This "Tacky" 2016 Summer Trend Is Back and More Elegant Than Ever

When it comes to summer style, there's something in the water. After years of a minimalist movement prevailing in style, a new sense of dress is taking shape. Blame it on the spring/summer 2026 'big reshuffle' that we witnessed in September 2025 fashion month—where 16 new creative directors debuted their spring seasonal collections at major luxury houses. In this, new design codes were written, and as such, new trends.

Since the spring collections debuted, we have seen autumn/winter 2026 as well as pre-fall and cruise shows. Of all of these, none made waves quite like Chanel Cruise. Located in Biarritz and showcasing mermaids in the campaign imagery, and a clam shell invite, the mood was clear: mermaidcore was back.

Back in 2016, "mermaidcore" was quite the buzzword. Sky Ferreira and Katy Perry were just two that championed washed out blue, almost seafoam hair colour that was trending on Tumblr. Like many trends from this year, it's making a bit of a comeback in 2026. But not in the way that you know it. This isn't holographic Topshop sequin tops with iridescent PVC shoes (two items I wore on repeat), this time it feels much more elevated. Think crochet dresses and netted scarves worn on the waist that appear almost like fish nets. Think seashell jewellery and beaded embroidery. Oh, and think teal and pink colour palettes that spark joy and feel just loosely reminiscent of The Little Mermaid.

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5 MICRO MERMAID TRENDS

1. Aquamarine Hues

Style Notes: Another year, another major Y2K microtrend. The 2000s era turned out many questionable colour trends—be it lilac to mint green, bubblegum pink or silver, each trending colour felt as unique and a vibrant as the last. But the use of teal, aquamarine and even seafoam have to be the most obviously tied to the mermaid theme. Not only did we see a full sequin look at Chanel in this shade, but I've also seen it doing the rounds on social, too.

2. Cool Crochet + Netted Details

Style Notes: Crochet comes in and out of favour every few years, but lately it's felt less boho-chic, and a little more beach babe. Whether it's in white and styled with a shell necklace, or more of a netted detail with a waist-scarf, a headscarf or skull cap, these netted details are giving fish net in the best way.

3. Accessor-seas

Style Notes: Star fish earrings! Coral-adorned necklaces! Sea horses! And fish earrings, brooches, bracelets, everything! This year is all about 'jewellerymaxxing', and one of the biggest, brightest microtrends to spawn off this is the under-the-sea theme it seems to be taking. Forget quiet luxury, it's all about sea-themed accessories!

4. Sea Shells

Style Notes: Shells are another key sub-trend to fall in this mermaid mood. In jewellery, this feels quite expected as far as summer trends go, the occasional shell earring or fresh water pearl necklace is hardly unusual, but we're seeing shell-adorned sandals, oyster motifs on tops as well as mother of pearl buttons which have a shell-like sheen to them. Cute!

5. Scale-Like Sequins

Style Notes: Probably the most obvious detail in mermaid-themed fashion would be sequin ready-to-wear. This isn't just your average sequins, however, we're talking those in these core bold mermaid tones like turquoise and pink, with gradient or ombré two-tone shades, tropical flower motifs as well as those layered in a way that almost feel like scales.