How to Wear the Mermaidcore Aesthetic

The mermaidcore aesthetic has taken over summer 2023 and for good reason. Many thanks are owed to Halle Bailey's performance as Ariel in 'The Little Mermaid' for helping to bring these styles out from under the sea and onto dry land. Mermaidcore incorporates colors such as seafoam green, aqua, pastel pink, silver, lavender, and pearl white. Iridescent and metallic colors work perfectly with this. Other elements can include sequins, tulle, ruffles, seashell and pearl detailing, fringe, and anything else that feels oceanic.

I've been experimenting with mermaidcore this summer, and it's actually not as daunting as it initially appeared. Going into it, I thought it might come off as too costume-like (which I'm not opposed to under the right circumstances) but I didn't know if it could be worn so naturally. Turns out, it can! It's appropriately light and bright for summer and it provides a more fantastical vibe to my wardrobe and I'm always down for that.

Here are a few of my favorite handmade mermaidcore styles I've made for The Dream Crochet.

I made a crocheted seashell halter top with pearl detailing and it turned out better than I expected. It's definitely something I could see Ariel warning to harken back to her home. I used pearls of different sizes on the halter itself and matched the top with an ocean-inspired fabric skirt that's covered in starfishes and seashells. The two complement pieces each other perfectly, but it can also be made more casual with high-waisted shorts, just make sure they're in the vicinity of seafoam or other aquatic colors so you don't drift too far from the theme.

Mandala ombre fits mermaidcore swimmingly. The colors are dazzling and gradually blend together which creates an ethereal effect that reminds me of the bioluminescent colors you find in the sea. and I also made a fringe vest, an off-the-shoulder fringe top, a fringed mini-dress, an asymmetrical skirt, and a fringe drawstring skirt, which evokes a a mermaid tail. So many skirts work for this look too, asymmetrical, layered, draped, and if you want to be more straightforward, you can wear a mermaid skirt. Skirts are must-haves for your mermaidcore wardrobe and they can be paired with tees or crop tops depending on your preference.

I created an outfit specifically for 'The Little Mermaid' and it offered the perfect opportunity to do the mermaid skirt. The top portion of the skirt has stitches that are more closed while the bottom is more open and flares out. I crocheted a belly chain with mermaid and beach-inspired charms, which works well with the "found items" concept, and the matching blue top is sewn together bandeau with crocheted lining and straps. The top could also be paired with jeans and I'd add a charmed belt or sea-based applique to the garment.

I took the asymmetrical aesthetic and swam with it for this look. The skirt was from last year and I updated it to fit the theme by adding ruffles drapery to it for fluid movement, which calls to mind a rippling ocean. The ruffled crop top has a single long-sleeve and it's all kind of coral reef inspired. The yellow and orange have a sun-like quality and the blues are like the ocean and it's beautifully cohesive. It's an adventurous look and that's why I love it.