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30th May 2023

Mermaidcore is the latest viral fashion trend you need to look out for

Ellen Fitzpatrick

Mermaidcore? Sign me up.

We’ve had Balletcore, we’ve had Barbiecore but now it’s time for Mermaidcore.

The new ocean-themed fashion trend is coming just in time for summer and just as you would imagine, it’s just as magical and mysterious as you think.

Deriving from the mythical creature, this viral trend has seen a huge spike in online searches – particularity on TikTok.

The term “mermaidcore” has been search more than 14.5 billion times and according to Trendalytics, “mermaid-core” now averages at 1,218 searches per week.

While many may be searching this as The Little Mermaid has just hit cinemas, there has definitely been a spike in popularity of mermaids in this year.

@ashleyasapp Tell me when to post the part 2!! #mermaidcore #mermaidaesthetic #sirencore ♬ original sound – Ashley Ann? | vintage buyer


The term has now been searched 183.4% more compared to last year – but what exactly is it?

Many celebrities have been seen wearing mermaid-inspired outfits on red carpets, and while we expected it from Halle Bailey (the new Ariel), it seems to be a hit with a lot of others.

The look puts a Y2K twist on clothing that we typically see when we think of the 70s aesthetic, incorporating a lot of sequins and a lot of pastels.

It may have been a huge hit at the likes of the Oscars and the Met Gala this year, but it doesn’t have to be confined to the red carpet – there are so many ways to incorporate it into your everyday wardrobe.

This trend first started back in the 1930s with the mermaid silhouette created by French couturier Marcel Rochas. It later appeared in the 1933 issue of Vogue and in the decades that followed, it is still seen on almost every runway.

We’ve seen it with Versace’s spring/summer 2021 collection, Victoria Beckham has incorporated it with fabrics giving hues of sea glass and water.

Thankfully, to nail this look you don’t need to figure out a way to grow a tail (as much as we’d love to star in a reboot of H2O: Just Add Water).

Think pieces like shimmery bralettes, lace-up tops and dresses and of course, corsets. Pairing these with sheer skirts or tulle, sequins or ruffles, you’ll be well on your way to recreate an mermaid inspired look.

When it comes to accessories, anything with a sea creature or shell on it will need to go straight into your basket.

If this isn’t enough, we have some celebrities who have dove into this trend (get it?) that we can take some inspo from.

The Little Mermaid’s Halle Bailey wore a aquamarine-colored gown designed by Dolce & Gabbana to the premiere of the film while Kate Hudson went to the Oscars in head-to-toe silver sequins and a glittery train for her look.

Amanda Seyfried’s look for the Primetime Emmy Awards was a hit for all things mermaidcore, with a floor-length Armani Privé gown complete with rhinestones and mesh.

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