The release of the new Little Mermaid movie inspired me to re-read the original fairytale written by Hans Christian Andersen. The melancholic story of this tragic sea creature kept me awake at night as I pondered only the question – why do we long to be like the little mermaid, while all she wanted was to be a part of our world?
Anyways, the underwater world, where mythical allure and oceanic dreams come to life is definitely worthy of exploring and longing for. And in today's blog post, we will dive deep into the essence of Mermaidcore, unraveling its captivating elements, and uncovering the secrets to dressing up like a modern-day mermaid.
What Is a Mermaidcore?
Mermaidcore aesthetics is a whimsical fantasy-based aesthetic that has emerged as a popular trend in various online communities and social media platforms. Inspired by the mythical creature, the mermaid (or siren), this aesthetic revolves around the mystical allure of the sea, fantasy elements, and a celebration of femininity. Mermaidcore embraces a dreamy, ethereal, and otherworldly atmosphere, capturing the essence of underwater worlds and the wonders they hold.
At its core, Mermaidcore centers on the beauty of the ocean, incorporating a color palette reminiscent of the sea's depths. Soft shades of blues and greens, iridescent pastels, and shimmering metallics dominate this aesthetic, creating a sense of tranquility and magic. Seashells, pearls, and starfish are often utilized as symbols and motifs, further emphasizing the connection to the underwater realm.
Fashion plays a significant role in Mermaidcore, with flowing and ethereal silhouettes taking precedence. Garments with iridescent fabrics, sequins, and intricate embroidery are frequently incorporated to evoke the allure of mermaid scales. Accessorizing is also crucial, as individuals may adorn themselves with sea-themed jewelry, hair accessories, and even makeup that reflects the iridescence of the sea.
A Mermaid, 1900 John William Waterhouse, Oil on Canvas
It goes beyond visuals...
This aesthetic is also associated with a sense of freedom, mystery, and connection to nature. It encourages people to embrace their inner creativity, indulge in daydreams, and escape to an enchanting world where imagination knows no bounds. As a celebration of iconic femininity, Mermaidcore seeks to empower individuals to embrace their unique identities, reminding them that like mermaids, they too possess inherent strength, grace, and resilience that can navigate the tides of life with beauty and elegance.
“ Who would be
A mermaid fair,
Singing alone,
Combing her hair
Under the sea,
In a golden curl
With a comb of pearl,
On a throne?”
The Rising Popularity of Mermaidcore
The popularity of this water-based athletics can be attributed to its ability to tap into a sense of nostalgia, escapism, and the desire for a more magical and imaginative world. In an age where people are increasingly seeking respite from the pressures of daily life, Mermaidcore offers a fantastical realm that allows individuals to retreat into a dreamlike escape.
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest have played a significant role in amplifying the popularity of Mermaidcore. As users share mesmerizing images and videos featuring mermaid-inspired aesthetics, the trend quickly spreads, capturing the attention of a vast and diverse audience. Influencers, artists, and content creators have embraced Mermaidcore, incorporating it into their style, art, and content, further fueling its appeal.
A maxi dress Shahmaran in Hawaiian Gardenia by Ilkyaz Ozel
The Rebirth of Mermaid Aesthetics
In May of 2023, we've all seen a live-action adaptation of "The Little Mermaid," a beloved animated Disney film originally released in 1989. Despite the criticism and polarizing reviews, Disney's Little Mermaid revigorated the love of mermaids and underwater adventures. From Mattel's release of the new Ariel doll, inspired by the movie to the high-end Ilkyaz Ozel collection inspired by the iridescent scales and clos-t-body silhouettes.
The mermaid trend has taken over social media and internet searches and doesn't seem to be going away any time soon. Although, it will probably be pushed out of the trends by Barbiecore. What do you think?
How to Dress Mermaidcore?
If you're looking for a way to embrace the mermaid-core aesthetic, you'll need a few ideas that will inspire your alternative fashion style.
- Wear Iridescent Colors
Embrace the mesmerizing colors of the ocean by wearing clothing with an iridescent sheen. Look for clothing in shades of aqua, seafoam green, lavender, pearl, and shimmering blues and purples.
- Sequins, Sparkles, and Sea Shells
Add some magical sparkle to your outfits with sequined tops, skirts, or accessories. Sequins can mimic the shimmer of fish scales and create a mermaid-like effect. Incorporate jewelry and accessories inspired by the sea, such as seashell necklaces, starfish earrings, or even pieces shaped like dolphins or seahorses.
- Flowy and Ethereal Fabrics
Opt for flowing and lightweight fabrics like chiffon, tulle, or organza to give your outfits an ethereal, underwater feel. Maxi dresses and skirts that sway as you move can also add to the fantasy vibe.
- Incorporate Aquatic Prints
Look for clothing with aquatic-themed prints, such as scales, waves, or underwater flora and fauna. These patterns can be subtle or bold, depending on your preference. If you're feeling adventurous, consider wearing a mermaid tail skirt that flares out at the bottom, reminiscent of a mermaid's tail. These skirts often come in shiny or iridescent fabrics.
Photo: Isamaya Ffrench
You Have to Try Mermaidcore Makeup!
Your mermaid-inspired style will certainly need matching makeup! Mermaids love all things glittery and sparkly, but at the same time, this aesthetic certainly accepts a softer, subtler approach to makeup. When aiming for a mermaidcore makeup your goal is to create a magical and otherworldly appearance that captures the essence of these water creatures. Here are some key elements and tips for the look:
- Iridescent Base: Start with a radiant and dewy complexion as the base for your Mermaidcore makeup. Use a luminous foundation or BB cream to achieve a fresh, glowing skin finish.
- Ethereal Eyes: Focus on the eyes to create a mesmerizing look. Use iridescent and shimmery eyeshadows in shades of blue, turquoise, aqua, seafoam green, lavender, and other pastel hues. Blend the colors together to achieve a gradient effect, mimicking the enchanting colors of the ocean. Add a touch of holographic or duochrome eyeshadow on the center of the eyelids for an otherworldly gleam.
- Glitter and Gems: Embrace glitter to enhance the mermaid vibe. Apply fine, cosmetic-grade glitter to the eyelids or lower lash line. You can also use adhesive gemstones or rhinestones to create a magical, underwater-inspired look.
- Luminous Highlighter: Choose a dewy type of highlighter and apply it on the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of the nose. This will give your skin a radiant, ethereal glow.
- Mermaid Lips: For the lips, choose soft and pastel shades like pink, corals, or lavender, or opt for metallic and iridescent lip colors to match the theme. Consider adding a touch of shimmer or lip gloss to achieve a lustrous, underwater effect.
Let's wrap up...
It is time to wrap up today's exploration. I love mermaid-themed fashion and makeup looks! With its iridescent colors, flowing silhouettes, and ocean-inspired details, Mermaidcore provides a unique opportunity to embrace one's inner fantasy and creativity. I am especially good in thematic settings – the birthday and Halloween atmosphere wouldn't be complete without a touch of this style.
In a nutshell (or seashell?), Mermaidcore offers endless possibilities for self-expression. Just remember to play with colors, experiment with makeup, and let your imagination dive deep into the ocean's depths.