Published on May 29, 2025 at 4:45 PM
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In the age of TikTok, each day is almost synonymous with a new trend. The social media app has cemented itself as this authoritative source that informs most of our daily decision-making, from date makeup to our relationship habits. And of course, TikTok has influenced our shopping practices in the most bizarre ways — butter yellow, diaper shorts, and stomach pudge dresses, just to name a few. Of all the fads to consume our daily scrolls, the most recent one is oddly intriguing: "sardine summer." Yes, you read that correctly; it's time to start shopping all products centered around the small, oily fish. Anyone else wondering why?
What Is the Sardine Summer Trend?
While sardines aren't exactly unheard for other uses outside of nutrition like skin-care, consuming products inspired by the animal is still a bit uncanny. After doing some extensive research on TikTok, I learned that the "sardine summer" trend is exactly how it comes off: random. It's free-flowing and not inspired by any one moment in time. Some shoppers are embracing the aesthetic because of the luxe feeling it gives them, reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast lifestyle. Meanwhile, others are sardine-obsessed because of the snack's affordability in today's pricey food market. Similar to the fisherman aesthetic, you can incorporate sardines in your clothing, your next manicure, and kitchenware — one user even boasted about sardine-shaped salt and pepper shakers she recently bought (that's how unseriously serious this trend is). Ahead, I curated a guide to this unexpected trend, from chic baby tees to the sardine napkins that will be the talk of your next dinner party.
Looking for something specific? Browse through our categories for easier shopping:
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Drop Earrings
Mijeniti Gold Hoop Earrings ($14)
Whether you're shopping for vacation or reworking your jewelry collection, these sardine-shaped earrings will add a tasteful touch to your outfit. Their textured design gives them a quirky flair that feels trendy and timeless.
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A Layer Necklace
Anthropologie Raya Layer Necklace ($38)
This multi-colored layered necklace easily encapsulates both sea-themed aesthetics in one: the fisherman and sardine summer trends. It also comes in a blue iteration, perfect for those seaside summer days.
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Chic Slides
Maeve Fiona Beaded Slide Sandals ($140)
These comfortable slides from Maeve are the chicest way to hop on the trend. From summer maxi dresses to your favorite two-piece shorts set, the styling opportunities are endless.
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A Raffia Clutch
J. Crew Handknotted Raffia Fish Bag ($148)
A straw bag is classic, and this piece from J. Crew is such a fun way to incorporate the look. It has a swishy fringe detail and top handle for easy function and style.
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A Playful Minidress
Staud Laura Printed Cotton Minidress ($295)
Forget LBDs, we're embracing little sardine dresses this season. We love Staud's interpretation of the trend in the form of this neutral minidress adorned with pastel-colored sardines. Dress it up with lacy heels for a summer's night out or your favorite white sneakers for a casual brunch.
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A Beaded Bag
Staud Tommy Beaded Staudines Bag ($295)
This bestseller from Staud is a longtime favorite of ours, and it's now available in the brand's Staudines design. Outside of its functional snap closure and shoulder strap, we love its color-block bead work that adds a chic touch to any summer outfit.
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Lip Balm
Averfelt Sardine Tin Lip Balm Set ($12)
We didn't know we needed sardine lip balm until we came across this set. With ingredients like beeswax and shea butter and flavors inspired by Portugal (blue raspberry, wild cherry, and vanilla), these balms are sure to keep your lips supple and moisturized.
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A Makeup Bag
Cessfle Canned Sardines Makeup Bag ($16, originally $21)
This unique and fun bag feels like the right purchase for the ultimate, sardine-obsessed shopper. It's small enough to fit in your suitcase, while being big enough to store your makeup must-haves, tools, and more. It also comes in eight other color combinations, from yellow and orange to blue and purple.
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Press On Nails
Miminailart Handcrafted Press On Nails ($30, originally $60)
Take your beauty cues from the tin fish and grab these fun nails for your next manicure. It comes with other designs like fruit and eggs, making it the ultimate maximalist summer set.
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A Beach Towel
Sardines Beach Towel ($10)
Summer is just weeks away, and this vibrant towel is the best find to elevate your beach collection. It's made from 100 percent cotton terry fabric, making it a functional find for beach days, pool parties, vacations, and more.
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A Trinket Box
Urban Outfitters Sardine Trinket Box ($16)
In case you were looking for a unique storage piece to put your everyday items in, consider this fun case from Urban Outfitters. Though it's small in size, it can fit everything from rings and necklaces to hair pins.
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A Salt and Pepper Shaker Set
DalisayGifts Sardine Fish Salt Pepper Shaker Set ($22, originally $29)
Whether you're in need of some new kitchen accessories or want to give into the trend just for randomness sake, this salt and pepper shaker set is a great option. Its subtle shine and blue-and-white design gives it a playful, yet classic feel. Plus, it looks just like the viral styles from TikTok.
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A Napkin Set
Sardine Embroidered Napkin Sets ($40-$80)
Made in India of a plush cotton, these napkins are one of the most tasteful ways to nail the trend. From its blue embroidered sardine to the light yellow outlines, this set is ideal for any summer gathering, from an outdoor dinner party to the Fourth of July.
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A Doormat
Anthropologie Sardines Doormat ($48)
For the maximalist home decor lover, this sardines doormat is the perfect addition. We love its bold printed design marked by the word halfway spelled out and the fish divided by a rug illusion, ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
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Naomi Parris is the assistant shopping editor at PS, based in New York. With over eight years of experience and previous roles held on the brand's Beauty and Operations teams, she enjoys telling stories that merge fashion, beauty, and Black culture. Naomi has also lent her skillful pen to Essence Girls United, Elle, Bustle, and Elite Daily. When she's not crafting shopping roundups, high-profile features, beauty op-eds, or trend guides, you can find Naomi behind her blog "Eli-Nay," where she inspires readers through style guides, cultural pieces, and innovative content on her Instagram.