Mermaidcore Fashion Is Our Fave Trend for Summer 2023

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

The feel-good summer movie we've all been waiting for has finally arrived. The new live-action version of The Little Mermaid, starring Halle Bailey as Ariel hits theaters on May 26. And what better way to celebrate than by diving headfirst into TikTok's favorite fashion trend: Mermaidcore, which has already amassed a whopping 14.8 billion— yes, billion— views on the app.

The Internet's obsession with mermaid-inspired fashion, jewelry, makeup, and hair trends is only expected to grow as summer kicks into full swing. Thankfully, the Mermaidcore trend is super easy to put together thanks to its overlap with other top TikTok fashion trends. It's got the pearls, ruffles, and bows of the coquette aesthetic; the seashells and low-rise skirts of the Y2K revival; and the sequin from the 70s disco craze. There are Little Mermaid graphic tees and pearl-embellished sandals for casual summer outfits, seashell bikini tops, sparkly one-pieces for beach days, and just about everything else a mermaid fashion lover could possibly want.

The Mermaidcore aesthetic sources inspiration from archetypal mermaids in TV and film. In addition to Ariel, TikTokers channel outfit inspiration from y2k classics like Aquamarine and H2O, Cher in the campy 90s movie Mermaids, Princess Lucia in the anime film Mermaid Melody: Pichi Pichi Pitch, and the cartoon sea-maidens in Disney's Peter Pan. And we can't forget to mention its spicy sister trend, Sirencore, a darker take on the aesthetic filled with black slip dresses, lacy corset tops, fishnet tights and, you guessed it, siren eye makeup.

With the affordable clothing, shoes, and accessories below, the mermaidcore aesthetic can be a ♪ part of your world ♪ for a whole lot less this summer.

Check out Firstfinds to shop more of TikTok's favorite trends and affordable Amazon fashion finds.

The Convertible Skirt

Pulling on this beachy maxi skirt may be the closest you can get to having a real mermaid tail. Pair it with a bikini top, graphic tee, ribbed tank—or let your inner Ariel free by styling it as a strapless dress.

Washable Silk Mini Slip Dress

Satin slip dresses are an essential component of any Mermaidcore fashion lover's wardrobe. The washable silk fabric of this navy Quince number drapes effortlessly for a fresh-out-of-the-water look that doesn't feel too literal.

Afloat White Organza Bikini Top With Bows

This ethereal bikini top is the next best thing to a true seashell bikini. With dramatic bows at the shoulders and a surprisingly supportive fit, it looks great as a summer going-out top, too.

River Pearl Heels

A scaly texture and pearl embellishments bring a mermaid vibe to these two-strap sandals. The short block heel lends a dressed-up look while keeping them comfortable enough to dance all night in.

Miami Nights Sequin Crop Top

If there's one thing the Mermaidcore fashion trend has reminded us all of, it's that one can never have too many sequin tops and dresses hanging in their closet.

Disney The Little Mermaid Ariel Ruffle Dress

While this ruffled blue dress may be a look-alike of Ariel's outfit on land, it's anything but cosplay. Style it with a pair of cowboy boots for subtle coastal cowgirl vibes.

Sparkle Demi Cup One-Piece

According to the TikTok Mermaidcore fashion scene, swimsuits can and should be worn as real clothes. This sparkly pink one-piece from Good American is functional enough for a beach day and fashionable enough to wear as a bodysuit too.

Radiant Flutter Triangle Bralette

Give your top drawer the Mermaidcore treatment with this ruffle-trimmed satin bralette and matching panties, which goes up to a 3XL and F-cup.

Beach Shell Bracelets

These versatile shell bracelets can be cinched around your wrist solo, paired together or stacked with gold chains and charms. Or loosen the adjustable cord, and slip them on as chic anklets.

The Little Mermaid T-Shirt

While the mermaid girls of the 2010s may have worn script-font slogan tees with phrases like I'd rather be a mermaid, today's Mermaidcore fashion crowd prefers beachy graphic tees and vintage-inspired movie merch like this sunny yellow Ariel shirt.

Monaco Cord Choker

The Mermaidcore aesthetic reimagines a number of early 2000s fashion trends, including shell necklaces, charm bracelets and bead chokers. TikTokers were quick to spot this affordable pearl necklace from Fraiser Sterling on Bella Hadid in her IG post from a recent beach vacation.

Aster Knit Cardigan

This colorful cardigan from AAPI-owned it-girl label, Find Me Now, features wavy neon lines that create an optical illusion reminiscent of underwater plants. Who knew seaweed could be so chic?

Seashell and Starfish Hair Clip Set

Eclectic hair clips make achieving the Mermaid-inspired hair looks on your FYP easy. The colorful shells, starfish, and pearls will take your beach waves, fishtail braids, and tousled updos to the next level with minimal effort.

Sanders Bikini Top and Bottoms

If there's one swimsuit worth splurging on for your summer vacay, it's this celeb-approved bikini from Four Three Seven. Its classic triangle top can be tied in a multitude of ways to give the suit different looks while you live your mermaid fantasy.

Dolly Pearl Cami

This luminous pearl tank top would fit right into Ariel's collection of whosits and whatsits, and would look great in your wardrobe, too. Layer it over a fitted white tank or tee to feel like underwater royalty.

Pearl Shoulder Bag

The catch of the day: this lustrous pearl bag. You'll be amazed at how versatile this snazzy little shoulder bag is — and how many compliments it'll earn you.

Heston Straight-Leg Pants

While you can't sprout a mermaid tail overnight, you can sport these iridescent leather pants on a night out. Dress them up with the coordinating corset or down with a simple white tee. Scale-like embossing and a high-shine finish lend a Mermaidcore look no matter how they're styled.

Set of Rhinestone White Fishnet Tights

You know the scene in The Little Mermaid when Ariel first gets her legs? This two-pack of sparkly fishnet tights will make your legs feel just as shiny and new thanks to a net-like weave and rhinestone embellishments.

Fiori Bari Earrings

These quirky dangle earrings look exactly like the type you'd purchase on a tropical vacation. Swap them for your everyday huggies and pretend you're beachside instead of studying for an exam or working the closing shift.

Nina Mesh Crop Top

Mix and match this long-sleeve layering tee and low-rise mini skirt with jeans, tees and anything you please. Its semi-sheer mesh has that still-wet look, especially thanks to a deep sea blue tie-dye print.

Anckor Heeled Sandals

With seashell embellishments and a woven block heel, these sandals will make you feel like a mermaid at the beach wedding or family cruise on your summer cal.

You Might Also Like

• 18 Best Leggings Brands That Will Make Your Butt Look Like an 11/10

• 37 Selena Gomez Hairstyles to Copy If You're Trying to Level-Up Your Hair Game

• 11 Waterproof Makeup Products You Have to Try