Move over strawberries, scooch aside tomatoes: there’s a new petite icon swimming into the cultural spotlight, and it’s silvery, slender, and unapologetically briny. That’s right, sardines are having their shimmering moment, and they’re not just on your charcuterie board anymore. Say hello to sardinecore, the cheeky, aquatic aesthetic taking over closets, countertops, and TikTok feeds everywhere.

From sardine-print sundresses to glittery fish-shaped handbags, and even tinned-fish-themed throw pillows, sardinecore is the latest summer obsession making a splash across fashion and home décor. If it can be printed, embroidered, or bedazzled with a little fish, chances are it already has been.

What Is Sardinecore, Exactly?

Think of sardinecore as the scrappy, stylish cousin of past trends like mermaidcore or tomato girl summer — but a little saltier, a little shinier, and a whole lot more tongue-in-cheek. Sardinecore is about embracing the quirky charm of the Mediterranean lifestyle through the lens of the humble sardine: a fish that’s equal parts kitsch and cultural symbol.

According to Google Trends, searches for terms like “sardine dress” and “beaded sardine bag” have spiked dramatically this May, with some fashion items seeing interest grow by over 300% since 2004, as reported by USA Today. Brands like Anthropologie, Lisa Says Gah, and indie Etsy creators are leaning in hard, with sardine-themed drops that sell out faster than you can say “pass the lemon wedge.”

It’s all part of what TikTok is lovingly calling “sardine girl summer”—an invitation to embrace your inner glittery fish, blast Addison Rae’s “Aquamarine,” and lean into the aesthetic joy of small things with big personality.

Sardines are budget-friendly, healthy, and famously come in beautiful, artful tins. Each one a mini work of vintage design. In a time when inflation has pushed everyday prices sky-high, sardinecore feels like a love letter to living beautifully without breaking the bank.

“They’re a very humble fish,” notes Guido Bonsaver, an Italian cultural historian, told USA Today. “But they pack flavor, health, and beauty in a cheap tin. It’s a different way to be happy — finding joy in smallness.”

In other words, sardinecore isn’t just about fish-themed fashion. It’s a vibe. It’s okay to be cute, a little weird, and economically savvy.

Not Just for Seafood Fans

Now, before you run for the hills at the thought of eating a sardine: chill. Sardinecore doesn’t require you to develop a taste for fishy snacks (though we highly recommend giving them a shot on sourdough toast with chili crisp). This trend is about aesthetic appreciation, not culinary commitment. Your sardine bag won’t smell, promise.

So whether you’re donning fishy earrings, hosting a sardine-themed dinner party (tins and wine = instant chic), or just vibing with the general “life’s better by the sea” energy, you’re in good company.

How to Dive In

You can start simple with tees, jewelry, and accessories. Check out some of our sardine-inspired faves:

J. Crew Relaxed-Fit “Sardines” Graphic T-Shirt

Price: $53.99

Urban Outfitters Velvet Sardine Can Jewelry Case

Price: $25

Anthropologie Sardine Tin Charm Monogram Necklace

Price: $48

Universal Thread Women’s Sardine Cotton Denim Baseball Hat

Price: $15

Staud Tommy Beaded Bag in Pop Sardines

Price: $295

Lisa Says Gah Anchovy Earrings

Price: $33.50

Urban Outfitters Sardinhas Fish Graphic Tee

Price: $35

Add some Mediterranean music, a linen tablecloth, and a bottle of chilled white wine, and boom: you’re living the sardinecore dream.

The Bottom Line

In a world that can feel overwhelming, sardinecore reminds us that there’s joy in simplicity and fun in the unexpected. Whether you’re going full fish-mode or just dipping a toe into the trend, there’s no wrong way to celebrate this shimmering, scaly summer. So grab your sardine-print tote, slather on some SPF, and ride the wave.

The post Sardinecore Is the Splashy Summer Aesthetic You Didn’t See Coming appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.

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