Mermaidcore: The sophisticated beachwear trend defining summer 2026

Jess Cartner-Morley has identified 'mermaidcore' as the dominant fashion trend for summer 2026, positioning it as the seasonal equivalent of 'tomato girl summer'. In a recent column for The Guardian Fashion, the writer characterises the aesthetic as a sophisticated evolution of 'vacation formal' attire, or what is commonly referred to in the UK as 'going for dinner on holiday'. The trend moves beyond the whimsical to offer a 'grownup' interpretation of the mermaid mythos, emphasising restraint and ocean-inspired textures such as mesh, raffia and subtle shimmer.

The style draws direct inspiration from Chanel’s recent show held on the Atlantic shore of Biarritz. Designer Matthieu Blazy’s collection featured sea anemone embroidery and seahorse jewellery, closing with a slithering dress of seafoam sequins. This high-fashion influence has trickled down to define the season’s key wardrobe staples, which include crochet trousers, iridescent sarongs, coral jewellery and amphibious footwear such as jelly shoes. The look is described as 'beach chic with a hot-sauce dash of brat energy', aiming for a cinematic vision of beach life rather than a literal costume.

A defining feature of the trend is its silhouette. The aesthetic advocates for a narrower, slinkier profile, moving away from airy kaftans or sporty beach shorts towards long skirts, palazzo pants that are snug at the hip and fall wide to the floor, or fitted dresses. While this long and narrow cut is noted as being more suited to graceful lounging than active pursuits like beach volleyball, shorter cover-ups in fishing-net mesh or crochet are suggested for those requiring more mobility.

Colour and texture play a crucial role in distinguishing mermaidcore from fancy dress. The palette is dominated by washed-out blues and green-tinted turquoises that appear artfully faded by salt and sunshine, such as pale aqua slip dresses or sheer shirts in lagoon blue. The line between the trend and costume is defined by restraint; the goal is to borrow from the ocean’s palette and texture rather than dressing as an actual sea resident. Piling on excessive pearls and sparkle is discouraged in favour of a more elegant, subtle approach.

Footwear for the trend includes jelly shoes, described as truly amphibious sandals capable of navigating rock pools and sea dashes while remaining suitable for lunch. The trend also encompasses specific styling elements such as shell-encrusted flip-flops and shell necklaces to add glamour to daily beach activities. The column notes that the vibe is akin to Daryl Hannah in the film Splash, explicitly distinguishing it from selkies or sirens, and includes a legal disclaimer noting it does not endorse the luring of innocents to death.

The article provides a detailed breakdown of the items featured in the accompanying styling, which was executed by Roz Donoghue with model Chizoba at Milk. The ensemble includes a £165 swimsuit from Bond-Eye, £36 trousers and a £42 bag from River Island, and a £35.99 crochet scarf from Zara. Accessories feature £320 earrings from YSSO, a £165 necklace from Rixo, a £72 ring from Ottoman Hands, and £180 sunglasses from Alemais x Le Specs. Footwear is completed with £130 sandals from Ancient Greek Sandals.

Styling assistance was provided by Charlotte Gornall, with hair and makeup by Sophie Higginson using products from Hair by Sam McKnight and Lisa Eldridge Beauty. The piece concludes that mermaidcore is about embracing the dream of a carefree summer, presenting a fantasy worth diving into for those seeking to elevate their summer wardrobe with a touch of oceanic romance.