How to Catch Summer Mermaid Vibes!

After the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic, the Coconut Girl days, and even the OG VSCO girls, it’s clear that, each Summer, what we really want is some beachy energy. With The Little Mermaid remake starring Halle Bailey in theatres as of May 26, and #mermaidcore trending on TikTok, it’s clear that, this Summer, the vibe is full-on mermaid. This look embraces fun, adventure, and imperfection — why be safe on the shore when you could take to the sea? The key is everything oceanic, and whether pursuing tropical reef drip or deep-sea glam, there’s something for everyone in mermaidcore!

Here’s how to nail the look!

1. The Hair

A huge part of mermaidcore is lived-in hair — forget things sleek and polished and instead go for something textured and full of movement. Relaxed braids are a win, and bonus points if you can do fishtail braids. Otherwise, loose hair is a mood, and nothing is better at giving your hair that seaside feel than sea salt spray. It can be bought at pretty much any beauty store or aisle, but sea salt sprays are essentially just a mist of salt and water that creates texture in the hair. No matter how far you really are from the beach, sea salt spray gives the texture and wave found after a dip in the ocean, like a mermaid sunning on a rock after a long day of swimming.

2. The Makeup

Makeup is similarly relaxed, and for the mermaid look, you can opt for minimal products and maximum sun — think rosy cheeks and bronzer, if anything. A bit of a sunburnt look can be weirdly charming, but you don’t have to actually burn. Just apply blush over the nose and apples of the cheeks, and it’s basically the same thing minus pain and skin problems. However, if you want to go more glam, shimmery pearl shades and even stick-on pearl gems can heighten the mermaid idea. Cool ocean tones are always a win, and don’t be afraid to get colorful, unique, and even fantastical with it!

3. The Fit

The obvious mermaid outfitting seems to be a swimsuit with a cover-up skirt; long skirts are very “in” right now and can give the legless illusion. Yet, outside of swimming scenarios, the look can be referenced through loose, net-like crochet knits, rippling satins/silks, and wave-like ruffles. Anything pearlescent is a win, as is scalloping and anything shimmery. Seashell jewelry can be subtle or not, and, of course, ocean motifs can be referenced through blue-green-purple color palettes. Fits can be flowy and bohemian, for freedom of motion and therefore more adventures. If you’re going all-out, feel free to try mermaid silhouettes in long evening dresses; they’re tight through the knee, where it sweeps out almost like a tail. The mermaid vibe can be subtle or obvious, and you can dress it up or down. It’s the spirit of the thing that counts, and while beachy looks are nothing new, the mermaid look incorporates a new flavor of enchanting femininity and naturalism not seen in previous summery aesthetics.

4. The Cause

The mermaid look can be fun for everyone, but it’s equally important to point out that mermaids are friends of the ocean. If you really want to embody mermaidcore beyond shallow waters, investigate conservation efforts and anti-ocean-pollution work. At a minimum, be mindful of your own behavior and investigate things like possibly polluting chemicals in your sunscreen. Beach Season is, after all, our favorite season, and we want the future to be able to enjoy it too.

Mermaidcore is the ethereal moment we’ve all been waiting for. Make a splash this Summer with it and be sure to catch The Little Mermaid in theatres now!