Editor’s Note
**Editor’s Note:** Dive into summer 2026 with shell-maxxing, the season’s must-have accessory trend. From jewelry to clutches, these oceanic pieces are making waves.
Calling all mermaids! From jewelry to clutches, shell-maxxing is taking over accessory trends for summer 2026 — shop the precious pieces leading the charge.
By Savannah Sitton
May 17, 2026 5:34 PM | Updated 2 hours ago
Summer style should feel light and whimsical, and this season’s breakout trend is exactly that. Shell-maxxing has emerged as summer 2026’s leading jewelry and accessory trend, translating to shell shapes covering everything from handbags to earlobes.
The mermaid-core trend is giving Eurosummer vibes and highlights natural materials – seashells, pearls, abalone – making playful shell shapes the must-try trend for glamorous sirens this season. From designer runways to your favorite brands, shell-embellished accessories are trending upwards, touching everything from jewelry, to handbags, to footwear — and shoppers are leaning all the way in.
Part of shell-maxxing’s appeal may be how grounded the trend feels: natural materials like shells and mother-of-pearl are taking centerstage this season, giving even the most maximalist looks an organic, earthy quality.
The good news is you didn’t need to raid the beach to channel your inner siren. If the playful trend feels intimidating, try it with subtle options like a sleek strand of shells beaded as a bracelet, necklace, or anklet. Or, if you’re fully ready to cosplay as Ariel, a clawclip, straw hat or shell clutch adorned with seashells — real or faux — are unique options to tie the beachy trend into your summer wardrobe cohesively.
**Amazon Crochet Seashell Bag**
This under-$30 handbag has been spotted everywhere ever since TikTok discovered it. Polished details like the woven leather handle and pearl-beaded strap feel deceivingly high-end. Reviewers enjoy the spaciousness of the interior, saying it’s ideal for every summer activity, and that’s priceless.
$27.98 at Amazon
**Kate Spade Lotus Fan Clutch Bag**
Go full mermaid-core with this fan-shaped clutch from Kate Spade. Fittingly described as a “showstopper” in its reviews, this off-white Meringue hue features gold hardware and a tasseled zipper. Three interior card slots keep it functional enough for date night or a wedding guest clutch, currently 68% off.
$129 (was $399) at Kate Spade Outlet
**JW Pei Shell Clutch**
This brand is a go-to for its looks-for-less bags and this shimmering acrylic clutch is a perfect example of looking expensive on a budget. A bag that’s fit for vacation or a beach wedding just as well, under $150? That’s nearly as good as buried treasure.
$129 at Revolve
**Michael Kors Shelly Rattan Clutch**
Be it for vacation, attending a wedding, or candle-lit dinner by the water, Michael Kors’ rattan-woven clam clutch will be a compliment magnet.
$199.50 at Michael Kors
**Kendra Scott Lucia Shell Gold Short Pendant Necklace**
Kendra Scott reimagines its signature pendant for the shell-maxxing trend: This two-in-one charm displays a shimmering shell made of Iridescent Abalone on one side, the other dipped in gold–so you never have to worry if your necklace is backwards.
$98 at Kendra Scott
**Pandora x Disney Princess Ariel Shell Treated Freshwater Cultured Pearl Ring**
Pandora’s official collabs with Disney often sell out, and this Ariel-inspired piece likely will too. Adorned with aquamarine stones and a delicate pearl, for glamorous mermaids only.
$98 at Pandora
**Jennifer Behr Derya Earrings**
Jennifer Behr’s jewels are more like pieces of wearable art and these drop earrings are no exception: Hand-made in New York, natural shells and fresh water pearls frame the beauty of natural elements all the while framing your face.
$425 at Jennifer Behr
**Kate Spade Beachside Statement Pendant Necklace**
Perhaps summer’s simplest trend, a corded necklace with a statement pendant such as this can compliment any ensemble.
$118 (was $148) at Kate Spade
**Solar Eclipse Hand-Painted Claw Clip**
Decorate beach-tousled waves with a nautical hairclip, and when you’re not using it, clip it to your beach bag as a bag charm.
$28 at Free People
**Marcus Adler Straw Shell Trim Sun Hat**
Shield from the sun with a beachy sun hat, adorned with trinkets found on the shore.
$44.99 (was $58) at DSW
**Maaji Shell Hair Scarf**
Silk square scarves have become a functional ‘It’ accessory in recent seasons; tie this one from Maavi around your waist, hair, or handbag.
$57.40 (was $82) at Anthropologie