This summer, everyone wants to dress like a mermaid.
TikTokkers are donning shells and pearls, and slicking back their hair, siren-style. Celebrities are wearing sequined, willowy gowns on the red carpet.
Social media, and arguably TikTok in particular, has created a unique phenomenon: the most niche of trends have become ever-present, and the aesthetics once relegated for themed parties or Halloween are now everyday outfits. Mermaidcore, a craze that Extremely Online individuals will recognize, is one such sensation. What professional mermaids have been doing for ages is now a sartorial craze. It’s a world of Ariels, online and IRL.
What is mermaidcore?
The mythological concept of a mermaid, a folkloric creature with the lower body of a fish and upper body of a human, has long been the subject of romantic and religious art. Gaining traction in modern pop culture in various forms, mermaids are now inspiring influencers and contemporary fashion and beauty brands, alike.
On TikTok, #mermaidcore has amassed over 333 million views, with TikTokkers playing around with the established mermaid aesthetic in their everyday wardrobes. There are tutorials for how to dress, hairstyle ideas, and even gift guides. Jewel-toned fabrics and crochet skirts dominate beach attire; pearl earrings and sequined blouses — reminiscent of fish scales — top it off. Eyes are coated with glimmering shades of blue; billowing skirts are adorned with seashell-strung jewellery.
Credit: TikTok / Screenshot: @chazlyn.yvonne, @alexandria.payton, @nazliayunus.
Fashion writer Avani Thakkar says that components of mermaidcore include “pearl necklaces, seashell dotted bracelets, and coral or starfish shaped earrings”.
“In terms of clothing, channeling mermaidcore involves embracing ruffled iridescent blouses or bikinis, long slinky dresses stamped with sea-inspired/aquatic motifs, or easy-breezy sheer tops with pearl detailing,” she tells Mashable. Â
#Sirencore has also reached over 102 million views on TikTok. In mythology, the siren resembles the mermaid, with the words often being used interchangeably. But many representations of the siren have been that of a temptress, a femme-fatale figure of sorts. TikTokkers seem to have reclaimed the traditional meaning, experimenting with sirencore as an ethereal, dream-like aesthetic.
Why is the trend becoming so popular (again)?
The “-core” suffix may render this official now, but mermaids have dipped in and out of cultural consciousness for decades, particularly in TV and film. In the ’80s it was Daryl Hannah’s Splash, in the ’00s it was Australian teen drama H20 Just Add Water, and now cult-classic Aquamarine. The mythical beings have inspired merch, cafes, and even a Starbucks drink. And in 2023, the mermaid trend is swimming again.
The mermaid aesthetic has trickled from the internet to the red carpet, and even back to the runways (where it also made appearances as far back as 1992). Celebrities from Dua Lipa to Hailey Bieber have proclaimed their stamp of approval, only inciting more brands to jump on the bandwagon. High-fashion labels like David Koma, Tom Ford, and Blumarine have dabbled in sea foam fades, slinky silhouettes, and distinctively mermaid-like beauty looks. This means pearl-encrusted nails, wet, wavy hair, and aqua-hued eye makeup. High street shops and retailers like ASOS, Nasty Gal, and Shopbop have created underwater-influenced clothing and iridescent beachwear accessories to match. On Etsy, niche items like shell-patched AirPod cases and mermaid bath bombs are making the rounds.
Credit: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images
“The mermaid trend is something which we’ve seen appear again throughout 2022 and 2023,” says Jo Threlfall, fashion expert and PR manager.
“From siren eyes to the slicked-back wet-look hair — like Megan Fox’s Mugler red carpet look — to metallic or chromatic nails, we’ve seen how films like The Little Mermaid are inspiring people to switch up their look,” she added.
Credit: Getty Images: Christian Vierig / Peter White / Claudio Lavenia.
Of course, the release of The Little Mermaid, Disney’s live-action adaptation of its classic 1989 take on Hans Christian Andersen’s traditional story, has played a part in furthering this fascination with merpeople. Starring Halle Bailey in the lead as human-loving mermaid Ariel, the otherworldly tale has been modernized for the big screen both in its plot and its costuming. Costume designer Colleen Atwood created uniquely dazzling looks for the merfolk — as Mashable’s Kristy Puchko points out they’re “gorgeous and distinctive, suggesting a vibrant community”. And for Ariel, it’s a balance between her shimmering mermaid tail and iridescent bralette and her “fantasy 1830s-meets-Caribbean” flowing gowns on the surface, both styled with long mermaid locs designed by hairstylist Camille Friend.
Credit: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Bailey herself channelled mermaidcore beyond the sea to blue premiere carpets for The Little Mermaid, in shimmering gowns by Miss Sohee, Valdrin Sahiti, Georges Chakra, Off-White, and more.
Credit: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney
But it’s not just The Little Mermaid fuelling mermaidcore. The trend fits in perfectly with Gen-Z’s persisting obsession with nostalgia and even romanticism. Studios have long recognized this craving for the recent past in the present; look no further than the many ’90s and ’00s reboots and sequels that continue to be made. These nostalgic resurrections often fuel fashion moments. Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Barbie movie is a prime example. Since its announcement, and the teasers that seized the internet’s attention, #Barbiecore has become an unstoppable trend.
All of this is to say: when a trend goes viral, it’s something of a force. In May, Pinterest searches for “mermaidcore” and “mermaid style” skyrocketed by 614 percent and 736 percent respectively. The trend has ignited something for the fashion aficionados, for beauty vloggers, and for those who are just fans of The Little Mermaid.
“[Mermaidcore] urges us to live a slow life; one where we daydream, indulge in things we like with no guilt whatsoever and dive into a state of summer-induced serenity.”
Thakkar says that the mermaidcore aesthetic “aligns with our need for escapism, fun and fantasy”.
“[Mermaidcore] urges us to live a slow life; one where we daydream, indulge in things we like with no guilt whatsoever and dive into a state of summer-induced serenity,” she tells Mashable.
The idea of fantasy in fashion isn’t new. But social media has recently galvanized users to embrace playful nostalgia, whether this means taking back Y2K style, or emulating Barbie in ways both casual and flamboyant. With #mermaidcore, it’s no different. The trend encourages imagination and artistry; it’s another way to romanticize your life — and, potentially, your feed – this summer.
