If summer 2024 was crawling with lobsters, then 2025 is all about Sardine Summer.
Fish prints have been making a splash all over TikTok—the summer sister to spring's fisherman sandals trend—and these kitschy cartoons splattered all over bags and jewellery alike are so fun, they are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face even in the midst of a sweltering heatwave.
Designer label Bottega Veneta was a trailblazer of the trend with their Sardine bag, featuring a sculptural gold handle in the shape of a fish, but it wasn't until accessible luxury labels like Staud began coming out with their beaded '90s shoulder bags with images of tinned sardines on them that the rest of the fashion girlies got onboard.
Instagram content
Since then, the slick sea creature has been infiltrating everything from dresses to jewellery. If you're tired of seeing the same, old shell motifs that hit shelves once the mercury rises, then this pop-arty print is for you.
Alemais' sardine-printed striped skirt set is a favourite amongst the fashion crowd, as is the easy Damson Madder set that makes for a breezy beach-to-village look. Fun, nostalgic, and oh-so-summery, these pieces are basically summer in an outfit.
Instagram content
Founder Lesleigh Jermanus shares the 8-year dream behind her magical runway show in Marrakech
If you're looking to dip your toe in the trend, but a top-to-toe look covered in a tin fish print is a little too loud for you (fair enough), then jewellery is the way to go. Thankfully, there are plenty to choose from. Mango's textured fish earrings make for easy accessorising with just about any summer dress, while YSSO's Pisces necklace adds a subtle touch of seaside chic no matter your star sign.
Ready to wade into summer's splashiest trend? Shop our favourite sardine summer pieces below.
