Summer 2026 Saw The Return Of The 'Sardine Girl' & Its The Perfect Fall Transition Trend

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Fishy fashion is back. Like the laidback fisherman aesthetic, the "sardine girl" trend is all about incorporating whimsical coastal vibes into your warm weather wardrobe, even if you're leagues away from the ocean. The style is a balance of polished East Coast Old Money aesthetic and playful resort wear. Think natural textures, like raffia and linen, paired with details that evokes the shimmer and color of the underwater world. If you look like you're recreating an outfit from the HBO series "White Lotus" — but with a slightly preppier spin — then you're on the right track.

While fashion micro trends come and go quickly, this one has the potential for some major longevity, especially since it's a summer style that transitions beautifully into fall. For example, a breezy bag, like this Loeffler Randall Cyrus Tote, doesn't need to be packed away as soon as September hits. Instead, you can remix it in with your autumn wardrobe staples, particularly since raffia creates an interesting tension with black clothing. Similarly, aquatic-feeling sequin tops, like this MakeMeChic Sparkly Sequin Tank, pair with the suede pants that are too heavy to wear during the summer. Finally, a fun tinned fish graphic tee, like this XPONNI Cute Oversized Graphic Tee, can be worn year round; just toss a blazer or cardigan over it for cooler weather.

In recent years, New England has had summer fashion in a chokehold. From the coastal grandmother trend to the newer sardine girl aesthetic, style is taking more than a few cues from the Nantucket summer set, including among the celebrities who are nailing coastal New England style. While these trends might differ in the details, they share the same breezy, coastal DNA. "Coastal chic is a relaxed, sophisticated style that blends casual coastal elements with refined details, creating a look that is both comfortable and elegant," wrote one Reddit user.

It's that signature merging of relaxed and polished that makes people want to look like they wandered out of a Nancy Meyers movie. These styles have endured on East Coast beaches for a reason. "Coastal cool-girl style comes down to a few key pieces: Linen button-downs, faded denim and a flowy midi dress in a natural fabric," stylist Jamie Lewis tells Yahoo! "The whole point of the trend is its ease. It's meant to be pieces that take no effort to put together. Many of the pieces you probably already own."