Every summer, a new aesthetic or “core” takes off on social media, influencing people everywhere to embody the look. First it was coastal grandmother, then it was Barbiecore, followed by brat girl summer. The latest viral trend reeling the internet in? Sardine girl summer.
Indeed. The fashion crowd have fallen hook, line, and sinker for the polarizing pantry item, wearing apparel, handbags, and jewelry featuring fish motifs and designs of the colorful, Mediterranean-inspired art often found on vintage tins. It’s rise in popularity was only natural after our eagle-eyed editors began noticing the fisherman aesthetic picking up steam over winter and spring. Now, “sardine-core” has even reached the home decor space, with several brands launching their own iterations of dishware, candles, and accent pieces.
If you’re interested in experimenting with the kitschy aesthetic but in a more tasteful manner, you’ve come to the right place. Ahead, Town & Country‘s favorite fish-themed fashion and accessories for a sardine girl summer to remember.
Sardine Jewelry
Naturally, our editors’ favorite way to channel the sardine aesthetic is through jewelry—no surprise there. It also happens to be one of the easiest. A simple, slender fish pendant or even gem-dotted fish earrings can instantly elevate an outfit, adding a playful yet polished touch to an otherwise understated look. Everything about them just screams summer.
While fish jewelry is nowhere near a new phenomenon (Jean Schlumberger famously created sea-inspired pieces), a slew of modern fine jewelry designers, like Grazia & Marica Vozza and Selim Mouzannar, have unveiled versions of their own that are perfect for mastering the trend. Looking for something a bit more contemporary? Ciao Lucia recently collaborated with éliou on a fun jewelry collection, or you can check out Lizzie Fortunato and Chan Luu—two other brands loved by the fashion set.
Monica Rich Kosann “Perseverance” Black Ceramic and 18K Gold Fish
Grazia & Marica Vozza Pesciolino Turquoise
Bottega Veneta Fish Earrings
Audrey C. Jewels Fragmented Fish Enamel and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Grainne Morton Fish Mutli Charm Bracelet
Selim Mouzannar Fish For Love Pendant Red Snapper Pink & Blue Sapphires
Chan Luu Orris Turquoise Earrings
Lizzie Fortunato Sardinia Pearl Necklace
CCWW Designs Jasper Swedish Fish Pendant
Eden Presley Swedish Fish Pendants
éliou x Ciao Lucia Elodie Necklace
Sardine Bags
Another fabulous way to style sardines? With a really fun purse, of course. After all, everyone knows no look is complete without the accessories. You can take things literal with a fish-shaped clutch or one of Staud’s viral tinned fish handbags, or opt for a more discreet style, like Bottega Veneta’s Sardine (which comes in tons of colorways and prints, by the way!) or Fendi’s scale-inspired bucket crossbody.
Olympia Le-Tan Sardines Embroidered Appliquéd Canvas Clutch
Edie Parker Fish Bag in Rainbow Trout
Serpui Theo Fish Clutch
Now 30% Off
J.Crew Handknotted Raffia Fish Bag
Sardine Fashion
If you’re feeling brave enough to go full-on sardine girl, there are a lot of fun pieces available this season, ranging for fishy-adorned matching sets, dresses, and swimwear to graphic t-shirts, crewnecks, and cardigans. Just imagine how cute the following picks would look during a beach day or on an upcoming summer getaway! Finish the outfit with a pair of fisherman sandals or boat shoes, and you’re all set.
Staud Procida Linen Skirt
Maeve Sardine Linen Blend Graphic Tee
Clare V. Sardine Oversized Graphic Sweatshirt
La DoubleJ Sexy One Piece Swimsuit
Hemline x Sigal Maxi Halter Dress Sardines
Camilla Printed Short Sundress
THE GREAT. The Bass Cardigan
White + Warren Cashmere Sardine Embroidered Crewneck
Sardine Home Decor
It’s not too late in the season to start re-decorating your summer home with fish decor. You can choose from sardine-adorned tableware and dishware for a fun and whimsical dinner party, silk throw cushions from Fornasetti for your sofa, and art for your walls. There’s even tinned fish candles and bathroom mats for a quirky coastaltouch.
Les-Ottomans Flat Hand-Painted Iron Tray
Fornasetti Sardine Silk Cushion
La Gallina Matta Sardines Embroidered Linen Cocktail Napkins
Sardine Tin 6 oz Scented Candle
Anthropologie Sardines Doormat
West Elm Sardine Melamine Outdoor Dinner Plate Sets
Now 25% Off
Zara Home Sardine Salt & Pepper Set
Rosa & Clara Designs Sardine Tins Risograph Print
Sophie Dweck is the Associate Shopping Editor for Town & Country, where she covers all things fashion, beauty and lifestyle, shares her expertise on the most worthwhile luxury products, tests and writes in-depth reviews on the very best essentials worth investing in, as well breaking news about the latest launches, and of course, reports on the biggest sales and deals to shop no matter the day. Some of her favorite items to date are Gwyneth Paltrow’s ski trial cardigan, the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser, and ZIIP’s microcurrent device. When Sophie isn’t testing state-of-the art beauty tech or breaking down TikTok aesthetics, she loves indulging in BonBon sweets (Sorbisars, for the win!) and finding the next trend before it goes viral.
