"If you’ve stepped into any of your favorite retailers over the past few weeks, you might have noticed a common theme: a mixed bag of kitschy and coastal staples, collectively referred to as “the fisherman aesthetic.” The idea hails from 2025’s spring/summer runway shows—most notably, from Miu Miu and Altuzarra, who helped to reincarnate maritime classics like boat shoes and duffle coats—and is being heralded as the defining trend of the summer.
let's face it: meeting someone in the wild is a lot easier said than done
After months of boat shoe and barn jacket sightings—not to mention the recurring coastal grandmother trend—the new(ish) movement should come as no surprise. Unlike its posh predecessor, the fisherman aesthetic brings a rugged practicality to everyday dressing. Think: chunky sweaters with fisherman sandals and long shorts. This newfound approach to coastal dressing is meant to evoke a laid-back, care-free attitude. However, its major draw rests in its accessibility to both minimalists and maximalists alike, serving as an extension of traditional preppy style while also making space for more eccentric interpretations of the theme.
Feel lured in? Read on for how to incorporate the fisherman aesthetic into your summer wardrobe, including which seafarer-inspired pieces you’ll need to start.
How to style the fisherman aesthetic
The fisherman aesthetic is carefree and effortless, making it easy to work into your existing wardrobe. The trend—or any trend, for that matter—should be incorporated into your wardrobe with your personal style top of mind. If you’re more of a minimalist, start by incorporating one coastal piece (a Breton-style top, for example) into your look; if you’re more of a maximalist, work your way up to two or more items (boat shoes and a shell necklace) at a time. If you’re ready to progress, try any one of this season’s novelty prints or sea-shaped accessories.
Fisherman-inspired pieces we’re wearing on repeat
Fisherman sandals
Fisherman sandals have undergone a major transformation in recent years. Now, you can choose between sleek leather or platform espadrilles for a transitional sandal that can carry you from season to season. Style them with loose shorts, flowy maxis, and A-line midi skirts all season long.
Striped tops
There is no print more synonymous with the fisherman aesthetic than Breton-style stripes. A boat-neck long-sleeve is the more preppy choice, but a striped tee or tank is just as effective. Keep it minimal with denim cut-offs or up the thematics with boat shoes and a chore coat.
Maritime accessories
Seafarer-themed accessories come in all shapes and sizes this season (literally), with fish-shaped bags and pendants taking center-fold at nearly every mainstream retailer. If you’re not ready to wholly commit to the theme just yet, a simple netted bag will do the trick.
Boat shoes
Spoken about ad nauseam lately, the boat shoe trend is continuing to rise in popularity just in time for summer dressing. It’s perfect timing, too, since other fisherman-style pieces are popping up in support. You can wear these in true seafarer fashion with white jeans and a striped top or juxtaposed with boxer shorts and a cool graphic tee.
Chore coats
If you thought that the barn jacket trend would dissipate with the start of summer, guess again. Utility jackets are a foolproof, lightweight summer layer that supports the season’s fisherman aesthetic. Through the warmer months, style them with other relaxed pieces like linen pants and T-strap sandals.
Novelty prints
Brands everywhere are reeling (get it?) us into the fisherman aesthetic with coastal-inspired prints that feature anything from meals you’d find in Maine to postcards you’d receive from fishing towns abroad. It’s an easy way to incorporate the theme into your everyday wardrobe and requires little else in the way of styling.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.
Products included in graphic linked within the article. Feature graphic images credited to: Abercrombie, Target, Anthropologie, Sézane, Old Navy, Everlane, Jeffrey Campbell, and Damson Madder.