We've already had Brat summer, hot girl summer, and tomato girl summer; now, there's a brand new addition to the ever-expanding list of trends: sardine girl summer. Speaking as a true Gen Z-er, the cheat code to creating a new trend these days is as simple as adding the suffix 'summer' after pretty much any other word. In fact, at the time of writing, there are probably five other 'trends of the summer' that have already cropped up and that I'm supposed to be dressing like this year (spoiler: I'm not). Do keep up.
However, sardine girl summer is different. Not only has it managed to do what many micro trends fail to: make its way into both the mainstream and high fashion vernacular, but it's also brought back the fun in summer dressing. For you see, despite the fishy name, we're not quite adopting a pescatarian diet just yet. No, the trend is much cuter than you'd expect. Think sequined sardine bags, fish-shaped necklaces, and whimsical marine-inspired motifs in breezy dresses and linen trousers.
Sardine girl summer is less about being that person who takes fish into the office, and more about leaning into an aesthetic built around the beach. It's a trend that's trickled down into every part of your wardrobe, from less fish-in-your-face styles like a sequinned mini skirt or Free People's take on a barn jacket, to more out-there accessories, like STAUD's viral tinned fish bag, and jewellery that looks like it could've been snatched from the bottom of the ocean. The trend might seem silly, yes, but it really just hints at a shift in zeitgeist, a yearning, if you will, for fashion to return to its less serious roots. It's a stark reminder that not everything must be clean-girl and sad neutrals; instead, there's a joy in embracing nostalgia, especially one that reminds us of 70s beach posters, early-2000s European holidays and trinkets you'd find at a flea market.
Even the runway couldn't resist the tinned fish charm as designers began to lean into it with surprising fervour. The Bottega Veneta Sardine bag is arguably one of the earliest sardine-inspired iterations, and the brand went one step further back in its autumn/winter 2024 show, sending models down the runway with woven bags in the shape of, you guessed it, a fish.
The same year, both Loewe and Miu Miu also showcased looks that featured fisherman sandals and yellow raincoats, suggesting that we should be heading to the fishmongers for more than just our seafood. The ripple effect of such runways has naturally led high street brands to follow suit, with labels including H&M, Free People, and ASOS jumping aboard.
There's an arguable wryness to the sardine girl summer trend, and it's one that appeals to those who understand that dressing well doesn't always have to mean dressing seriously. The trend for those who see irony as the highest form of taste, if hot girl summer was about living your best life, sardine girl summer is about wearing your most fun clothes. So, if you're wondering what to wear this summer, the answer lies in something fishy.
Shop: The Sardine Girl Summer Essentials
Net-A-Porterwww.net-a-porter.com
If you're wanting to fully commit to sardine girl summer, there's only one shop to start with – STAUD. Having recently gone viral for its quirky fish-inspired accessories, this metal clutch, finished with colourful small fish and a rolled-back opening, is a particular standout.
Free Peoplewww.freepeople.com
Free People has elevated its barn jacket to feature a fun seaside-themed print on the outside and a striped design on the inside. As far as details go, it has handy oversized pockets, a collared neckline and a button-down front.
Never Fully Dressed www.neverfullydressed.com
Never Fully Dressed has an excellent collection of sardine-inspired items, but it's the Marina Dorris Skirt that's gone viral. The skirt features mini hand painted fish and a bold red satin base that's perfect for pairing with more tame accessories, like gold bangles and flat sandals.
H&M www2.hm.com
Dip your toe into the trend with H&M's gold fish necklace. Wear on its own for a statement look, or wear layered with similar gold necklaces to form a curated stack.
J. Crew www.jcrew.com
J. Crew call this bag 'the catch of the summer', and we can see why. Complete with a full straw tail and woven top handle, this bag is deceivingly spacious - there's even a zip closure to keep your essentials safe. Style with a floaty maxi dress and fisherman sandals.
ASOS 
Although it's not technically the season for a knitted tank top, British summers are ever-unpredictable, so a light knit is somewhat essential. This one from ASOS Design is good for layering over the top of midi dresses or with wide-leg linen trousers.
Harrods www.harrods.com
We already know STAUD's sardine offering is one of the best right now, and the brand has released its best-selling Tommy bag with an ocean-inspired makeover. Adorned across the bag is a vibrant array of sardines, all made out of hand-beaded beads.
Harrods www.harrods.com
Anni Lu's fish offering is a chic way to wear the trend - and a subtle one too. The fish pendant hangs from an 18-karat gold-plated chain and will add a touch of playfulness to any easy summer look.
Farm Rio farmrio.uk
For any fun and entirely unique summer dresses, head to Farm Rio. Of course, one of its most shopped styles this season is its fish maxi dress, which features fish embroidery at the neckline and spaghetti straps.
Net-A-Porterwww.net-a-porter.com
If you're on the hunt for a beach-ready dress with a touch of sardine, Alemais' offering - the Marine mini dress - is printed with little fish and bordered with nautical stripes. Not forgetting the back, which can be tied into a statement bow.
Abercrombie & Fitch www.abercrombie.com
Everyone needs a basic tank top in their summer wardrobe, so why not adorn that with sardines too? This tank top from Abercrombie not only features a colourful sardine print, but also has a scoop neckline and ribbed material too.
Anthropologie www.anthropologie.com
Graphic t-shirts are always good to have on hand, whether you're pairing it with jeans or Bermuda shorts. Anthropologie's iteration is complete with rolled sleeves, 100% cotton composition and a contrasting white fish print.
Nobody's Childwww.nobodyschild.com
The Elizabeth Scarlett range at Nobody's Child is packed with beach-themed pieces. The ultimate piece? Its midi dress, with a gloriously chic pastel under-the-sea print. Style in the summer with a pair of flip flops and a raffia tote, or in the cooler months layered with a boxy tee or jumper.
Net-A-Porterwww.net-a-porter.com
Another viral item from STAUD makes the list, this time in the form of a maxi skirt. The skirt itself is made from breathable linen that's perfect for summer and features a smooth waistband. It also has a sweet design that nods to the vibrancy of the Italian island it's named after.
Reformationwww.thereformation.com
Reformation's dress selection needs little introduction, with celebrity fans like Taylor Swift and Sienna Miller. One of its best-selling styles, the Aubree, has been updated to feature an on-trend seashell print, which is entirely, well, 2025.
Next www.next.co.uk
Another sweet knitted tank comes from Next, and its iteration is in a bold red with blue and white fish at the centre. Style the graphic tank tucked into a pair of vintage Levi's and finish with flip flops, or dress it up with a white midi skirt and kitten heels.
Main image credit: Instagram/@alessandragl, @meganlkarp, @ralcuadrado
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.