Mermaidcore, the seashell-and-seafoam look that first peaked in 2016, returned in 2026 after Chanel's Cruise 2026 show in Biarritz, with aquamarine, teal and turquoise often paired with pink. Party stylists are picking up the same coastal cues, with Meri Meri naming 'Maritime Chic' among its top party trends of 2026.
The mermaid look that defined 2016 is back, and this time it's dressed up. Fashion editors have been tracking a 2026 return of "mermaidcore," and its signature palette of teal, seafoam and pink is now drifting from runways onto party tables.
What's trending
Who What Wear traced this year's mermaid revival to Chanel's Cruise 2026 show in Biarritz, which featured mermaids in its campaign imagery and a clam shell invitation. The magazine also points to printed and sequined pieces from Pucci and Missoni, with shopping picks running from designer labels to Zara, Mango and H&M.
The 2026 version is more refined than the original. Instead of 2016's holographic sequins, the details are aquamarine color, crochet and netting, seashell jewelry, sea-creature accessories and scale-like sequins. The colors to know are teal, aquamarine, seafoam and turquoise, often paired with pink in ombré or two-tone combinations.
Why it's resonating
Who What Wear links the revival to a wider shake-up of fashion's design codes and a turn away from years of minimalism. It also lines up with the broader "2026 is the new 2016" nostalgia wave, which has people revisiting everything from 2016's songs to its photo filters.
Party design is moving the same way. Meri Meri's list of 2026 party trends includes "Maritime Chic," with seashell motifs and coastal tones for pool and pirate parties, alongside a push toward bold, saturated "wild color" in place of neutrals.
Bringing the palette to a party
For a kids' party, mermaidcore's palette is easy to borrow. Pair two ocean shades, such as teal and aqua, with one warm accent like pink or coral, then add texture with shells and pearl-like beads. A few ideas:
- Teal tablecloth with pink plates and napkins
- Seashell and starfish table scatter
- A pearl garland or bead "treasure" for favors
- An ombré cake that fades from aqua to pink
Invitations are the first place guests see your colors, so it helps when they match. Our editable mermaid birthday invitation with a free 18-page party planner uses a teal, pink and purple watercolor palette that fits right in with this year's look.
The bottom line
Mermaidcore's 2026 comeback is less about sparkle and more about color and texture. That makes it an easy trend for parents to borrow, one teal-and-pink detail at a time.