When Dua Lipa wore a Versace mermaid dress to the 2020 American Music Awards, I instantly had flashbacks to watching H2O and Aquamarine as a kid and wanting to be a mermaid at least for one day. (Come on, you know you did too.) Versace's S/S 21 runway collection heavily featured everything of the under-the-sea variety (down to the models' wet-hair looks), and the trending theme has only gotten bigger since then. I know what you're thinking—it's obvious. Summer is the time for beaches and seaside vacations, so why not carry the theme into your ensembles? I just didn't see it coming in such a big wave, that's all. (No pun intended.)
From prints that mix in mermaids and dolphins to summer colorways featuring blue-toned ocean hues, there's a lot to love about this beach-ready trend.
Rixo
Lucile Printed Crepe Maxi Dress
I dream about this dress on a daily basis.
Notte Jewelry
Lucky Dolphin Earrings
You can't tell me this isn't the cutest pair of earrings you've ever seen.
Urban Outfitters
Shell Metal Claw Clip
The perfect way to clip back your beachy waves.
Zara
Tie Dye Slip Dress
How beautiful are these ocean tones?
(Image credit: @monikh)
Rixo
Payton Printed Crepe Blouse
Rixo is known for its florals, but I may have found a new favorite print.
Lisa Says Gah x Subliming
It Comes in Waves
I love this collab between Lisa Says Gah and Subliming.
(Image credit: @dualipa)
Patbo
Embellished Underwired Bikini Top
This will surely make a statement at the beach.
Rixo
Holly Printed Silk-Crepe Midi Dress
Funky perfection.
Versace
Jersey Bodysuit
Straight from the runway.
Versace
Trésor de la Mer Gold-Tone, Enamel and Crystal Earrings
How luxe?
& Other Stories
Cropped Shell Button Rib Knit Cardigan
Perfect little shell buttons.
Versace
La Medusa Printed Triangle Bikini Top
Now that's a solid swimsuit.
Zimmermann
Cassia Crochet Bikini Set in Beige
The shell detail adds a little something.
Fisch
Grenadins Bikini Top
Kitschy but cute.
Eliou
Delphin Earrings
I have no words.
(Image credit: @devapollon)
Frankies Bikinis
Tia String Triangle Bikini Top
A striking ocean print.
Gimaguas
Blue Ma'Am Waves Shirt
Keep it wavy, baby.
Frankies Bikinis x Revolve
Jax Bucket Hat in Ocean Tie Dye
The perfect hat to pack in your beach bag.
Patbo
Cutout Embellished Underwired Swimsuit
You can't tell me you wouldn't want to show up to a pool party in this.
After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, Yusra Siddiqui found her way to the team after graduating with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, Nylon, and Allure. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest social media trends, and diving deep into all things Gen Z-related.