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These Pretty Shell Bags Will Have You Dreaming of Beach Getaways

Reminder: Book your summer vacation now.

By Madison Rexroat
cult gaia shell bag
Courtesy, Cult Gaia

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

With every day, and every extra minute of sunlight, we get closer and closer to a summer filled with fun, sunshine, beaches, sand(als) and shell bags. Whether your chosen warm-weather vibe is Mediterranean chic, boho beach babe, Hamptons riché, or mermaid-core all the way, let a shell bag be your statement accessory to tie it all together. They can be daytime or nighttime, sunrise or sunset, beach club, night club, poolside, lakeside, boatside, or even none of the above if you’re stuck in the city all season (but hey, manifesting escapes for all of us).

Consider me your guide for entering the summertime mood with the best shell bags you can buy. If you want a hardshell clutch, I’ve got you. Pearl handles? Covered. Oysters? Shucked and ready for you to throw in your lip gloss. The Birth of Venus has nothing on us, so grab your favorite swimsuits, throw on your coolest shades, slather on that SPF, and shop now!

Best Resort Bag

Cult Gaia Sirena Clutch

Sirena Clutch

No one does summer quite like Cult Gaia. Even if you’re not at a resort somewhere in the Mediterranean, get in on the summery fun with the brand’s shell clutch bag.

Dimensions: Width: 5.2 inches; height: 9.8 inches; depth: 7.7 inches

Materials: Unlined and marbled acrylic

Best Natural Shells

Staud Vacanza Shell Shoulder Bag

Vacanza Shell Shoulder Bag

Beach chic takes on a new definition with this netted number by Staud. Even better? The shells are all natural.

Materials: 100% Natural Shells; Trim: 100% Polyurethane

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Best Modern Shell Bag

Benedetta Bruzziches Ariel Clutch Bag

Ariel Clutch Bag

For a more modern take on the shell trend, take this abstract shell clutch by Benedetta Bruzziches for a spin. High temps = high fashion.

Dimensions: Width: 9.8 inches; height: 5.5 inches; depth: 2.6 inches

Materials: Plexiglass, brass, and silk

Best Evening Shell Bag

Vanina Sable Mouvant Clutch

Sable Mouvant Clutch

Perhaps you need an evening option for a beach vacation or seaside escape. Look no further than this metallic Vanina clutch from Anthropologie.

Dimensions: Width: 11.75 inches; height: 6 inches; depth: 3 inches

Materials: Faux leather, gold-plated beads

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Best Minimalist Shell Bag

Gets Shell Shape Purse

Shell Shape Purse

For a minimalist and sleek shell bag that can be held as a clutch, purse, or crossbody, Amazon has you covered with this affordable option.

Dimensions: Width: 8 inches; height: 4 inches; depth: 3 inches

Materials: Acrylic

Best Movement

Show Me Your Mumu Becca Shell Bag

Becca Shell Bag

The shell paillettes on this bag are sure to make for a fun and flirty vacation, beach day, or nighttime adventure during the summer.

Materials: Imported

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Best Clutch

Simkhai Bridget Acrylic Oyster Shell Clutch

Bridget Acrylic Oyster Shell Clutch

Love oysters? Make your enthusiasm known with this oyster shell clutch from Simkhai, which is perfectly pretty in pink as well.

Materials: 100% acrylic

Best Day or Night Clutch

Aqua Shell Bag

Shell Bag

A perfect little clutch, this shell bag from Aqua will beautifully elevate any look, day or night.

Dimensions: Width: 8.5 inches; height: 6 inches; depth: 1.5 in

Materials: 100% acrylic

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Best Wicker Bag

Mark & Graham Isla Wicker Shell Clutch

Isla Wicker Shell Clutch

Wicker bags are one of our favorite trends every summer, but when combined with the shell bag trend, it’s twice the fun.

Dimensions: Width: 10.5 inches; height: 6.5 inches; depth: 3.75 inches

Materials: Wicker with a linen lining

Best Iridescence

Serpui Loli Brownlip Cracked Clutch Bag

Loli Brownlip Cracked Clutch Bag

Shining a new way from any angle, this cracked Mother of Pearl clutch by Serpui will make you appreciate a different perspective every time.

Materials: 100% Mother of Pearl

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Best Trend-Twister

Generic Wooden Sea Shell Purse

Wooden Sea Shell Purse

Wood accessories will have a moment in upcoming seasons, so why not combine trends with this wooden shell-shaped clutch from Amazon?

Dimensions: Width: 7.5 inches; height: 4.5 inches; depth: 1.75 inches

Materials: Imported, Suede Lining

Best Daytime Bag

Poolside Cesi Conch Shoulder Bag

Cesi Conch Shoulder Bag

For something a little more casual and boho-chic, this shiny raffia-esque bag with a pearl strap from Poolside is the perfect daytime darling.

Dimensions: Width: 7 inches; height: 7 inches; depth: 4 inches

Materials: Lurex® metallic fibers; lining: 100% cotton; faux pearls

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Best Adaptable Shell Purse

Kate Spade What The Shell Crossbody

What The Shell Crossbody

Kate Spade loves a themed bag, so why should the shell trend be any different? Perfectly cute and sleek, this bag can be a clutch, purse, or a crossbody.

Dimensions: Width: 9.25 inches; height: 6 inches; depth: 4 inches

Materials: Pearlized leather

Best Medium-Sized Bag

The Wolf Gang Suri Shell Bag

Suri Shell Bag

This shell bag from The Wolf Gang is perfectly prim and proper but still maintains a casual, beachy aura.

Dimensions: Width: 12.5 inches; height: 7.5 inches; depth: 3.25 inches

Materials: Leather; hemp lining

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Best Shellspiration

Felite Fnn Seashell Evening Clutch

Seashell Evening Clutch

For a simple, straightforward shell bag, you can’t go wrong with this cute, affordable option.

Dimensions: Width: 9.1 inches; height: 6.7 inches; depth: 2.8 inches

Materials: PVC Shell

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