“I wanna see I wanna see, wanna see ’em dancin’. Walkin’ around on those—, what do you call ’em? Oh, feet!” Ariel sings. Lacing up my pink pointe shoes, I am ready to get dancing mermaid style!

Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid directed by Rob Marshall hit theaters recently, and with more than three decades between this film and the 1989 animated classic, nostalgia is in the water. The film stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, and JOnah Hauer-King as Prince Eric. Alan Menken, the original film’s superstar composer, and Lin Manuel-Miranda teamed up to create the film’s revived musical numbers and new songs. We’re ready to dance and dive right in!

Ready-for-summer mermaid fashion is hotter than the sun on the beach. Imaginative, fun, and fin-tastic, you can make a splash with this style. Harper’s Bazaar says, “The mermaid-core spectrum ranges from lightly nautical to full-on Aquamarine, depending on the designer.” Think pearls, shell-shapes, and sequins. Woman’s Wear Daily knows that “Fashion trends ebb and flow like the ocean’s tide,” but this aquatic style has splendidly made waves in the world of fashion. Major fashion houses and designers such as Versace, Bottega Veneta, and Balmain have all served mermaid-inspired looks on Fashion Week runways.

There are so many ways you can interpret this mer-mazing viral fashion trend and make it all your own. “Look at this stuff. Isn’t it neat?” Ariel makes waves and is an inspiration to be brave, dream big, and follow your heart. The dress code here is confidence with a splash of undersea style. Clap your hands and flip your fins for these danceable looks inspired by the Little Mermaid herself.

Mer-fit

Let’s be mermaids! For your mermaid-inspired dance outfit, start with a leotard you love. The mermaid-core color palette ranges from ocean blue and sea green to coral pink and sea urchin purple. In true mer-fashion, think fabric textures like lace, mesh, or even crushed velvet to mirror rippling waves.

“A seashell is never empty. It is filled with many things. It holds the sounds of crashing waves and the songs that mermaids sing.”

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Silhouette is a big part of the mermaid look. Skirts are an easy and danceable way to get that mermaid tail effect and are complimented by leg warmers, a mermaid tee, or even a dance sweater.

De-tails

Scuttle says to grab your dinglehopper and start brushing out your sea-swept hair! There is so much style in the details of this aesthetic. Pearls, shells, and all things shimmer can take you look to a new level.

“Who says that my dreams, have to stay just my dreams.”

Ariel, The Little Mermaid

Add your favorite hair accessory or jewelry to the ensemble! I added a lovely white pearl necklace and a pink starfish hairclip to my ballet bun for some sparkle.

All (Mer)-made Up

Shimmer like a mermaid! Inspired by the oceanic looks in fashion magazines that feature dewy and glowy makeup, the theme here is mermaid-core. For my studio-ready look, I went for sparkle eyeshadow, iridescent liptstick in a Coral Reef shade, and my favorite part, a highlighter. Glow from across the room like the ocean reflecting sunshine.

“Like seashells, we are beautiful and unique, each with a story to tell.”

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Ariel loves to dance and has a beautiful sense of creativity and wonder for the world around her. Be inspired to dream! Make a splash and have fun with your mermaid inspired look. Cue “Under the Sea” and hear Sebastian sing to the rhythm! Sauté, sissonne, and swim across the dance floor!

What is your favorite mermaid-core fashion style this season? Tag me (@royalcouturexo) and Showstopper (@goshowstoppermagazine) on social media with the hashtag #RoyalCoutureXShowstopper to make a splash in our feed!

Xo,
Christy Lyn

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Christy Lyn is a ballerina, model, designer, and choreographer. She started dancing at a very young age and currently choreographs and trains in multiple styles of dance with a focus in ballet. Her choreography work has debuted at the Lincoln Center in the Youth America Grand Prix Gala, “Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow.” Christy walks and dances in fashion shows for national and international designers at LAFW and NYFW. She is also the unstoppable designer and founder of the chic dance fashion brand Royal Couture.