You're Invited to the Luau

Beatrice Hazlehurst
Three women stand on the beach near the ocean holding surfboards, talking and smiling

Warm weather is coming sooner than expected (if you're on the west coast, it's the hottest winter on record), which means it's time to reevaluate the closet. I know you were just settling into lighter layers and sheer tights. Well, buck up, the summer clothes are coming out of storage.

If you're seeing an influx of vacation-inspired attire that is somewhere between Blue Crush and Zara Larsson's Midnight Sun tour, that's not by accident. Fashion often swings the opposite way of the sociopolitical climate to compensate for whatever we're missing (for example, 'office siren' was introduced during peak WFH-itis). Since thing have been a little dull and dour recently, we're dressing like Hawaii girls who's days revolve around açai bowls and the next great wave. When you think about it, it just makes sense.

For some of you, that signals a full reset. Forget Wuthering Heights-style corsetry or Tumblr sleaze, from now it's island time, all the time. Build out your summer wardrobe with all the essential inspiration below, then complete the look with a brand new case why don't you? 

 

Active(swim)wear 

Devon Lee Carlson poses with Wildflower's Pastel Plumeria case in an airbrushed white bra that reads 'Devon'

Swimwear has gotten a lot more complicated lately. There's so many holes and straps and baubles that you wonder how on earth you're ever going to get in the water. Well, the Hawaii girl doesn't bother with all that. Getting back to basics means prioritizing comfort and practicality. You want a swimsuit that's going to stay secure in the ocean, and on your bike ride home from the beach. 

@Fashionverse / Pinterest

 

Plumerias 

A woman stands on the beach in front of a golden sunset with a plumeria in her hair

To know and love pop princesses Remy Bond or Zara Larsson is to welcome the return of Plumerias en masse. Plumerias are omnipresent in Hawaii – they line the streets, lay abundant on the ground – and are the ideal accessory to complete your look. Plus, one fake flower can be worn again, and again. (Also, we have a case coming that 

@vende_yuca / Pinterest

 

Pastels 

A woman stands on the beach with a sunset colored dress

You would be an island gyal without coordinating with the sunrise. No matter what your palette (summer, spring, whatever!) everyone can pull off a baby pink or blue — in fact, Kendall Jenner made that very clear at the Oscars this year. If you want to go full ice cream-cutie, look for ombré options like this Cin Cin set

@danika / Pinterest

 

Crochet

Devon Lee Carlson sits on the beach in a pink crochet bikini


This type of knit has been a staple since the '70s, but mark my words, its return is coming in a big way. Expect crochet bikinis, bras, crop tops and two-pieces to be everywhere you look this summer. Try out the trend with a little halter, then build out your crochet closet from there. 

 

Overalls 

A woman stands on the beach in jean pant overalls

The new seasonal must-have is something no one ever saw coming: overalls. And before you ask, yes, this is Rob Rausch-core. The girls are girling in a comfy, pants-top hybrid, especially when a bathing suit is the base. Throw them on over your bikini – one strap off, of course – to look instantly, effortlessly, beachy. 

@zndoyle / Pinterest

 


 

 

 

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Request fields are marked*