began its journey in the 90s and is now enjoying a renewed role as statement pieces, whether as thick silver cuffs, structural earrings, or oversized items inspired by shells and starfish. The whole family is making a comeback – not in the kitschy, maximalist way you might imagine.

The sculptural designs mostly draw from architectural monuments, featuring unique silhouettes that feel timeless to wear. These pieces transport you directly to a tropical getaway, pairing perfectly with swimwear or a white linen dress. Conversely, they can also be a bold choice for office attire, far from the obvious beach or vacation settings.

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Many brands have already embraced the marine genre. Both fast fashion and high-end fashion are on board, having been prominently featured on runways over the past year. Focusing on local creations in our country, designer Shani Shemer has consistently incorporated seashells and conches into her latest collections, creating mesmerizing gold jewelry with an Italian town charm, as well as integrating them into her popular resort designs. We mustn't forget the unique creations of the renowned designer Keren Wolf, and in the more mainstream realms, brands like Pandora, Parfois, Zara’s accessories line, H&M, and even Terminal X’s in-house brand, which has already launched its own affordable line.

Thinking about the recurring motif, it's easy to imagine the trend on someone with flowing hair, sun-kissed shoulders, and a bohemian crocheted bag with remnants of sand. But no, that's not the intended vision. This trend can easily blend into any style category and has long left the boardwalks of Eilat (admit it, who hasn't succumbed to a seashell ankle bracelet at some point?).


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The population of ocean-inspired piece enthusiasts has expanded beyond expectations. Aside from fashion weeks and numerous workshops creating new phenomena, this specific trend has also not bypassed the realms of TikTok. It's a world of its own where everything is accepted and valid, especially when it comes to DIY videos. Fashion and beauty creators on the app have already begun showing the masses how to make and assemble shell necklaces using simple basic materials available at any stock store, gift shop, or alternatively for free – at the sea.

@angelsign_ If you ever wondered what to do with your vocation shells, this video is for you #shells #collectingshells #shellnecklace #shelljewelry #oceanlife #beachaesthetic #summervibes #fyp #diy ♬ kiss me - audios

Shell earrings in natural shades, shell pendants studded with gemstones, and bracelets with silver bead strands alongside massive mother-of-pearl pendants. Their videos garner millions of views, presenting the trend as accessible beyond a luxury fashion set that doesn’t necessarily require a lot of money to enjoy.

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