Channel Your Inner Ariel With These Mermaid-Inspired Swimsuits

Jul 26, 2016

It seems the world is having quite the love affair with all things mermaid this summer. We’ve all had those moments when we try to hack our way to life under the sea. Who doesn’t remember bathtub time when we pretended to be Ariel from The Little Mermaid? These days, it’s infinitely easier to turn your mermaid dreams into a reality with mermaid blankets, mermaid-themed parties and even mermaid swimsuits you can DIY. And you best believe our mermaid obsession reached new heights when we found out about the swimwear line dedicated to mermaids! If you don’t want to go full-on Splash! this summer, take a peek at some statement-making swimwear that will have you rushing to the beach stat. Now if only we could find some thing-a-ma-bobs to go with…

1. Nic Del Mar White Mermaid Bikini ($186): Get your sea siren on with a scalloped strapless bikini top and delicate bottoms that serve as the perfect homage to our ocean-dwelling inspiration. The white swimsuit really makes your hard-earned summer tan pop, while the clamshell cups remind people who really rules the beach.

2. Margarita Mermaid Just Peachy Bikini Top ($38) and Bottoms ($38): Don’t be ashamed of thinking this seashell bathing suit with adorable ties is just too darn cute to wear in the pool. Even Ariel would choose to stay on land if it meant the chance to show off this stunner.

3. Boohoo Egypt Mermaid Scoop Front + Back Swimsuit ($30): Move over, blondes — everyone knows mermaids are having all the fun in 2016. Hit that point home in this royal purple statement bathing suit in the silhouette of the season for a look that’s as cheeky as it is chic.

4. Pull&Bear Shell Shape Bikini Top ($23) and Double Straps Bottoms ($20): Get your femme fatale on in this seashell bikini top that offers just a dash of mermaid charm. The structured cups give added support to a trendy style that is so RN. Wear this stunner poolside or throw on a kimono coverup to check all the summertime sartorial boxes.

5. Private Party Mermaid Swimsuit ($98): Sometimes you just wanna keep it trendy without all the bells and whistles — err, shells and scales? Let ’em know what you’re all about without an ounce of confusion in this suit that spells it all out.

6. Wildfox Mermaid Shell Top ($110): Make your dreams of becoming a sea nymph a reality in a bikini top that was made for swimming among the coral reefs. This multicolored bikini top is sure to help you find your own Prince Eric — or at least look cute while catching some rays.

7. Boohoo Nice Shell Placement Scoop Cross Back Swimsuit ($30): Hit the waves or chill seaside in this marine-themed one-piece swimsuit. The gorgeous purple hue will make you stand out in the crowd, and the deep v-neck is sexy AF.

8. Missguided Sea Shell Mesh Bikini Set ($45): Get your mer-babe on with this peek-a-boo mesh bikini set. The pale peach mesh and strategically placed seashells show just the right amount of skin while guaranteeing all eyes will be on you this season.

Need more bathing suit inspiration? Visit us on Pinterest for more!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

7 "Old Fashioned" Swimwear Trends That Were Once Popular (But Not Practical)

Swimwear trends come and go, but there are some from the past that truly live in our minds rent-free. There are several styles that we’re honestly glad to see gone from the beach, whether it’s due to unflattering fits or impractical fabrics. We’re definitely guilty of wearing a few of these 7 “old fashioned" swimwear trends back in the day, but nothing compares to the designs we can shop today.

These are 7 bygone swimwear trends that have faded into fashion history – take a look at the styles you rarely see anymore!

1. Crochet Bikinis

Free People

It's Now Cool The Crochet Bikini Bottoms

Crochet bikinis were an undeniable hit in the 1970s and had a brief revival in the 2010s, but they’ve largely flopped in modern times because they’re not super practical.

Amazon

Seamoly Crochet Swimsuit

The crochet material tends to absorb more water than your typical swim-ready fabric, so it becomes heavy and saggy – not flattering. Plus, crochet swimmies can take a long time to dry and lose their shape quickly.

2. Belted Swimsuits

Anthropologie

Beach Riot Sydney Belted One-Piece Swimsuit

Once a super stylish choice in the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, belted swimsuits (especially one-piece swimsuits) were highly favored for their hourglass-enhancing look.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A Luxe Link Belted One Piece

These days, they’ve become less common because the extra material can feel restrictive and impractical for swimming. The belt can easily dig into the skin, plus, modern designs can achieve similar figure-flattering effects with shaping silhouettes.

3. Swim Skirts

Old Navy

Old Navy High-Waisted Matte Swim Skirt

Swim skirts were beloved for their added modesty to any swim getup. Now, swimwear trends have moved toward sleeker, more streamlined suits!

J.Crew

J.Crew Swim Skirt

While some people still prefer swim skirts for extra coverage, many find them impractical because they add extra bulk. Showing more skin seems to be in!

4. Metallic Fabrics

Andie

Andie The Lipari One Piece

Shiny and eye-catching metallic swimsuits were especially popular in the 80s and early 2000s, but they’ve faded out of popularity due to some… wearability issues.

Nordstrom

La Blanca Earth Lace-Up Underwire One-Piece Swimsuit

The metallic fabrics these suits are made of tend to be less stretchy, degrade faster with sun and chlorine exposure, and can look less flattering when wet. Not great!

Macy's

Becca Liquid Metal Triangle Bikini Top

Today, swimwear leans toward matte and textured fabrics that are way more durable and comfortable.

5. Tankinis

Target

Shade & Shore Bandeau Tankini Top

We honestly wish tankinis were still around with the cult following they had in the late ‘90s and early 2000s.

Boden

Boden Porto Tankini Top

Offering more coverage than a bikini but still being more versatile than a one-piece, tankinis have sadly been replaced by more modern designs like high-waisted bikinis and sleek one-pieces. Plus, tankinis can sometimes bunch up awkwardly or feel less secure when you’re swimming.

6. Zebra Print

Target

Wild Fable Textured Medium Coverage Triangle Bikini Top

Animal prints were everywhere on swimwear in the early 2000s. While leopard print has made quite the comeback, zebra print isn’t as hot since it tends to look overly bold and outdated.

Urban Outfitters

Sunkissed Le Triangle String Bikini Top

Most modern swimwear patterns now favor softer, abstract prints or straight-up solid colors for a more sophisticated look.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Halter String Triangle Bikini Top

That isn’t to say you can’t wear zebra print swimsuits these days – if bold is your vibe, go for it!

7. Velvet Swimsuits

Triangl

Triangl Maia Vyne Swimsuit

Velvet swimsuits had a brief moment in the limelight during the ‘90s and 2000s, but they were never truly practical. The fabric, while luxurious on land, is quite terrible to wear when wet – it absorbs water, takes forever to dry, and can feel heavy and clingy.

Amazon

Cupshe One Shoulder Velvet Jacquard One Piece Swimsuit

Most people now prefer performance-ready swim fabrics that dry quickly and offer great stretch and comfort.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more forgotten fashion trends!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

'Babygirl' Is Finally Streaming Next Month, So You Can Watch It Alone Like Nicole Kidman Suggested

Nicole Kidman is, as the kids say, mothering. She's giving fans plenty of movies and TV shows to pick from while we wait for the next seasons of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers — A Family Affair, Expats, The Perfect Couple (and the AMC intro, of course). Her steamy drama Babygirl, which hit theaters on Christmas Day 2024, is mixing work and pleasure. Pour yourself a glass of wine for this one, folks.

Scroll down to learn more about Nicole Kidman's Babygirl — including when you can stream it on Max.

Where can you stream Babygirl?

A24

Babygirl will be streaming on Max starting April 25, 2025. That means you can watch THAT milk scene as many times as you want.

What is the plot of Babygirl?

A24

Babygirl Plot

In Babygirl, Nicole Kidman plays powerful CEO Romy, who's struggling to hold her perfect persona together. Her marriage to Jacob has never provided with much pleasure, despite the fact he's caring and artistic. But when Romy immediately feels drawn to a young intern named Samuel, the two begin a torrid affair.

Filming scenes with Harris Dickinson got so intense, Kidman said she literally had to take breaks. “There were times when we were shooting where I was like, ‘I don’t want to orgasm any more,'” she told the Sun. “Don’t come near me. I hate doing this. I don’t care if I am never touched again in my life!”

But the fact the movie was made by women empowered Kidman — and gave her a sense of freedom. "Doing this subject matter in the hands of the woman that wrote the script, that's directing it and is a really great actress herself — we became one in a weird way, which I'd never had with a director before," Kidman says in a statement. "When you're working with a woman on this subject matter, you can share everything with each other.”

"I really decided in the beginning, I want to make a sexual film, just as sexual as all these films that I've always admired so much," adds writer-director-producer Halina Reijn, "but now I'm going to do it completely through female eyes. What does that mean and what does that look like?”

A24

In our Brit + Co exclusive, Nicole Kidman revealed she "spent a lot of time in bed" with Harris while filming. (TBH, a job that requires you to hang out in bed sounds like a pretty good job to me).

"As soon as he walked in, I was like, 'Oh good, here's somebody who's gonna play with me," she says. "We spent a lot of time in bed. Hours would go by, and it was like you would step out of there and you would say, 'What just happened?'"

"From the moment [Samuel] sees her, he's attracted to her. He realizes there's someone at the height of their power," Harris adds. "There was an element of mystique that needed to be there for the exploration of the relationship."

When is the Babygirl release date?

A24

Babygirl Release Date

Babygirl made its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, and then opened in theaters on December 25, 2024.

Who's in the Babygirl cast?

A24

Babygirl Cast

The cast of Babygirl includes Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas.

What has Nicole Kidman said about making Babygirl?

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Nicole Kidman revealed Babygirl is the most "exposing" film she's done because she's “made some films that are pretty exposing, but not like this.”

“It left me ragged," she says. "At some point I was like, I don’t want to be touched. I don’t want to do this anymore, but at the same time I was compelled to do it...This is something you do and hide in your home videos. It is not a thing that normally is going to be seen by the world.”

“I felt very exposed as an actor, as a woman, as a human being,” she continues. “I had to go in and go out like, I need to put my protection back on. What have I just done? Where did I go? What did I do?”

What does babygirl energy mean?

A24

"Babygirl" is a term of endearment that's usually applied to a man (you've probably heard it describe Pedro Pascal or Paul Mescal). When someone is giving babygirl energy, they're kind, cute, and disarming. And considering Babygirl plays with power dynamics, we might just find ourselves guessing who the "babygirl" in question is up until the very end.

Watch The 'Babygirl' Trailer Here!

A24

There were SO many moments in the Babygirl trailer that made our jaws drop here:

The thumb in the mouth
The pink skirt moment
NICOLE CRAWLING ON ALL FOURS?!

Yeah, this is one you won't wanna watch with your parents, friends. 🥵 And even Nicole agrees! At the December 2 Gotham Awards, when People asked who moviegoers should bring to the theater with them, "Whoever you want to, but you can also watch it alone." Tea.

Are you looking forward to seeing Nicole Kidman onscreen again? We might have to wait until December to see Babygirl, but there are plenty of incredible Fall Movies coming our way.

This post has been updated.

nicole kidman pop culture entertainment nsfw movie

10 Trendy Tankini Swimsuits To Hit The Beach In Throwback Style

Swimwear style is making waves recently, pushing the limits beyond a traditional one piece or bikini set. Today, boyshort-style bottoms or even bikini tops with sleeves are becoming more common! As we all know, fashion trends tend to come back around every few years, and I would like to draw your attention to our old friend, the tankini.

These 10 tankinis are perfect for providing your poolside look with more coverage, but also lend a very trendy vibe. Scroll on to shop my favorite pieces!

Lime Ricki

Lime Ricki Breezy Floral Knotted Crop Top

This floral tankini top is to die for! It comes with a built-in bra, so you can wear this even if you decide to take a jog on the beach. This $85 style is one of the most popular Lime Ricki bathing suit tops, with a whopping 183 5-star reviews.

Gottex

Gottex Belle Curve V-Neck Halter Tankini Top

This $68 (was $104) tankini is so chic and has the perfect amount of European flair. I love the ruffled bottom detail and halter straps that give it a tenniscore vibe. Pairing this tankini with navy or white bottoms will complete the set seamlessly. This bathing suit is perfect for a day out on the boat!

Blue Rod Beattie

Blue Rod Beattie Break The Mold Tankini Top

I am deeply obsessed with this funky pattern. Blue Rod Beattie simply created the perfect tankini if you wanna get a little crazy and colorful this summer. I gotta note that this $91 tankini top runs on the longer side, so if you have a long torso, this may be the top for you!

lime ricki

Lime Ricki Clover One-Shoulder Tankini Top

A one-shoulder moment? Yes please! This tankini top comes in a vibrant clover green color with sewn-in bra pads. The adjustable tie straps make this top perfectly adjustable for any size. You can find it in sizes XS-4X. Green matches any complexion and can go with any style or color of swim bottoms. Keep it simple with a solid bottoms or spice things up with a fun pattern!

The Lime Ricki Clover One-Shoulder Tankini Top is currently on sale for $55 (was $73).

Tommy Bahama

Tommy Bahama Island Cays Shell Beach Reversible Halter Tankini Top

This pattern is begging to be on a beach in the Caribbean. Tommy Bahama knows how to do swimwear right, with this swimmie boasting a wrinkle-free and UV protective material. As if this $138 pattern could not get any better, the top is reversible. And HELLO??? the pom pom-lined neckline is such a fun addition!

Blue Rod Beattie

Blue Rod Beattie Color Field V-Neck Tankini Top

Another funky pattern for the win! This $91 tankini top would look so good with black bottoms, or any bottoms of the colors featured in the pattern. The gold ring detailing in the straps would look perfect with some shiny gold earrings, too!

Tommy Bahama

Tommy Bahama Palm Modern Halter Tankini Top

Timeless. Simply. Classy. This $80 tankini top can go with literally any pair of bottoms. This piece is made to highlight all your natural curves and can be adjusted to fit any chest size. Finally, this top is made from recycled fabric, and just like the other Tommy Bahama tankini I feature, it's made from a helpful UV protective fabric.

Trina Turk

Trina Turk Solstice Banded Strapless Tankini Swim Top

If you love a little two-in-one moment, this tankini was totally made for you. This banded top comes with adjustable, removable straps. So, whether you are feeling more of a bandeau-style top or aren't a fan of tan lines, you can just take off the spaghetti straps. Trina Turk tends to run small, so be sure to size up with this $90 pick!

Trina Turk

Trina Turk Hula Off The Shoulder Tankini Swim Top

I am so drawn to this $128 off-the-shoulder tankini. The ruffles add a fun vibe, even if this top is just black and white. It's also perfect if you're looking for more chest coverage from a swimsuit. You don't even need a cover-up – just throw on a pair of linen pants, and you have yourself a complete summer outfit.

Gottex Swimwear

Gottex Dandy V-Neck Halter Tankini Top

This $59 (was $108) tankini is so coquette. The bow details on the front are enough to sell me on it! This top is fairly simple, but the pop of color that really spices things up. The v-shaped neckline is also flattering for any chest size. The top fits true to size for finding your perfect fit!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more summer styles like this!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Trina Turk.

fashion shopping swimsuits swimwear style

Monica Barbaro & Andrew Garfield's Latest Outing Could Confirm They're Dating

Andrew Garfield's relationship status is always a swoon-worthy topic. Whether he's gushing about how Emma Stone is like a shot of caffeine, he's getting flustered talking to Chicken Shop Date's Amelia Dimoldenberg, or he's kissing Demi Moore on the hand, this man is always making me blush. But it looks like he might not be single anymore if some recent outings with Monica Barbaro are any indication — including a post-Oscars party!

While neither Andrew nor Monica have spoken on the relationship rumors, a People source confirmed "they've been really lowkey and have been spending time together quietly"...and Monica shared a pretty funny moment with Amelia on the Oscars red carpet.

Here's what we know about those Andrew Garfield & Monica Barbaro relationship rumors.

March 16, 2025 — Andrew Garfield & Monica Barbaro are seen grocery shopping.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by curators of pop culture (@deuxmoi)

This duo definitely fanned the flames of those couple rumors when they were spotted grocery shopping in Malibu. A very realistic, domestic, and relatable Sunday! I also went grocery shopping this day, so it looks like we were on the same page ;).

Andrew wore a white tee and jeans while Monica looks cozy in a white tank and green cardigan. Both wore baseball caps. "I like that they are humble and buy the same TP as me," one Instagram user commented. Same.

March 2, 2025 — Andrew Garfield & Monica Barbaro attend an Oscar afterparty together.

Every thing I hoped and waited for
Andrew Garfield and Monica barbaro leaving the after party together pic.twitter.com/MPwqeLyE7m
— Linny (@murderesselinny) March 3, 2025

After the Oscars on March 2, Monica Barbaro and Andrew Garfield left the Vanity Fair after party together...and showed up to Beyoncé and Jay-Z's after party. No big deal! Monica wore a strapless gown with gorgeous teardrop jewel detail while Andrew looks dapper in a deep gray suit.

They also happened to arrive at the Oscars red carpet at the same time...and Monica was sitting in Andrew's eye line the whole night. What a coincidence!

February 2025 — Monica Barbaro & Andrew Garfield attend Jonathan Bailey's play.

Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro went to see Jonathan Bailey’s play. 🎥 pic.twitter.com/vL7EBwsw4d
— Film Crave (@_filmcrave) February 20, 2025

The two went viral on February 20 when they showed up to Jonathan Bailey's Richard II at the Bridge Theatre, and I'm obsessed with how locked in he is on their conversation. This man is an attentive listener if I've ever seen one!

January 2025 — Andrew Garfield & Monica Barbaro are photographed together.

monica barbaro with andrew garfield, eddie redmayne, and lynn hirschberg at w magazine’s best performances party pic.twitter.com/vbBeCvtzao
— ‎ ☆ (@livebarbs) January 6, 2025

Andrew and Monica were first seen together at W magazine's Best Performances party, alongside Eddie Redmayne and W's editor-at-large Lynn Hirschberg, in LA. They were already getting cozy!

What do you think about Andrew Garfield & Monica Barbaro? I'm personally obsessed. Stay tuned for the latest news on this low-key couple! And check out Zoë Kravitz & Noah Centineo Fuel Dating Rumors After Leaving Another Party Together because Andrew & Monica weren't the only ones hanging this month 👀.

This post has been updated.

celebrity couples pop culture dating celebrity

20 Blue Zone Diet Recipes That Give Your Meals A Healthy Kick

The blue zone diet is undeniably one of the best ways of eating for overall health and longevity. It draws culinary inspiration from the top blue zones around the world (Ikaria, Greece, Okinawa, Japan, Sardinia, Italy, Loma Linda, California, and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica), where people tend to live longer (over 100 years!), often free of any heart disease, obesity, cancer, or diabetes.

Originally outlined by National Geographic Explorer and Fellow Dan Buettner, the blue zone diet is 95% plant-based, with beans, legumes, sweet potatoes, yams, fruits, leafy greens, beets, nuts, and seeds being the #1 priority. High-quality olive oiland whole grains like brown rice and barley are also a huge part of the diet. Blue zone diet recipes widely limit eggs, dairy, meat, added sugar, and processed foods.

The blue zone diet can be a helpful tool to guide your eating habits toward healthier, more beneficial choices for a longer life. These 20 blue zone diet recipes highlight whole foods, veggies, and fruits to make each meal work for you!

Heyday Beans

Chickpea Curry

This flavorful curry recipe loads up on lots of chickpeas to better suit the blue zone diet. Swap the basmati for brown rice, and you'll be set! (via Heyday Beans for Brit + Co)

Midjourney

Niçoise Salad

This dish is packed with so much goodness. From the bed of greens to the heart veggie toppings like olives, tomatoes, green beans, onion, and more, each bite is different from the next, which makes mealtime (especially with the blue zone diet) fun! (via Brit + Co)

Antoni Shkraba / PEXELS

Hummus + Veggies

Hummus is super easy to make at home, and it'd guaranteed to be healthy when you know exactly what you're putting into it. This recipe features a nice amount of lemon juice for taste and freshness. Serve with lotsa veg, as per the blue zone diet. (via Brit + Co)

Two Spoons

Spring Mix Salad + Lemon Tofu

Salads make some of the best blue zone diet recipes (remember that 95% plant-based rule?), but just because they're salads doesn't mean they have to be boring. This one earns some good zest from baked tofu, homemade dressing, and crunchy veggies. (via Two Spoons for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Zucchini Fries

These veggie-laden fries actually taste like what you'd get in the drive-thru. So, if you're searching for blue zone diet recipes that'll fulfill your fast food cravings, this is it. Serve with a homemade sauce to amp up the vibes. (via Brit + Co)

The Real Food Dietitians

Greek Cucumber Salad

Greek and Mediterranean food often qualify for the diet since they're fresh and full of healthy goods. This Greek salad combines juicy cukes, tomatoes, onions, and chickpeas for a refreshing blue zone bite. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

The Edgy Veg

Oyster Mushroom Shawarma

Since blue zone diet recipes tend to limit actual meat, it's crucial to find ones that emulate the meaty, smoky flavors of the chicken, beef, and fish you might be missing. In this dish, oyster mushrooms form a very complex forkful with the help of a homemade marinade. (via The Edgy Veg)

Give Recipe

This post has been updated.

mediterranean diet vegan food healthy recipes recipes