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

In recent years, ocean-inspired motifs were trending. That dip in the pool has become a full-blown dive into the depths of the mermaid fantasy. Well, 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! What was previously termed Mermaidcore, has grown up into what is now being called Summer Siren. So age doesn’t matter.

This post is updated to reflect the ever-changing styles of modern life.

What Is the Summer Siren Look?

Summer Siren is the latest 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 new term, Summer Siren, reflects a more elevated and sophisticated take on the traditional mermaid aesthetic.

The Summer Siren Look Is Made Up of the Following

Let’s start with the key features of the updated style called the Summer Siren.

Key Features of the Summer Sea Siren:

Whimsical Styles:  Think of designing your outfits to embody a playful, beach-inspired look.

Elevated Aesthetic:  The Summer Siren incorporates elements like crochet, netting, and nautical motifs.

• Live life like you’re the catch of the day every day with long sleeves or a maxi skirt in close-knit netting. This material is halfway between traditional fishnet and the slightly more elevated open knit fabrics. The style appears sultry while still offering some coverage.  

• Speaking of netting, wear whatever crochet pieces you have.
• Nautical textures like distressed fringe, netting and crochet come to mind when thinking of fishing nets.

Colorful Palettes: Expect vibrant colors and summery prints that evoke a beachy vibe.

The Colors of Sand & Sea

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

Here are some examples of colors to use in your Summer Siren outfits:

• 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.

More Features of the Summer Siren Look:

• Iridescent sequined tops, skirts, and even accessories serve big mermaid energy without looking like a costume.
• Sparkly Lurex swimwear makes you glitter in the sun.
• Liquid metallic fabrics spring from the watery depths to give you sex appeal.
• Bikini tops make this the perfect beach look.
  

  

• Ocean motifs such as seashells, starfish and other sea creatures, etc., all make a mermaid-y fashion statement.
• 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.
• Scalloped edges and patterns evoke the scales of a fish.
• 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.
• Inside the clamshells are the beauty of iridescence and pearl embellishments.

Finishing Touches:  Hair, Accessories & Makeup

If you would like an allover mermaid vibe, you can do your hair, accessories and makeup with the same inspiration 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 ponytail. Follow up with 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:

1. Summer Siren accessories highlight playful bags and shell motifs.
2. This look is all about subtle oceanic textures. Think organically shaped saltwater pearls and mother-of-pearl, which have the silky sheen found inside seashells.
3. Envision yourself dripping in pearls.
4. Choose sparkling gemstones in blues and greens, like baubles from the sea.
5. Choose shell-shaped accessories. 
   

   

6. Put on your fish brooches or buy some.
7. Wear pieces of rope cording to string a pendant upon.
8. Focus on the starfish for pendants, hair decorations, etc.
9. Use sea creature designs for your hair and jewelry.

The Face of a Summer Sea Siren

For makeup, start with dewy skin. Follow that by adding the same sea-inspired colors that are mentioned in the color section above. Finish with a touch of shimmer and shine.

Here are the basics of the look:

• Glowing skin (hydrate, tinted moisturizer or BB cream, highlighter on high points)
• Sea-glass eyes (blues, greens, purples topped with shimmer)
• Watercolor blush (well blended with blurred edges)
• Mermaid shimmer (anywhere over the face)
• Glossy lips

And Now, It’s Time to Create 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.

Secondly, 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 and a dress. 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.

And finally, 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 the 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.

Remember that you can wear these colors, shapes and materials in cold weather as well. Just add more layers and wear warmer clothes such as blue-green embellished mohair, boots, etc. 

Are you going to try the Summer Siren look? I would love to hear from you. Please leave a reply in the comments below to tell us how you wear this style!

More From Your True Self

Like this post? Here are some related subjects:

• “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”

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Thanks for visiting Your True Self!

Angie

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Style Inspiration, Ways to Wear It

Accessories, Asymmetric Style, Crochet Skirts, Denim, Fashion, Pearls, Ruffles, Sequins, Sheer, Sparkle & Shine, Spring/Summer Colors, Summer Style