Unique Trends for 2026: A Beach Girl’s Guide to Whimsy Jewelry

By:  Brooke Erickson

So, it’s 2026, and everyone keeps saying the same word; Whimsy. Coming out of a tumultuous 2025, it seems this new year is all about celebrating beauty in the small things; the details are what counts. It’s a behavior really, whether that means high-fiving every plant you pass, scrapbooking, or ‘slowmaxing’, this wrap around the sun, the cool girl will be found curating her look instead of mindless collecting. 

As a girl who lives by the beach, I’ve learned that whimsy is less of an accent and more of a mood- one shaped by stretched out days, salty air, and the general idea to not take oneself too seriously. Here is a guide to that overall vibe- one of playful shapes, ocean textures, and charms that tell a story, or if you’re lucky, start a conversation.

Orchid Pendants 

Orchid pendants are slowly finding their way through everyone’s feed, and for 2026 they feel especially right. Whether it’s a flower in your hair, behind your ear, or dangling from your neck, statement orchids give that persephone, flower child vibe without compromising elegance. They’re the kind of pieces that accentuate soft femininity while adding a romantic touch. Orchid Necklace 

Seashells 

While timeless, seashell pendants have evolved in recent years, trading novelty for artistry. These Aphrodite-esque details undoubtedly allude to a story waiting to be told- adding to your mysterious aura.

Where did she get that shell? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked that question regarding my favorite necklace, to which I have the pleasure of recounting a trip I took with my family to Laguna, and I almost fell down a cliffside when I dropped the shell on

the way back from the beach, ahh the memories. Anyway, for the beach girl, seashell pendants feel more like memories, as these talismans carry the spirit of the shore without trying too hard; their effortless beauty adds to yours. Seashell Pendants 

Water Droplets 

Water droplet Jewelry is a showstopper, and it feels especially poetic coming into the new year. These pieces focus on fluid shapes, with glass-like pendants formed into perfect drops. There are so many ways to drape these water chains for a truly unique and editorial look, whether it’s across your neck, an addition to your hair, or cascading down your open-back. They add a special pop to any look you are aiming to make more ethereal. Water Droplet Necklaces 

Wire Wrap Body Jewelry

Nothing can transform a look better than an arm cuff, which we saw an abundance of in 2025. This year, to take your look one step further, adding an extravagant body wrap cuff to match your anklet, earring, or necklace can turn a regular fit into a fairy’s fantasy. Lightweight metal wires trace the body in swirling, spiraling lines, embracing movement instead of perfection. Whether you are a gold or silver girl, this sculptural touch draws the eye to the soft parts of your body, creating an ornate, whimsical touch to your day. All I can say is if you’re looking for compliments, consider the flair. 

Back Ornamentation 

Long gone is the heyday of crop tops, as the pendulum swing of fashion spoke, and longer tops are now what’s in. But the need to show skin will always evolve alongside the trends, so why don’t we dress it up even further? Taking inspiration from old Hollywood starlets, the past few years reintroduced us to backless silhouettes for an effortlessly sexy and chic addition to even everyday fits. Seen on our modern-day it-girls, such as Sabrina Carpenter, Madison Beer, Zendaya, etc., these glamour girls pay homage to the likes of Marilyn Monroe by adorning their backless looks with luxury ornamentation, but don’t be fooled by their red-carpet backdrop, even simple outfits can be decorated with royal flair, and lucky for us, it’s actually super obtainable. 

You can take any longer chain, adorned with charms, beads, or gems, and simply flip the necklace to your back. Voila! You are now the coolest girl at the function.

Vintage Hair Clips 

Say bye-bye to your slick-back days! While the clean girl bit was fun for a while, I think it’s time we return to full, fluffy and decorated. Think mother-of-pearl finishes, delicate metal work and foresty-inspired shapes that feel like they were discovered in a secret drawer rather than purposefully styled. For a coastal girl, these accessories are as practical as they are charming, holding back wind-swept hair while adding a magically nostalgic vibe to you. Vintage hair combs and pins can be found in almost any thrift store display case. So if you aren’t able to find these in your mom/grandma's jewelry box, you are sure to find them with ease. 

If you are still hesitant to tousle the hair, I've got you. Tiffany lamp Claw clips are a great middle ground to bridge the two aesthetics. Tiffany Lamp Claw Clip 

Final Thoughts 

Whimsy reminds us that personal style is most powerful when it’s intentional, playful, and genuine. Whether that comes from a flower, a seashell, or a comb, the magic lies in wearing pieces that feel lived in, loved, and unmistakably you. I hope 2026 brings a sense of celebration to your personal curation and a sense of freedom wherever the tide takes you.