You don’t have to be “part of their world” to dress like the mythical creatures inspiring our looks this summer. Enter: Mermaidcore. From Instagram to Disney’s new classic live action film, we can’t get enough. While Halle Bailey's Ariel set a new bar for Disney Princess glamor, we can mirror the aesthetic with some mermaid core accessories. Luckily, there are only three tips to dressing like an aquatic princess:
- You don’t have to go to the beach to wear mesh crochet, seashells, and pearls. In 2023, you can wear them all to dinner.
- While this is a great packing list for your next vacation, these looks would slay from the subways to gallery shows in New York. See this as your excuse to be a mermaid anywhere and everywhere.
- From Lil Kim's purple shell to Miley's mesh dress, the red carpet is no stranger to mermaid core aesthetics. Mermaidcore embraces new colors, like deep purple or aqua. But, If you’re color averse, metallics work too.
To inspire you, we’ve rounded up the best Mermaidcore tops, bottoms, dresses, accessories, cosmetics, and more. So, whether you’re looking for Mermaid couture or a sea-inspired accessory, start here.
Mermaidcore Tops & Corsets
Chainmail & Crystal Halter Top
Paco Rabanne proves that Parisian glamor and the mermaidcore aesthetic can coexist in this crystal halter top. This open back is simultaneously sexy and elegant–it’s our favorite deep sea-inspired silhouette.
Green Iridescent Denim Tank Top
Why wear a limp blouse when you can show up in a green iridescent corset? We’d wear this piece from fashion week to the casting for The Little Mermaid II.
Miami Nights Sequin Crop Top
Embellishments in everyday staples, like crop tops and bodysuits, makes this viral fashion moment suitable in everyday life. To start, we love this sequin crop top by Intimissimi.
Mermaidcore Bottoms
Wrap Hip Maxi Skirt
This is the kind of sarong that can complement a swimsuit and double as evening wear. It would pair well with a bikini top or bralette as the Vogue version of Ariel’s glimmering tail–there is no dupe on Amazon that even comes close.
Fitted Flared Trousers
Today’s Disney princesses wear pants. So, this live-action seafoam ombre statement from Acne is a must.
Penina Silk Midi Skirt
Aquamarine and turquoise slips offer a sleek, mermaid-tail silhouette. We’d pair one with a pastel top or pearl earrings to complete the look.
Mermaidcore Dresses
Bead & Fringe Cut-Out Dress
We can all agree that Ariel didn’t always abide by her father’s rules. This Patbo dress is decked with just as much nonconformity.
Wales Bonner Crochet Maxi Dress
Wales Bonner’s crochet maxi dress is the hottest adaptation of fishnet we’ve ever seen. We’d wear to answer any dress code that calls for a ruffle this season.
Mambo Maxi Dress
Baobab's mambo maxi dress is just as fashionable by the beach as it is at a Manhattan restaurant.
Mermaidcore Accessories
Bridget Metal Shell Clutch
This Simkhai seashell clutch is the perfect accessory to keep that fork you use to brush your hair. This seashell clutch could make us all feel like Halle Bailey for a night.
Whisper Metal Leather Sandals
Metallic flat leather sandals are making waves everywhere this summer, and the little mermaid would have loved them when she opted for feet instead of fins.
Toi Et Moi Pear Bubble Ring
Every true mermaid needs Ashley Zhang’s emerald and diamond toi et moi ring. The juxtaposition between these two pear-cut stones is amazing.
Mother of Pearl Square iPhone Case
No oysters were harmed in the making of this mother-of-pearl iPhone case. So, if you’re embracing the mermaidcore aesthetic, you might need one.
35mm Catrina Patent Leather Heels
These iridescent multicolor heels were made for a mermaid. They’d also level up any mini dress or jumpsuit.
Nautical Bow
A nautical bow is a nod to the little mermaid without being kitschy. We love this subtle hint to the trend.
GE573
We wouldn’t judge anyone who offered to trade their fins for feet just to wear these Guita M jade starfish earrings. Luckily, they look just as epic on land.
Mermaidcore Beauty
Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
Leave it to Fenty to take your average lip look to sirencore status.
What the Shell? Pearl Effect Nail Polish
If the little mermaid were picking her color, we think she’d choose pearl. This is such an easy way to bring mermaidcore into a daytime look.
Loose Glitter
Mythical merpeople and makeup enthusiasts alike would agree: eyeshadow is great but shimmery loose glitter is even better.
Mini Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil
Why limit the mermaidcore aesthetic to tulle drapery or subtle lip gloss when you can shimmer head-to-toe in Tom Ford?
Glaze Crayon
For the glitter eyeshadow averse, start with a crayon. You don’t need a fishtail to pull this mermaidcore color off.
A Full Mermaidcore Look
Self Portrait’s crystal-embellished, ombre, stretch maxi dress will not only embrace the mermaidcore aesthetic–it will own it. After that, it’s all about the details. Think: metallic mules, Sorellina’s Marea ring, and a simple pearl clutch.
If you’ve already stocked your closet with Mermaidcore looks, it might be time to tackle Barbiecore next.
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