Swimsuit

6 of Our Favorite Seashell Bikinis, Inspired By Melissa Wood Tepperberg’s SI Swimsuit Aesthetic

Shop the two-piece Melissa Wood-Tepperberg wore in the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue, plus five similar styles.

Cara O’Bleness

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. 

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, a rookie in the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue, used the words “surreal” and “amazing” to describe her first-ever photoshoot with the brand. Coincidentally, those are the very same words that come to mind when you peruse the photographs Yu Tsai captured of her in Dominica.

“It feels so beyond incredible to be a Sports Illustrated rookie,” Wood-Tepperberg told the publication while on location. “I can’t fully believe it, but then I can believe it because I’m here and I’m doing it, and it just feels phenomenal.”

Styling for the 40-year-old workout and wellness leader’s photoshoot was inspired by Mother Nature herself, so the bikinis and one-pieces Wood-Tepperberg modeled featured lots of natural texture and earthy elements.

While it’s tough to pick just one favorite look from her time in the Caribbean, the seashell swimsuit by Lybethras Swimwear, paired with a delicate gold body chain by KBH Jewels, was an absolute standout. Shop it—and similar styles—below.

Micro Bikini, $120 (lybethras.com)

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by Lybethras Swimwear. Body Chain by KBH Jewels.

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by Lybethras Swimwear. Body Chain by KBH Jewels.

This itty bitty bikini features a triangle top and thong bottoms, both with adjustable side ties for a custom fit.

Miranda Triangle Bikini Top, $145 and Pearl Tie Side Bikini Bottom, $105 (revolve.com)

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The golden pukka shell detail on this two-piece is eye-catching, while the bottoms feature a cute strappy accent.

Crochet Shell Decor Halter Bikini Swimsuit, $11.49 (us.shein.com)

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If you’re interested in trying out the style on a budget, this is a great option. The bikini also comes in an olive green, black and brown.

Seashore Shell Bikini Top, $105 and Seashore Shell Bikini Bottom, $105 (annakosturova.com)

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Opt for two trends in one with this sweet crochet number. While it’s pictured in pink, it comes in a variety of colors, including white, khaki, gray and cream.

Adella Triangle Top, $95 and Adella Tie Side Bottom, $85 (beachbunnyswimwear.com)

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We love the gold seashell hardware on this two-piece, which is also available in sparkly teal and black.

Seashell Paradise Two-Piece Bikini, $11.98 (fashionnova.com)

Another reasonably priced option, this bikini incorporates a pop of color into the beaded seashell accents.

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Published
Cara O’Bleness

CARA O’BLENESS

Cara is a trending news writer/editor for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. A passionate writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience in print and online media, she loves storytelling and believes that words have the power to change the world. Prior to joining the team, Cara worked as a writer and editor across a number of content verticals, including food, lifestyle, health and wellness, and small business and entrepreneurship. In her free time, Cara loves reading, spending time with her family and making her way through Michigan’s many microbreweries. She is a graduate of Michigan State University's School of Journalism.