2023 is already making pop culture history. Barbiecore aesthetic, with its signature pink, came out strong before Valentine’s Day, fueling anticipation of this summer’s upcoming Barbie movie. Premiering in July, the film promises to be an artful celebration of Barbie’s 21st-century progressive reboot. Meanwhile, another icon was working her magic on resort and award season fashion trends, and sneaking up to the lead with a May movie debut – The Little Mermaid!
The excitement about the live action movie and the casting of Halle Bailey has been sizzling for a while. Combine that heat with this year’s bold, maximalist palette and fashion’s annual resort collections, and you have a perfect storm for the next big thing – Mermaidcore! This trend seems to have grown organically within the design industry, and it’s not surprising. People are taking vacations again, and Mermaidcore’s iridescent sheens, sea glass hues, and nautical motifs make for endless ways to indulge
Mermaidcore has been dominating fashion runways and red carpet trends, and that popularity is now being reflected in decor, for personal spaces and events of all sorts. Expect to see Mermaid-inspired prom, wedding, and birthday themes and attire, as well as in everyday settings. We’ve noticed this enchanting aesthetic trending in our most popular bouquets, so we decided to take a closer look at Mermaidcore and give you an overview of the trend and how to get into it yourself.
What is Mermaidcore?
Mermaids have had a niche in literature and popular culture for as long as stories have been told. The water goddess, from Greek and Roman mythology to ancient African and South American lore, typically represents the darker elements of beauty and seduction. Contemporary PG- and G-rated depictions of mermaids, like Splash! and Disney’s retelling of The Little Mermaid, captured the attention of younger audiences, making mermaid fashion and decor a multigenerational favorite.
Cut to 2023 amidst a bubbling anticipation for the new Little Mermaid movie, and we have the birth of Mermaidcore. With the look showing up increasingly on the runway, Mermaidcore made an unforgettable splash at the Golden Globe Awards, securing its status as one of 2023’s hottest trends. But much like Barbiecore, behind the aesthetic is a redefinition of iconic beauty and an expanded, inclusive message of feminism.
Mermaidcore in Fashion
This look is a perfect pairing with maximalist fashion, with shimmering shades of blue and green, dramatic shapes, and a sea of accessory options. Look for skirts with full and billowing or form fitting trumpet shapes, textured fabrics, and colors reminiscent of ocean life. Watery greens and blues, sea-life inspired hues of coral, pink, and shell are the foundation of the mermaidcore palette. Midriff baring tops are making a splash with seashell inspired elements, and sheer, cut-out, and crochet fabrics make for sexy summer fashion.
Accessories are essential to the mermaidcore aesthetic. Silk, fishnet, and sequins in clothing are repeated in accents to complete the look. Pearls and sea glass-inspired gems adorn jewelry, handbags, belts, and shoes.
The wet look is a natural for mermaidcore, with dewy skin and shimmering color for eyes, cheeks, and lips. Whether you go for a subtle glow or add delicate jewels or pearls, the sea-kissed look is right on trend. Mother-of-pearl and aquamarine mani and pedicures give head-to-toe mermaidcore energy.
Mermaid-Inspired Decor
It’s no surprise that mermaidcore has made its way into home and office decor. Of course, mermaids and mermaid tails are popular in wall hangings, fabrics, knick knacks, and more. Shell-shaped lamps and pearl-encrusted items are popular accents. The shell motif is spotted in dishes, candleholders, vases, and other decorative additions.
Look for pillows, throws, and other fabric accents in vivid aquamarine or coral tones. As with clothing and accessories, go with silk, satin, sequins, fishnet, and crochet. Neutral tones in shell and sand hues work well, too. For the adventurous, iridescent and mother of pearl finishes are trending for DIY furniture projects.
Bringing the aesthetic into your space is a simple matter of adding mermaid inspired details that complement your existing decor. Plants and flowers are perfect for this look, with their green foliage and brilliant floral hues. Orchids, big leafy plants, and succulents give a tropical feel, and bouquets in blue, pink, or coral provide a pop of mermaid color to any room.
Spring and Summer Entertaining with Mermaidcore
Mermaidcore is fun and eye-catching, and it just exudes spring and summer fun. Both the fashion and decor are showing up in celebrity social scenes. To capture the magic, you can tailor your look to almost any occasion, from formal event to beach or pool party. In this age of expressing our unique selves, infusing your look with the mermaid aesthetic is a matter of individual style.
There’s plenty of inspiration in the media for curating your look. For an evening out, maximalism is right on trend. In more casual, low-key social settings, a mermaid-inspired top and an accessory or two give distinct mermaidcore vibes. If your style is more minimalist, you can still rock the look!
For those who love to entertain, mermaidcore is full of options that are perfect for the season. Sea-inspired serveware, glasses, and dishes in watery or neutral colors complement mermaid themes, and decor for entertaining incorporates the fishnet, mother-of-pearl, and shimmery textiles and finishes on a grander scale. Refreshments reminiscent of cruises and resorts work well here. Colorful drinks with exotic garnishes and fruit and seafood are great choices. Accent with plants and some of our most popular bouquets in mermaidcore hues, and the nautical vibe will be memorable!
Mermaidcore-Inspired Plants and Flowers from The Bouqs
We are excited about the mermaidcore aesthetic, because we have so many options to fit the bill! With plenty of live plants with a tropical look, including vividly hued orchids, and exotic bouquets in blue, pink, and coral, we have the right flowers for your mermaid inspired events, whether big and showy or more subtle. Order ahead, or have flowers delivered tomorrow. We’re ready to complement your mermaidcore look with the freshest, longest lasting blooms!
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