Okay, I have a confession: I have wanted to be a mermaid since I was about six years old, sitting far too close to the television, singing along to "Part of Your World" like it was a personal audition. Something about it just never left me. So when I pulled this dreamy, shell-toned look together with a few pieces from @altardstate, I genuinely gasped a little. My Ariel moment had finally arrived, and yes, I made everyone within earshot look at the photos.
Mermaidcore is one of those aesthetics that sounds like it should be complicated and costume-y, but it really isn't. To me it lives right next door to my usual soft, coquette, princess-y world. It is all the same longing, honestly, just with a little seafoam poured over it. Instead of my usual ballet pinks I leaned into watery blues, iridescent shimmer, and those pearly, shell-like textures that catch the light every time you move.
Building the Look
I started with a flowy, slightly sheer piece in the softest washed-out blue — the kind of fabric that moves like a current when there is even a hint of a breeze. That did most of the heavy lifting. From there I layered in tiny details that whisper "mermaid" rather than shout it: a delicate shell pendant, a stray pearl here and there, and a cuff that looked like something I had found washed up on a very glamorous beach. The trick with any -core aesthetic is restraint. One or two magical touches feel enchanting; ten start to feel like a themed party.
Naturally, not everything came brand new. If you have been around here a while, you know I cannot help myself. A couple of the shell-y accessories were little thrifted treasures I had been hoarding for exactly this kind of moment, and I re-strung one necklace so it sat just right. If you are curious how I approach all of that mending-and-making magic, I ramble about it endlessly over on my about page. Thrifting and upcycling are basically my love language at this point.
Making It Feel Like Ariel
The beauty part is where I really let myself play. I kept my skin luminous and dewy, like I had just surfaced, then washed a little aqua and lilac across the lids with the tiniest bit of pearlescent shimmer in the inner corners. As a redhead, I always feel like cool watery tones and my hair were made for each other, so I leaned all the way in and let those coppery strands be my version of Ariel's flame-red waves. A soft glossy lip, a touch of highlight on the cheekbones, and suddenly I felt like I could dive off a rock and befriend a crab.
I filmed a little of the getting-ready process too, because honestly the transformation is half the fun, and it is already living over on my YouTube if you want to watch me fuss over shell placement for far too long. There is something so joyful about dressing up as the version of yourself your six-year-old heart dreamed about. That is really what mermaidcore is to me: permission to be a little whimsical, a little soft, and completely unbothered about whether it is "too much."
If this look tempted you even a tiny bit, please try it and tag me. I want to see your shells, your seafoam eyeshadow, your best under-the-sea daydream. Come find me and share the magic. #liviasloves 🐚💗🌊