How to Channel Summer 2025’s Tin Fish-Inspired Trend

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.

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.

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.

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.