Just when you thought that fashion had run out of ideas, here’s further proof that the day will never come when there’s no new wacky and forward-thinking trend to embrace when it comes to getting dressed. The latest on the list? Mermaidcore. Thanks to Harry Styles, a trendlet has emerged in which we are all to channel our inner mermaid (or merman, if you so choose). If you’re in on this, here’s what to buy now to channel Harry Styles and the mermaidcore designer fashion trend, including jewelry, jackets and more. Next time you go to a sushi restaurant, you’ll be totally on-trend. ‘Cause you know it’s not the same as it was – it’s much weirder and far more fun.
ready to ride the “Mermaidcore” designer fashion wave?
At only twenty-eight years-old, Harry Styles has already been many things. He’s been a member of the boy band One Direction; he’s been an actor (who may or may not have spit on castmate Chris Pine at the Don’t Worry Darling movie premiere); and of course, he’s been a popstar sensation – playing a residency at New York’s Madison Square Garden that subsequently filled the floors of our subway cars with loose, neon-bright feathers (if you know, you know). But most recently, the fashion-music-Tik-Tok icon has found himself with a new identity: a mermaid.
In the super-popular music video for his song “Music for a Sushi Restaurant,” Styles plays a merman who has washed up on shore, only to find himself in the unwanted possession of a sushi restaurant’s kitchen. Sound weird? Well, it is. But whether it’s the song’s catchy beat, or the charismatic presence of Styles himself, it’s also strangely inspiring.
As with everything Styles does, there’s something shockingly aspirational about his merman look – is it the whimsy? The fantasy? Or just the fact that seashells and feathers seem like they’d be a lot of fun to wear? We don’t know the answer, but we do know that we’re intrigued. And as always, we’re hoping to follow in Styles’ footsteps. If you too feel ready to hop on board the mermaid core train, here are a few ways to get started.
10 best options to embrace the Mermaidcore designer fashion trend
1. Coin Shell Charm Anklet
Let’s begin with something easy: it’s all about the shells. Who cares that it’s not summer? You’re a mermaid, and shells are a part of you – they’re a year-round accessory. If you notice in the video, Harry’s mermaid look is defined by the white strands of shells that he wears around his neck. And if you’re hoping to adopt some of these mermaid elements yourself, you’re definitely going to want to follow his lead. We love this coin shell charm anklet from Nest jewelry, which is made with golden and mother-of-pearl coins. This is a subtle way to add a little mermaid flair to any outfit – without going overboard.
BUY NOW: $195.00.
2. Suri Pearl Choker
Ready to make a bigger commitment to the mermaid lifestyle? Well, when that commitment involves a necklace as stunning as this one, who wouldn’t be? This pearl choker has an adjustable length, and is made with freshwater, cultured pearls. We never knew that mermaid style was so elegant!
BUY NOW: $448.00.
3. Seashell Mermaid Crown Adult
Look, part of the joy of Harry Styles is the way he makes fashion – and perhaps life itself – into something that’s fun. Something playful. If the playful is the part of mermaid core that you think is missing from your own life, consider adopting the most playful, most fun, most over-the-top part of the video: the crown. Mermaid core is all about blurring the line between fantasy and reality, and we think this bejeweled, seashell-bedazzled crown does a magical job of that. Make it yours.
BUY NOW: $219.00.
4. Pearl Cat Eye Sunglasses
Another iconic part of the Styles’ video ensemble? His sunglasses. And we think this Gucci pair offers a festive twist on the same concept. Pink lenses. White cat eye. And of course, the pearl studs – because what would a mermaid be, without their pearls? If you want to add just a hint of mermaid power to your otherwise-human aesthetic, these will do the trick.
BUY NOW: $662.00.
5. Harry Feathers Jacket
We’ve been talking a lot about mermaidcore jewelry – specifically, pearls and shells. But we haven’t even mentioned Styles’ actual signature accessory: the feather. Though feathers (and more specifically, feather boas) are not exactly sea-worthy, they are a major part of Styles’ (and his fans’) look. And we think that feathers play in the same visual sandbox, so to speak, as mermaid core does. They evoke that feeling of being a kid, and rifling through an old trunk full of costumes – pulling out items that are full of pizazz, even if they don’t exactly go. We love the feathers. And if you’re interested in mermaidcore, perhaps you love them too, especially on a jacket. Why not give this Harry Feathers Jacket a whirl? We know he’d be proud.
BUY NOW: $1,431.00.
6. Oceania Sleep Set
Maybe you consider yourself a little too much of an adult for feathers and rhinestones, but you still want to have some fun. We support you! Check out this sleep set from the always-wonderful Print Fresh. These could definitely be considered mermaid core, but they’re also a nice, normal pair of beautiful pajamas. Sleep comfortably, and enjoy your new seascape – a respectable amount of whimsy.
BUY NOW: $158.00.
7. The Scallop Shell
Apparently Katy Perry read our minds. Her new scalloped shell shoes come with a mermaid-worthy heel – we love these. Grab a pair, and next summer you’ll be able to strut around as a mermaid incognito. No one will even notice your shell-heels until they see you walking away.
BUY NOW: $109.00.
8. Powder Satin Shell Clutch with Swarovski Crystals
What is it about mermaid style that seems to go hand in hand with sparkles?, we aren’t sure, but we love this crystal-covered seashell clutch, which seems like the ideal way to add a fun, mermaid touch to a more serious ensemble. Choose between black and powder satin, and shine the way those magical sea creatures would want you to.
BUY NOW: $645.00.
9. Mermaid Leggings
You know when we all need a little phantasmagorical push? When we’re at the gym, of course. And that’s why we love these mermaid leggings, which make us feel like the powerful, confident sea creatures that we are. You’ll sparkle, you’ll shine, and with the high-waisted design – you’ll look as good as you feel.
BUY NOW: $98.00.
10. Music for a Sushi Restaurant Band T-Shirt
You’ve read through all these suggestions, and you’re not sure you’re ready to don your tail and your seashells. But you love Harry’s new music video, and you want to show your appreciation – and maybe give a little nod to the mermaid. Well, it doesn’t get better than this whimsical band tee, which sums up the vibe of the video better than words ever could. Throw this on, and begin your new, best life as a mermaid.
BUY NOW: $9.80.
Wardrobe Essentials to channel the “Mermaidcore” luxury fashion trend
There you have it – our 10 outfit ideas inspired by mermaidcore fashion trends. What do you think, dear reader? Are you in on this?