Why Ocean-Inspired Jewelry & Fashion Will Be Trending In 2024
In the dynamic world of fashion, a captivating trend has surfaced for the new year, drawing inspiration from the vast and mysterious ocean. As well as ocean-inspired colour palettes and clothing options, subtler details like accessories are predicted to be big this year. So, what’s so enchanting about jewelry and clothing that embraces ocean designs?
The Allure of Ocean-Inspired Jewelry Designs
At the start of the year, Refinery 29 was just one of many that outlined the top jewelry trends which would complete outfits in 2024. Along with ‘oceanic influence’, other trends included anklets, bows, and even super-sized jewellery. Ocean-inspired jewels were even making waves in 2023 with luxury brands like Tiffany & Co. even creating a new high jewellery collection with the theme.
A range of jewelry was created for their ‘Out of the Blue’ collection which featured earrings, necklaces, rings, and more, with marine-inspired themes. The collection included jewelry with starfish, shells, coral, and much more, and importantly focused on shades of blue to symbolise the ocean. Key standouts of the Tiffany & Co. collection included a jewelled jellyfish brooch and an innovative star urchin necklace.
The allure of the ocean has always been a profound source of inspiration in the world of jewelry. Luxury brands are not just the only ones embracing oceanic designs but smaller jewelry brands are too. There are a range of sterling silver earring designs which are inspired by the ocean and the style is often popularly used for studs and hoops. Silver By Mail is just one jewelry brand which uses marine animals such as starfish, dolphins, seahorses, and crabs, in their earring designs.
The Ripple Effect: Ocean Inspiration in Broader Fashion Trends
The ocean, with its vast expanse and enigmatic beauty, has long been a source of inspiration in the world of fashion. Beyond jewelry, the sea’s influence permeates clothing designs, leading to the emergence of distinct trends like ‘mermaidcore’ and nautical fashion which capture the essence of the ocean.
● Mermaidcore: A Dive into Fantasy & Elegance
A style characterised by iridescent fabrics, shimmering scales, and flowing silhouettes perfectly embraces ocean inspiration as they mimic the graceful movements of legendary sea creatures. ‘Mermaidcore’ draws inspiration from the mythical and alluring world of mermaids and is a style which is heavily influenced by the hues of the ocean, featuring deep blues, vibrant turquoises, and soft seafoam greens.
Garments often incorporate sequins or shiny materials to replicate the glistening effect of a mermaid’s tail under the sun. Even Spring/Summer 2021 collections featured this fashion trend with Versace showcasing an Atlantis-inspired fashion collection. Even the 2023 release of The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey kicked the interest in this trend into overtime. The star even hopped on the trend herself as she wore mermaid silhouettes and shell motifs during the film’s press tour.
● Nautical Fashion: A Timeless Favourite
In contrast to the fantasy-driven mermaidcore, nautical fashion is grounded in the classic and timeless elements associated with seafaring. This trend embraces a clean, crisp aesthetic, featuring navy blues, whites, and reds. Key elements include striped patterns, reminiscent of sailors’ uniforms, and accessories like anchor motifs, ropes, and naval buttons.
Nautical fashion is not just a seasonal trend; it’s a perennial favourite that exudes a sense of refinement and elegance. It’s popular for its versatility, often seen in both casual seaside attire and more formal maritime-inspired ensembles. This year, a ‘sailor chic’ aesthetic is also set to rise in popularity, with Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu focusing on coastal couture and maritime inspiration for their 2024 collections.
The Ongoing Appeal of Oceanic Aesthetics
As we start a new year, the influence of ocean-inspired jewelry and fashion is poised to continue its profound impact on style trends. The enchanting allure of the sea, captured through trends like mermaidcore and nautical fashion, alongside the captivating designs in ocean-themed jewelry, speaks to a deeper, universal connection to the natural world.
These styles, with their rich palettes and imaginative motifs, offer more than just aesthetic appeal; they provide a means of expression that resonates with the tranquillity and mystery of the ocean.