7 K-Pop Idols Making Mermaid Chic the Only Summer Style Trend That Actually Matters Right Now

Nostalgia is having a moment in fashion, and nothing captures it quite like mermaid chic — whimsical, sun-kissed, and just a little bit magical. Whether you’re actually at the beach or just wishing you were, these seven K-pop It Girls prove this trend works for absolutely every personality and comfort level.

7 K-Pop Idols: Overview

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Red Velvet’s Joy kicked things off during the group’s promotion for their comeback song “Surfin’ Boy.” Her outfit features flowing, draped skirt fabric that genuinely moves like a mermaid’s tail — the kind of look built for a summer party where you actually want to make an entrance.

LE SSERAFIM’s Huh Yun Jin takes a more laid-back approach to the trend. Rather than going full glam, she opts for a shiny jewel-toned top and lets her long hair flow naturally down her shoulders. It reads like off-duty mermaid energy — glamorous without trying too hard, perfect for everyday wear.

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BABYMONSTER’s Chiquita channels serious Disney-princess energy with her red hair, ruffled dress, and delicate jewelry. The real lesson here is in the details: a simple pearl necklace instantly elevates any outfit into mermaid territory, proving accessories can do more heavy lifting than the outfit itself.

aespa’s Winter shows that mermaid chic doesn’t need to be formal at all. A loose, lacy summer dress paired with voluminous beach waves tied back in braids creates an instantly put-together look — the kind of outfit you can throw on and still look like you just stepped off a yacht.

(G)I-DLE’s Miyeon leans fully into the aesthetic with a color palette of blue, pink, green, and white that mimics mother-of-pearl. Her styling secret is in the makeup — green eyeshadow paired with pink highlight transforms what could be a simple blue dress and white gloves into a full mermaid-princess moment.

Sunmi proves you don’t need an elaborate outfit to pull off the trend. Through shiny nail polish, oversized pearl jewelry, voluminous wavy hair, and adventurous eyeshadow alone, she brings mermaid glamor into any casual look — ideal for anyone who’d rather stick to shorts and a t-shirt on hot days.

BLACKPINK’s Jisoo closes out the list with the most grown-up interpretation of the trend. Swapping ruffles and pearls for linen and gold, plus a touch of blue eyeshadow, she creates a beachy look that feels sophisticated rather than costume-y — proof that mermaid chic can mature with you.

For more on the mermaid aesthetic’s roots and its rise as a broader cultural fashion movement, Wikipedia’s page on mermaids in popular culture offers useful context on how the imagery has evolved across media.

And for more K-pop fashion trends and idol style breakdowns as they emerge, TechnoSports’ entertainment section keeps you updated on everything worth copying this season.

Whether you gravitate toward Joy’s dramatic drama or Sunmi’s low-effort glam, there’s a version of mermaid chic here for every kind of summer mood.

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