How to Look Like a Fantasy Sea Siren Every Day: the Modern Mermaid

Last spring and summer, ocean-inspired motifs were trending. This year, that dip in the pool became a full-blown dive into the depths of the mermaid fantasy. And what girl doesn’t want to look like a mermaid? Besides its sexy siren connotations, this fantasy look reminds us of the beach and summertime no matter what season we’re in. It’s not just good for evening because modern mermaid style can be incorporated into wearable daytime outfits. Traditional coastal wardrobe pieces are melding with sequins, pearls and shiny embellishments as well as luminescent fabrics and sea colors. Be assured that this is definitely something you can do! So let’s take a look at what is being called Mermaidcore.  😉

What Is Mermaidcore?

Mermaidcore is a new trendy name for a style that has been around since the 1930’s.

The quintessential mermaid silhouette is said to be created by French couturier Marcel Rochas and was showcased on haute couture catwalks in the early twentieth century. Soon after, the design was cemented in fashion-forward circles like Jean Patou, whose “aquatic-inspired gown appeared in a 1933 issue of Vogue,” per Fashion magazine. — From People magazine

The modern mermaid look is made up of the following:

• Iridescent sequined tops, skirts, and even accessories serve big mermaid energy without looking like a costume.
• Scalloped edges and patterns evoke the scales of a fish.
• Liquid metallic fabrics spring from the watery depths to give you sex appeal.
• Get your fins with asymmetric or fishtail hems on skirts and dresses.
• Clamshells make us think of a full, pleated skirt, but stretch beyond that to wear whatever you have with pleats.

  

• Ocean motifs such as seashells, starfish and other sea creatures, etc., all make a mermaid-y fashion statement.
• Bikini tops make this the perfect beach look.
• Sparkly Lurex swimwear makes you glitter in the sun.
• Nautical textures like distressed fringe, netting and crochet come to mind when thinking of fishing nets.
• Live life like you’re the catch of the day every day with long sleeves or a maxi skirt in close-knit netting. Halfway between traditional fishnet and the slightly more elevated open knit fabrics, this style is sultry while still offering some coverage.

• Speaking of netting, wear whatever crochet pieces you have.
• Along the same (fishing) lines, you can easily incorporate fishnets and/or open knits into your outfits.
• Wear ruffles to mimic ocean waves.
• Imagine that you’re shipwrecked, but make it fashion. For this street-style-inspired approach to the trend, look for distressed denim, and don’t be afraid to move past jeans into skirts and even dresses.
• Another shipwrecked style on the runways is shredded clothing; such as a cotton string top.

• Sheer layers create an ethereal look.
• Inside the clamshells are the beauty of iridescence and pearl embellishments.

The Colors of Sand & Sea

You can easily use sea and sand colors as the inspiration for any basic outfit.

Here are some colors to use in your mermaidcore outfit:

• Think of prints and shimmering fabrics in shades of blue, green and purple:  the colors of the mermaid scales.
• Try watercolor blues and deep-sea blues.
• Don the beauty of the coral reefs in all shades of coral.
• Envision yourself in flowing, hazy sunset hues.
• Wear sensible sand-color separates to ground your look.
• Nautical colors and patterns, such as navy blue and white connote the sea life where mermaids are found.

Finishing Touches:  Hair, Accessories & Makeup

If you would like an allover mermaid vibe, you can do your hair, accessories and makeup with the same inspo as your clothes. Or you can just base your outfit on one idea originating from your vision of a mermaid and let your finishing touches be your usual favorites.

Modern Mermaid Hair

You can add effortless waves or curls. Or you might just want to wear one long braid. Or slick your hair back into a neat braided bun or pony tail. Then add modern mermaid hair accessories if you like. Blue hair is optional.

Choose Accessories From the Sea

If you were a mermaid, what beautiful things might you find in sea life to adorn yourself with? Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Elevated Mermaidcore is all about subtle oceanic textures. Think organically shaped saltwater pearls and mother-of-pearl, which have the silky sheen found inside seashells.
• Envision yourself dripping in pearls;
• choose sparkling gemstones in blues and greens, like baubles from the sea;
• shell-shaped accessories;
• pieces of rope cording to string a pendant upon;
• starfish for pendants, hair decorations, etc.;
• sea creatures for your hair and jewelry;
• fish brooches.

The Face of a Mermaid

For makeup, start with dewy skin. Then you might like to add the same sea-inspired colors that are mentioned in the color section above. Finish with a touch of shimmer and shine.

Creating Your Outfit

Take a look at what you have to wear that would be fit for a mermaid. Use the listings above.

The first thing I did was pull out my ocean-motif jewelry and put them all in one place so they’re easy to see:  shell necklaces, a sparkly starfish pendant, seed pearls and various other pearl pieces, a golden sun pendant on a ropelike cord.

Then look for the colors, textures and shapes. I’m reaching for my aqua sequined t-shirt. I also have crochet pieces. I’ll bet you do, too. Same with fishnet stockings. How about ruffles? I have some ruffled tops. Maybe you have a ruffled skirt or two as well. If you have taken to the distressed blue jean or distressed t-shirt look, pair that with a sexy/sparkly top or bottom.

When I’m done with this blog post, I’ll be looking through my wardrobe to find all the clothes I have with mermaid qualities. Writing them down helps me to pair them up with each other in different combinations, ready to wear.

Balance is key when creating modern mermaid look. To keep from looking like you’re wearing a costume, pair with everyday basics such as tees or linen pieces for day, or with something simple for evening like a slip dress in nautical navy. For instance, try a gold sequin top with sand cargo pants.

Are you going to try on some mermaidcore this summer? Remember that you can wear the colors, shapes and materials in cold weather as well. Just use warmer clothes such as blue-green, embellished mohair, boots, etc. Let me know if you get new outfit ideas from this post. Please leave a reply in the comments below!

Let’s Connect!

Like this post? You might also like to read:

• “How to Add a Touch of Romance With Lace & Crochet”
• “Over 25 Outfit Ideas to Give You the Greatest Enjoyment Wearing a Crochet Skirt”
• “How to Wear Sheer Clothing With Confidence”

Do you have a friend who would like this?  Please use the Share buttons.

Never miss a post! Get new content each week by email. Send your request by clicking “Subscribe” in the form at top, or fill out the form for my newsletter on the right. That would be a great help in keeping this blog going. You can unsubscribe at any time with a simple click.

I now have a Shop page where you can purchase for a nominal price one of my Style Guides. Over time, I will add more and more. Please support Your True Self. Visit my Shop HERE!

Please follow Your True Self Blog on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and/or Bloglovin.

This post is linked up with #WowOnWednesday at Is This Mutton?

Thanks for visiting Your True Self!

Angie

Related posts:

How to Wear Shimmery Clothes for Day: Make Your Special Pieces Useful How to Get the Rock Chic Look 6 Style Tips and Outfit Ideas for Wearing Pearls in Old and New Ways

Style Inspiration, Ways to Wear It

Fashion, Pearls, Sequins, Sparkle & Shine, Summer Style