How to Wear Summer’s Beachy “Dolphin Girl” Trend

When my boyfriend was little, he was so obsessed with dolphins that he took some scissors and cut a chunk of hair off the top of his head to give himself a blowhole. I tell you this story because it’s iconic, and also because it perfectly encapsulates one of our favorite summer 2025 trends: the Dolphin Girl aesthetic.

As anyone who had to do a favorite animal project in elementary school (and didn’t pick the cheetah) knows, dolphins are famously resourceful, athletic, and smart. Isn’t that how you’d like to be described, too? Also: a mammal with excellent communication and social skills, plus impressively sleek skin.

Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the trend. But before you dive in… maybe cancel your plans for tonight? You’re going to want to go swimming, or at least run to the thrift and source a vintage rashguard.

The Dolphin Girl Trend

The Dolphin Girl trend is 2025’s answer to the coconut girl. Think the sporty chic Rikki Chadwick from H2O: Just Add Water, Y2K Roxy designs, and bright flip flops. This girlie knows how to surf, but she’s also super comfy hanging in the beachfront gift shop and tracking down a textured keychain with her name on it.

Key elements of the trend include pops of blue, a bit of shimmer, and a carefree vibe. A dolphin girl is good at slugging before bed and even better at showing up to any event, at sea or on land, with extra-shiny poolside skin. She has a drawer full of halter tops and finds packing for vacation a breeze. A couple pairs of Bermuda shorts, a few swimsuits, a puka shell necklace… what else could you possibly need?

Why Its Trending

The popularity of the dolphin girl trend can be traced to our current appreciation of all things Y2K—and our proclivity for playing mermaids in the pool all summer long. Also: Remember the social capital that a Lisa Frank Dancing Dolphins folder could earn you in school? That’s what we’re tapping into.

Dolphin girls know the power of a good beach read (they’re one of earth’s most intelligent species, hello!) and also know—despite the prevalence of summer Fridays—when its time to get down to business.

Kendall Jenner has big dolphin girl energy, as does swamp princess Doechii. Addison Rae often embodies the style in her downtime, and we’ve seen her bring it on the red carpet, too. Her 2024 Academy Museum Gala gown was so dolphin girl all glammed up.

How to Wear the Trend

While being a Dolphin Girl is truly innate—whether you have a blowhole or not—you can always up the ante physically.

There are a couple ways you can go with your Dolphin Girl beauty looks. A slicked-back hairstyle obviously works (plus it’ll help you glide through the water). But there’s also something to be said for beach waves or some messy braids.

Besides body oil, a solar or salty scent (I love Arquiste’s Sydney Rock Pool), and SPF, your one mandatory beauty product is something that can give your skin a little bit of a gleam. Glossier’s Futuredew Solid hybrid stick oil-serum offers the right finish, or try Danessa Myricks’ Dew Wet Hydrating and Highlighting Balm for a shimmer-free shine.

Clothing-wise, your keywords are “sporty” and “playful.” Bikinis absolutely count as tops for Dolphin Girls, but sneakers and platform sandals make more sense than stilettos. Dolphins are also sweet as can be, so don’t be afraid to get a little cutesy with your athleisure. Strawberry Western’s baby blue polkadot yoga sets fit the mood board.

Keep scrolling for some of our favorite Dolphin Girl-inspired beauty and style picks to help you coast through the summer.