What Is Mermaidcore? How to Channel Your Inner Ariel for Summer

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Mermaid season is here! With The Little Mermaid debuting No. 1 at box office this past weekend, mermaid fever has officially taken over the movie world — and the fashion realm is next.

Mermaidcore is the hot new trend that’s swimming all over TikTok. Whether it’s clothing, makeup or design ideas, mermaid lovers are finding unique ways to show love for the mythical creatures.

Ready to get your feet wet? From sequin tops to iridescent dresses and metallic swimsuits, we’ve rounded up a selection of mermaidcore outfit ideas that you can wear in the water and on land.

For more mermaid content, read our roundup of the best merch available from The Little Mermaid.

Everything You Should Know About Mermaidcore

What is Mermaidcore? Like Barbiecore, Mermaidcore is a fashion trend that has found its footing online. The trend, which pulls inspiration from mermaid and water-related themes, has scored more than 257.7 million views on TikTok and a flood of threads on Reddit and Twitter.

If you want to give Mermaidcore a try — but you’re not quite ready to go the bikini route — a metallic tank top works just as well.

Buy: Giovacker Women’s Reflective Crop Tops Festival Rave Outfits Girls Club Tank Vest $25.53

This multicolor tank comes in sizes S-XL and a bunch of different colors, including sequin designs. Need accessories? Stock up on mermaid jewelry like this fork bracelet (aka Ariel’s favorite comb) and the Pandora x Little Mermaid Collection.

Mermaid style skirts have been on trend for years, so don’t be surprised if you start seeing more people wearing them. The skirt above features metallic material but the skirt is also available in solid colors.

Here’s a fun way to channel the mermaid aesthetic without going overboard (no pun intended). This sequin top looks good with jeans or the matching skirt ($56).   

Buy: SOLY HUX Women’s Metallic Halter Top Two Piece Swimsuit Tie Side Triangle Bikini Blue M $26.99

Of course, the easiest way to feel the mermaid vibe is at the beach! If you’re not interested in the usual high–waisted glitter mermaid bikini, this metallic bikini top can be worn with bikini bottoms, a mermaid skirt, coverup or jeans. Click here for other options.

Turn the mermaid trend up a few notches in this NB Annelise top (available in size S-XL). The all-over sequin print top has a tie in the back and you can wear it with its matching skirt ($93).

Buy: AIBEARTY Cute Seashell Shape Crossbody Purse Small Shoulder Bag $14.99

Nothing wrong with being a little “shell fish!” The seashell crossbody purse pictured above is available in a dozen colors including sequin pink, black, white, red and yellow.

You don’t have to love mermaids to appreciate this gorgeous halter neck mini dress! This showstopper is available in plus sizes 14-22.

These iridescent pants have “mermaid energy” written all over them. They’re are almost sold out at Nasty Girl, but sizes 18 and 22 are still in stock.

Another unique take The Little Mermaid wardrobe — without being too literal. This corset top is a casual twist on the blue dress that Ariel wears on land. Peasant dresses and peasant skirts are also trendy right now and fit right into The Little Mermaid aesthetic.

Crochet skirts, tank tops coverups and other knitwear pieces can help you pull off a mermaid look. If you’re going a non-traditional route, but want to take inspiration from the movie — like the scene where Ariel gets caught in a fisherman’s net — do so in a crochet skirt.