Any mention of the word spring may evoke thoughts of dopamine dressing, all white everything, and prairie dresses. I fall for it hook, line, and sinker every year, purchasing shorts and tanks just to get rained on in 40-degree temperatures. But there's a solution to all of our spring fashion woes and it comes in the form of the industry's newest style "core": the fisherman aesthetic.

The trend was included in the 2025 Pinterest Predicts roundup and has been one of TikTok’s latest fashion fixations. TikTok creator, Taylor Gates—who shared her own explainer of the viral trend—said she saw elements of the aesthetic popping up in street style with menswear-inspired and utility-style looks before the trend took over the social media platform. Even functional fashion icons like Gwyneth Paltrow and Katie Holmes have been early adopters of the trend with fisherman sandals, slouchy button-downs, and stripes.

“Influencers have played with this sort of rugged, coastal trend, but it’s also been fueled by the resurgence of workwear and functional fashion,” she tells InStyle. “Social media, especially TikTok and Pinterest, has accelerated its visibility on a larger scale—think fisherman beanies, waxed canvas jackets, and netted or mesh details in everyday attire. It alludes to the ‘quiet luxury’ and ‘coastal grandmother’ aesthetic but with a more practical take.”

And while there may be other trends in the sea–the sea, of course, being the internet—the maritime inspiration has made its way to the runways, too. Major fashion houses like Louis Vuitton,—who recently debuted a viral lobster bag at the Men’s Fall-Winter 2025 presentation—Miu Miu, and Altuzarra are leaning into the nautical vibes with horizontal stripes, trench coats, and oceanic accessories. 

So, what exactly is the fisherman aesthetic? According to Pinterest’s Global Trends and Insights Lead, Sydney Stanback, the kitschy, spring-ready style is a mix of nautical staples with a laid-back maritime attitude. Think sailor-chic with practical details—less yacht club, more fishing dock. Less coastal grandmother, more lake grandpa. Stanback tells InStyle that Pinterest has seen an uptick in search queries for hallmarks of the aesthetic, like cable-knit sweaters, fisherman sandals, and rain boots. 

“This trend is nautical with an eclectic twist, featuring clothing such as cable knit sweaters, fisherman sandals, and rain boots and jackets,” Stanback says. And don’t forget the accessories. Designers like Staud and Longchamp are casting their net with shore-inspired pieces like beaded Sardine bags and lattice totes. “It allows for creativity through accessorizing with fish-inspired bags and accessories,” Stanback says.

Stanback adds that the Pinterest team believes that the trend was born out of the desire to remain comfortable. Call it a vestige of the COVID era, but comfort has become many people’s—including my own—priority. “We believe that this trend stems from a desire to be both fashionable and practical,
she added. “There’s something very aesthetically pleasing about this trend, but it’s also very comfortable and functional.” 

Fisherman functionality is already on the shelves and homepages of your favorite retailers, too. Senior Fashion Director at ShopBop Caroline Maguire says that the brand already has naval-inspired pieces—like boat shoes, barn jackets, light-netted sweaters, and rugby styles—on the site. Investing in and incorporating novelty items into your own style is the best way to execute the trend, adds Maguire, who suggests leaning into your personal style with a nautical flair.

While designers and brands have begun selling hallmarks of the trend, Gates notes that the aesthetic can be easily created with thrifted finds and staples you already own in your closet. Stanback agrees with that sentiment, adding that it’s one of the more sustainable “cores” to come across your FYP. So, your outdoorsy-inspired outfits won’t just look good in nature, but they’ll do good for the environment, too.

“We’ve observed people, especially younger generations like Gen Z, gravitating towards shopping for second-hand goods and finding more sustainable ways to dress,” Stanback explained. “You can easily tap into this trend with items you may already have in your closet or by shopping for it in a second-hand store.”

When it comes to styling, Maguire suggests adding fun, new pieces to your wardrobe while staying true to your personal style. “I've seen people take elements of the trend and adapt them to suit their individual style,” Maguire says. “Think pairing a boat shoe with a full skirt and an oversized hoodie, or a barn jacket with a pair of your favorite slouchy denim. The key is to incorporate aspects of the aesthetic without going overboard.”

Take the bait and read on for how to recreate the trend making a splash this spring.