Some people go to the beach. We'd rather wear it.
Ocean-core is the art of dressing like you've spent a very happy afternoon at the aquarium: fish swimming across your skirt, a mermaid on your tee, fluffy scales on your cardigan. It's playful, it's a little bit nostalgic, and (most importantly) it's way more fun than another beige basic. Here's how we style the pieces from our Tales From The Tide drop, from full-on deep sea to "just a splash."
1. The full aquarium: Gilly Skirt + Aquarium Vest
If you're going to do ocean-core, why not do it properly? The Gilly Skirt is a 100% cotton denim midi covered in fish patchwork, each one with super fine embroidered gills that swim from front to back. Pair it with the Aquarium Vest, a chunky knit sweater vest with a little sailboat, a setting sun and textured fish, coral and starfish, and you've basically got a whole reef on you.
Styling tip: keep everything underneath simple. A crisp white blouse (bonus points for a big collar) lets the fish and coral do the talking. Finish with Mary Janes or chunky loafers.
2. Sailor off-duty: Mariners Blouse + Against the Tide Pants
For something a little more "seaside town" than "deep sea," start with the Mariners Blouse, wrinkle-resistant cotton with a lilac sailor collar and cuffs, hand-embroidered fish and ruffle details at the sides. Add the Against the Tide Pants: lightweight blue striped wide-leg pants with little fish embroidered swimming against the stripes.
The high waist and stretchy waistband mean you can tuck the blouse in for a neater look, or leave it loose for full weekend energy. Sneakers or ballet flats both work.
3. Cozy coastline: Scales Cardigan + Gilly Skirt
Ocean-core isn't just for summer. When the sea breeze turns chilly, throw the Scales Cardigan over the Gilly Skirt. It's knitted from a fluffy, feathery yarn in a warm scale pattern of orange, pink, green and brown, with a high neckline and wooden buttons. It's the kind of cardigan that makes strangers ask "can I touch it?" (Up to you.)
Styling tip: button it all the way up and wear it as a top, or leave it open over a plain tee. The warm tones of the scales look lovely against the denim of the skirt.
4. Mermaid weekend: Mermaid Tee + Against the Tide Pants
The easiest ocean-core outfit of all. The Mermaid Tee is a heavyweight, boxy cotton tee in soft lilac, with a mermaid pieced together in patchwork and embroidery from fabric scraps. Tuck it loosely into the Against the Tide Pants and you're ready for markets, picnics or a long lunch by the water.
5. Just a splash: one ocean piece, everything else simple
Not ready to go full mermaid? Pick one hero piece and keep the rest plain:
- Gilly Skirt + a white or striped tee + sneakers
- Aquarium Vest over a plain long-sleeve top + your favorite jeans
- Scales Cardigan + black pants for a cozy desk-day look
- Mariners Blouse tucked into a denim skirt
One fish is a conversation starter. Six fish is a lifestyle. Both are correct.
Ocean-core color guide
The Tales From The Tide pieces are designed to mix and match, so you can't really go wrong. If you're pairing them with things already in your wardrobe, these colors play nicely:
- Denim blues and white: the classic seaside combo
- Lilac and cream: soft, mermaid-y and a little dreamy
- Coral, orange and sunny yellow: pulls out the sunset tones in the Aquarium Vest and Scales Cardigan
Frequently asked questions
How do I care for the Gilly Skirt?
The fine, wispy threads in the scales, fins and gills and the raw-edge patchwork are intentionally made for that textured, magical look, which also makes them a little more delicate than standard stitching. Wash as little as possible, and as gently as possible, to keep the magic alive.
What sizes do these pieces come in?
The Tales From The Tide pieces are made in sizes XS to 4XL. Fits vary by piece (the Mermaid Tee is boxy, the Gilly Skirt has a stretchy waistband), so check the size chart on each product page before you buy.
Are they responsibly made?
Yes. Every piece is designed by us and responsibly made in small batches in BSCI-compliant factories. You can read more on our Ethics & Responsibility page.
Ready to make a splash? Shop the full Tales From The Tide collection.