How to try the sardine girl summer trend without going overboard

Of all the aesthetics to emerge this season, the sardine-girl summer trend may be the most surprising. What began as a niche internet fascination—think retro sardine tins, enamel shell jewelry, and fish motifs splashed across ready-to-wear—has quietly crossed over into the fashion mainstream. While the craze can sometimes skew kitsch, there’s a more refined way to approach the trend if overly playful pieces don’t naturally align with your taste or personal style. Think less costume, more whimsical winks and nods: a breezy oyster-print dress, a sculptural fish-handle bag, or a fish embroidered on a cap.

At its core, the look channels a certain coastal sensibility, not unlike the fisherman aesthetic or coastal-grandmother movement: sun-drenched, lived-in, and just off-kilter enough to feel interesting. There’s a play between vintage ephemera and modern minimalism, with textures like crochet, raffia, and washed cotton lending a tactile feel to ground otherwise eccentric motifs. And while the viral beaded sardine bag is certainly having a moment, subtler interpretations can be just as chic.

It’s about styling with intent: mixing clean lines with organic shapes, styling sea-inspired styles with textural accents, and letting playful details emerge in thoughtful doses. Ahead, five looks that channel the sardine-girl mood without taking the bait too literally.

Crochet Co-Ords With a Sardine Bag

A sage open-stitch set nods to coastal tones with an airy texture that still feels refined. Strappy kitten heels keep the look sleek, while a sardine-handled raffia bag adds just the right dose of whimsy. Iridescent abalone earrings tie it together with a subtle, sea-inspired glint.

Bohemian-Inspired Separates With a Salty Twist

A boatneck blouse with scalloped trim and drawstring trousers are easy, laid-back summer staples. For a playful wink to the trend, it doesn’t get better than this sardine-shaped mini bag against a minimalist backdrop of neutrals.

A Less Literal Sea-Inspired Dress

Printed with fine-lined oysters, this halter dress takes a subtle, elevated approach to the trend. Tonal black accessories—sleek flip-flops, a woven tote, and sculptural silver earrings—keep the look grounded and considered, offering an elegant take on the otherwise quirky theme.

The Cheeky Tee and Denim Bermuda Combo

The ultimate unfussy take: a clamshell tee and long-line denim shorts styled with woven flats. An embroidered sardine cap leans into the theme with just a wink.

The Bold Vacation-Ready Set

This printed short set channels retro souvenir energy without veering into costume territory. Layer it over a bikini and finish with a netted tote and a small sardine charm necklace to keep the vacation vibe playful but not cheesy.

Lead image: Courtesy of brands

This article originally appeared on Harper'sBazaar.com
 

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