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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Sabrina Carder

This summer’s hottest fashion trend? Seashells on everything

Last summer, it was all about shell jewellery. From 90s puka shell chokers to modern gold plated conch earrings, our jewellery boxes, and Instagram feeds, were filled with beach-ready gems.

For summer 2019 crustaceans are confined to jewellery no more. A quick look at the 'new in' sections of high street shops, including Mango and Zara, show seashells have spread to cover all aspects of our summer wardrobe, embellishing everything from sandals and bags to tees and dresses.

Here are the three new ways to get your shell on this summer:

Seashell sandals

Heeled seashell sandals £49.99 by Mango | Heeled seashell mules £69.99 by Zara | Seashell leather sandals £39.99 by Mango

Zara has transformed the classic summer mule into pretty slip-ons decorated in seashells and braided thread, while Mango has added embellishment to two of 2019's hottest summer sandal silhouettes: toe-loop sandals and nineties heeled strappy sandals.

Slingback espadrilles with shell details, £39.99 by Stradivarius (Stradivarius)

Stradivarius has even given the humble espadrille a chic conch makeover.

Our Top Pick: Natural Heeled Mules With Seashells, £69.99 by Zara | Shop them here

Conch crossbodies

Drawstring shell pouch £235 by Russell & Bromley | Seashell mini handbag £39.99 by Zara | Shell Crossbody bag £49.99 by Zara

The beaded bag of 2018 has a contender this year in the form of arm candy covered in sprinklings of seashells.

Zara has merged the two trends by creating a mini bag made entirely up of seashells, embellished with contrasting mint coloured beads and rhinestones. It's bound to be a hit on the 'gram.

Crossbody Bag With Seashells, £49.99 by Zara (Zara)

Other styles up for grabs include net bags, drawstring pouches and straw styles. Taking inspiration from the jewellery trend, handbags fashioned into shell shapes have also been given a golden metallic exterior for a more modern feel.

Get ready to see these bags everywhere.

Our Top Pick: Drawstring Shell Pouch, £235 by Russell & Bromley | Shop it here

Shell-trimmed clothes

Linen dress with seashell trim £79.99 by Zara | Seashell t-shirt £15.99 by Zara | Seashell print dress £69.99 by Zara

Zara has created several linen dresses with seashell appliqués along the neckline, sides and sleeves. The perfect beach cover up.

The Spanish retailer has also elevated the humble white tee by giving the neckline a rope and shell lining. For just £15.99 you don't have to shell out (sorry!) to get onboard with the trend.

Linen Dress With Seashell Trim, £79.99 by Zara (Zara)

Seas the shells, people!

Get The Look: Linen Dress With Seashell Trim, £79.99 | Shop it here

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