Mermaidcore Aesthetic: An In-Depth Guide to This Aquatic Trend That’s Making Waves

The summer of 2023 has a new, viral #core trend—Mermaidcore. While it’s been a niche trend on TikTok for some time, this is the summer of ALL things #Mermaidcore! So what is it? A magical, mystical and mysterious style direction, Mermaidcore is about emulating sea and ocean life through fashion and interior design—think hues ranging from blues and seafoam greens to ultraviolet purples and corals … as well as shimmery fabrics with iridescent and metallic sheens, crystal and pearl embellishments, and any other detail that depicts an ocean or aquatic theme with a touch of celebratory charm. Overall, Mermaidcore embodies the mystique of ocean life and the beauty of living among nature.

Where the Coastal Grandma Chic trend of the summer of 2022 was about a quieter look and lifestyle, Mermaidcore is a more youthful and whimsical aesthetic highlighting ethereal, dreamlike atmospheres with details such as pearls, shells, iridescence, bubbles and under-the-sea motifs.

Why Mermaidcore Is Trending

Pop culture and nostalgic themes continue to trend as the desire to live more carefree, playful lifestyles takes hold. Maximalism and vintage highlights in the Dunn-Edwards 2024 color + design trends report indicate an emphasis on whimsy and escapism throughout the four stories. And according to Etsy’s 2023 decor trends report, there has been a “125% increase in searches on Etsy for scalloped runners, a 30% increase in searches for oyster shell ring dishes, and a 24% increase in searches for mother-of-pearl trays.” And on TikTok, the search for ‘Mermaidcore’ has risen to over 315 million views to date.

We continue to seek ways of creative expression through digital realms and look to nature’s mysteries as focal points of interest. This appetite for artistic curiosity opens up strange new worlds. As noted in our 2024 color + design trends story View to Wonder, technological advances give us a sense of limitless potential, and escapism is a key element of optimistic individual expression. Trends such as Mermaidcore provide a techno-fantasy vision of individuality.

Mermaidcore as Seen in Fashion

Predominantly seen on recent fashion runways, collections encompass a full aquamarine fantasy come to life as if mermaids are emerging from the depths of the ocean in everything from watery pastels to brilliant and bold luminescent hues, fishtail hems, shell accessories, sheer fabrics, and glossy, shimmery, wet looks. And the allure of this summertime micro aesthetic has even turned the heads of Hollywood stylists and pop culture with the recently released live-action remake of The Little Mermaid and the upcoming release of the movie Barbie, featuring yes, a mermaid Barbie. Those who saw the original The Little Mermaid remember it fondly, and this touch of nostalgia carries forward the desire to reflect on those fun summer days.

Runway at David Koma RTW Spring 2023 on September 18, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Giovanni Giannoni/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images)

Fashion Reflection Highlights of Mermaidcore:

• Prism-inspired hues and hyper pastels
• Dripping embellishments inspired by waterdrops and reflections
• Sheer fabrics
• Glossy and shimmering effects
• Fishtail hems
• Cascading ruffles
• Accessorizing in shells, pearls, oversized sequins and bubbles
• Patterns in hazy watercolor effects, ombré

A model walks the runway of the Blumarine Fashion Show during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2023 on September 22, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Estrop/Getty Images)[/caption]

Milan, Italy - September 24: A model walks the runway during the Bottega Veneta Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2023 fashion show as part of the Milan Fashion Week on September 24, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

Mermaidcore in Interior Styling

So how do you get this fun and whimsical look to translate to interior design? This dreamy aesthetic encapsulates the magic and wonder of aquatic and maritime, beyond the nautical themes typical of a summer beachside trend. In many ways, Mermaidcore’s interior design style takes cues from fashion.

Interior Design Reflections of Mermaidcore:

• Key inspirational themes – luminous, pastels, meditative, transparency, effortless, health and wellness
• Sunset-pink pastel hues to sunset-orange and -peach gradient patterns on the walls
• Bold and luminescent color palettes
• Glossy sheen levels
• Glass walls in clear and pastel tones bringing in reflections of exterior water features
• Mother-of-pearl and bubble lighting
• Fish-scale shimmer and iridescent effects
• Pearl-embellished wallcovering
• Scallop-edged details
• Oyster-shell accessories
• Fabrics in blended silk and chiffon
• Patterns and graphics highlighting aqueous marbling, wavy stripes, rhythmic curves and hazy watercolor effects

Mermaidcore is one of many trending escapist themes to catch our eye. Interested in learning more on these trending themes? Here are three more trends we’ve highlighted: Cottagecore, Coastal Grandma Chic and Grandmillennial.