Recreating Emma Gilbert comes down to choosing between two distinct appearances: her grounded mid-2000s Australian beachwear and her full mermaid transformation. Both versions share her neat, disciplined presentation and the vintage silver locket that connects her to Cleo and Rikki.
Her daily casual outfit relies on simple coastal layers rather than complicated pattern work, making fit and fabric weight the main priorities. The mermaid alternative shifts the challenge entirely to managing water-safe materials, bright scale coloring, and realistic fin mobility.
Everyday Coastal Layers
Emma’s regular wardrobe leans heavily into clean, functional pieces suited for life around the Gold Coast marina. A short-sleeved white button-down shirt forms the core of her daytime outfit, usually worn loose and unbuttoned over a fitted light blue camisole. Lightweight cotton or breathable linen blends hang naturally without looking like stiff office wear. Keep the shirt unpressed or lightly relaxed to match the sun-faded coastal setting.
The light blue camisole underneath provides a subtle contrast that reflects the show’s aquatic color palette. A standard scoop-neck or ribbed cotton tank sits flat beneath the button-down without bunching at the waist. For the bottom half, straightforward blue jeans in a classic straight-leg or mild bootcut cut anchor the silhouette in mid-2000s casual fashion. Skip heavy distress marks or modern ultra-high rises in favor of a clean medium wash with simple hems.
The Mako Island Locket
The heavy silver locket necklace is the central prop that ties either version of the character together. The original prop features an antique silver oval casing decorated with swirling filigree and centered around a smooth stone cabochon. To keep the pendant visible against both the open button-down shirt and bare swimwear, adjust the chain length so the pendant rests midway down your chest. If you intend to wear the piece near salt water or swimming pools, applying a coat of clear jewelry sealant or choosing stainless steel hardware prevents rapid tarnishing.
Ash Blonde Hair and Styling
A straight ash blonde wig provides Emma’s signature cool-toned hair without the warm golden highlights seen on other characters. Her hair generally falls straight past the shoulders with either a clean center part or a slight sweep to the side. Synthetic fibers often carry an unnatural sheen straight out of the package; treating the wig with dry shampoo softens the gloss under camera flashes. Since Emma spends hours training as a competitive swimmer, pulling the hair back into a low ponytail or half-up style offers an authentic alternative that keeps strands out of your face during windy outdoor shoots.
The Mermaid Transformation
Her mermaid appearance swaps the casual clothing for an orange scale-patterned top and tail. The screen-used top functioned as a textured bandeau in a rich burnt orange with a scaled surface. An orange bikini top provides the proper color base and supportive fit. Cosplayers wanting extra depth can paint darker amber lowlights along the seams and cup edges using flexible acrylic fabric medium.
An orange mermaid tail completes the transformation. The original silicone tails were heavily textured with individual scales and a broad, translucent fluke. A printed fabric tail skin captures the warm bronze-orange gradient without the immense weight or maintenance demands of cast silicone. For conventions or land-based photos, select a tail with a discreet bottom opening so you can free your feet and walk comfortably between poses. When swimming, pair the tail with a dedicated monofin that provides safe propulsion through the water.
