Calling All Summer Sirens

Sorry to anyone who takes personal offense to this, but traditional mermaidcore is so 2016. Still, we do love the overall aesthetic: shells, fish, and that shipwreck-chic look that the warmest months of the year so desperately call for. So, for summer 2026, we’ve decided to give mermaidcore a long-overdue rebrand; I present to you, the summer siren.

It’s still mermaid-inspired, but just a bit more elevated. Think crochet, netting, nautical motifs, colorful palettes, and gauzy fabrics. It’s for the whimsical girls who want to give that “I just came from the beach” energy all summer long. Ahead, shop the summer siren look with the chicest clothes, shoes, bags, and so much more.

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Tops

If Ariel collected buttons (among many other things), chances are she’d wear them, too. Therefore, embellishments are intrinsically siren attire—as are all things crocheted.

Bottoms

If mermaids had legs, what kind of bottoms would they wear? I had so much fun pondering that question while working on this. I landed on balloon pants, leg-baring minis, and sarongs, naturally.

Dresses

For some reason I can’t quite explain, paillettes are a big part of the summer siren look (maybe because they resemble glimmering scales?) That said, you can also take a non-gleaming approach with sunset-inspired hues and summery prints.

Shoes

Here, we have options that run the gamut. From more on-the-nose takes on the trend, like silver cowrie shells on sleek black wedges, to more subtle variations, like open-weave sneakerinas, there’s no shortage of ways to bring the summer siren into your wardrobe this season.

Bags

Have you ever seen a more playful collection of purses? From the terrycloth Missoni to the shark bag from JW Pei, let’s have fun with our accessories this summer.

Accessories

The chunky necklace. The ear cuff. The scarf. I’m geeked over this entire story, but this section in particular sparks so much joy. Being a summer siren is fun!

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