First spotted as a digital trend on TikTok, mermaidcore has escaped our screens to swim into our closets and wardrobes. Mermaidcore first surfaced in Versace’s spring/summer collection in 2021, where the ocean floor came to the red carpet with seashells and starfish.
Fast-forward to today, and mermaidcore is everywhere. From resort wear to prom dresses, marine theming, glimmering details, and aquatic accessories are a design trend that’s exploded all over TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms for summer.
Mermaidcore takes inspiration from both mermaid mythology and mermaid media. You can see influence from The Little Mermaid (both the 1989 classic and the new version starring Halle Bailey), Aquamarine, Splash, and the mermaid designs in Peter Pan. Today, we’re seeing mermaid imagery popping up in art, like in Chappel Roan’s music videos. Mermaidcore has a floaty, ethereal vibe that’s more than a little bit magic.
The main idea behind mermaidcore is taking your fashion inspiration from the ocean. Colors like blue, teal, purple, aqua, and green—cool aquatics—accompanied by hints of sand and sun are common. Silhouettes include sleek, bodycon dresses, resort wear, and of course, mermaid dresses. Think flowing fabrics that mimic waves, glimmering textures that catch the light, and whimsical details like pearls, shells, and iridescent finishes. Mermaidcore blends fantasy with beachy elegance for a look that’s both dreamy and totally wearable. You should feel comfy and cool in these easy-breezy looks!
Mermaidcore accessories often feature aquatic details like starfish and seashells, and of course, plenty of pearls. Fun details like fishnets, sequins, and shell embellishments are also popular. Hairstyles include beachy waves and anything long and flowing. Hair clips with pearl or shell accents are an easy way to add a hint of ocean magic, while a touch of shimmer or glitter makeup completes the under-the-sea vibe.
Dive into dreamy silhouettes and sea-inspired shimmer! These mermaidcore dresses are made for twirling under the moonlight or making waves at your next soirée.
This teal satin dress’s pleats help it shimmer like water, and the silhouette is instantly iconic.
This sheer coverup is cute enough to wear as a super casual dress! It’s the perfect style to pack for the beach.
This magical maxi dress is covered with mesh overlay dotted with faux pearls and metallic trim, giving it a dreamy, mermaid-inspired glow with a subtle nod to fish scales.
A dreamy blend of sheer mesh, seafoam-soft florals, and barely-there shimmer, this ethereal piece feels like mermaidcore gone ultra-romantic.
A plisse finish and soft blue color give this gown a flawless ethereal vibe and wave-like movement.
High-shine metallic fabrics, especially in colors like pink, purple, blue, and green have an almost liquid effect, creating that perfect mermaid mood.
Airy woven fabric and a kick pleat help this shimmery dress flow like the tide.
Fun details like flouncy ruffles and cute cutouts make a summery dress playful and fun, and the bright aqua color is perfect for making a splash.
From iridescent fabrics to flowy cuts, these tops and bottoms channel all the ethereal vibes of ocean goddesses and seaside sirens. They have the perfect beachy vibes for a summer outfit!
With sequins that shimmer between silver, white, and pink, you’ll love the undersea aesthetic of this shiny tank top! Plus, you’ll also appreciate the buttery soft edging and straps that keep it from being scratchy.
I love the way this skirt uses different sizes and colors of sequins to add lots of visual flash and texture! This skirt looks amazing on the beach or at the club, and will shine wherever you wear it.
A comfy scoop neckline and flowy hem give a shimmering summer sequin tank top an effortlessly breezy vibe.
Finish your siren-inspired look with accessories that sparkle like sea glass and shoes that feel just as magical as they look.
These sandals, adorned with a plethora of pearls and gleaming gold straps, capture the essence of the ocean’s bounty, but not in an ultra-kitschy way.
Tuck your essentials– cell phone, cards, and lip gloss– into this perfectly polished raffia clutch! The woven fabric, shells, and faux pearls give it a gorgeous texture and glam look.
A starfish chain belt in gold adds a playful oceanic pop to any summer look.
Ok, so mermaids might not be known for their shoes– but you need to wear them, and these comfy flats give fish netting vibes and are so light, you’ll hardly notice they’re on.
So what do you think? Are you ready to dive in and make mermaid core a part of your world? Show us your most magical mermaidcore looks on Instagram and TikTok @lulus using #LoveLulus and find more mermaidcore pieces in our Summer Fashion Shop!
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