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What do you get when you combine a playful retro colour palette, with beach-ready materials and fabrics, and vintage tinned fish motifs?
The answer is the latest big microtrend – the Sardine Girl Summer aesthetic.
Oozing retro Mediterranean charm, the craze was primarily born out of STAUD releasing their beaded Tommy bag in the kitschy and colourful Staudines design. In fact – in May 2025 – it was the bag responsible for a 300% increase in searches for “beaded sardine bag”.
Don’t fancy splashing just shy of £300 on this beautiful – yet pricy – bag? Yeah, us too. But thankfully, heaps of our favourite high street brands have also now hopped on the fun fish-themed hype. So, it’s sardines all-round this summer!
From oversized graphic tees and textured crochet knits, to beaded bags and whimsical seaside accessories, these are some of the best bits and pieces we’ve found on the high street for fellow admirers of the Sardine Girl Summer aesthetic.
Miss Selfridge Oversized Sardine Stripe Back Print Graphic Tee
With its oversized fit, relaxed dropped shoulders, and statement print of a vintage tin of sardines on a striped red background, there’s a lot to love about this laidback graphic tee. Throw it on over a bikini and you’ve got a casual poolside fit.
Oliver Bonas Marlin Yellow & Red Fish Hair Clips Set Of Two
Designed in playful shades of pink, red, and yellow — and complete with black enamel detail – these fishy clips will add a playful touch of seaside charm to any summer hairstyle.
New Look Cream Fish Print Textured Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
Boasting a picnic-ready print of fish and fruit, this cute cream midi dress will look lovely with sandals or trainers. The perfect day dress, we’re big fans of its flattering empire-line silhouette, and flowing A-line skirt.
ASOS Design Knitted Tank Top with Fish Embroidery
With its crochet fabric, and boat neck fit with tie straps, and statement fish embroidery, this tank offers a slightly more muted and coastal take on the vibrant #sardinecore aesthetic.
Oliver Bonas Doris Fish Charm Beaded Layered Necklace
One of these necklaces is threaded with tonal green, blue, and pearl beads – and complete with an engraved fish charm – while the other is a shorter simple gold chain boasting a hammered pendant and faux pearl bead.
Damson Madder Chlo Shirt in Holiday Print
Designed to be paired with the matching shorts for an effortless co-ord look, this easy pull-on shirt truly deserves a spot in your suitcase. Crafted from a breathable organic cotton-linen blend, it’s a true warm weather staple.
Next Red Fish Graphic Knitted Tank
With its retro sweater vest silhouette, bold tomato red material with contrasting white trims, and detailed fish motif, this tank ticks pretty much every single box in the Sardine Girl Summer checklist.
Anthropologie Fish Icon Stretch Bracelet
Whether you’re jetting off somewhere tropical or heading out in the city, these Siri climber earrings are your shortcut to standout style. With polished floral layers cascading from lobe to shoulder, they’re a statement piece that does all the talking – secured with a classic post fastening for easy wear.
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