White Lotus Looks To Recreate For Your Next Vacation
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"The White Lotus" is back with another season of scathing satire about the wealthy, overprivileged elite. And while a Lorazepam-addled Parker Posey isn't exactly supposed to be aspirational, season 3 is awash in resort wear that is, in creator Mike White terms, absolutely to die for. This installment is set at a Koh Samui wellness spa, which means these characters are decked out in the most luxurious versions of vacation wardrobe essentials: upscale workout wear, designer swimsuits, and chiffon robes. Resortwear caters to our most idealized selves—the people we are when we're on vacation. Costume designer Alex Bovaird was inspired by classic '60s and '70s resort wear, but she also spent plenty of time combing through Instagram to see what the resort set are wearing:."It's quite easy to pop in the right hashtag and or location and look at what everyone's posting at these resorts," she told Women's Wear Daily. "Everybody is putting their best selves forward in those pictures. That's what we try to do with 'White Lotus.'"
From the country club-coded Ratliffe family to the trio of frenemies decked out in Alemais and Belinda's flowing Anthropologie looks, this is a show that knows how to serve look after look. If you aren't already plotting your next vacation — and, more specifically, what you'll be wearing — then it's time to catch up because these caftans wait for no one.
Victoria's luxurious caftan
Victoria Ratliffe is classic old money aesthetic. From the olive sheath dress accented with a silk neck scarf to her orange, off-the-shoulder Rachel Comey jumpsuit, she has the kind of seemingly effortless elegance that comes from throwing down some serious money. Accordingly, her costuming includes the most recognizable luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci. But the highlights of her wardrobe are the caftans — patterned, draped dresses that are perfect for lounging or dining. She looks comfortable without looking slouchy, in part thanks to careful details like her jewelry, watch, and quirky sunglasses, which telegraph the intention behind each look, no matter how simple.
If you're looking to recreate the Ratliffe's matriarch's tropical resort style, reach for a patterned caftan, like Onhaway Beach Cover Up. Natural fibers breathe best but any silky material is a great contender. Accent the look with a few thoughtful details; rings and Dearmay Stackable Gold Bracelets will keep looking polished without competing with the fabric pattern like earrings or a necklace might. Top it off with a pair of '70s inspired eyewear, like SOJOS Vintage Sunglasses— key for hiding your eyes when you're making scathing judgements about everyone around you.
Jaclyn, Kate, & Laurie's poolside outfits
This backbiting trio might not be friendship goals but they're certainly style goals. When it comes to fashion, these three are somewhat interchangeable—with television star Jaclyn favoring slightly louder, more expensive pieces and Laurie looking less, well, impeccably fitted. Still, bold patterns and statement pieces are the name of the game with these three, who are a master class in pool wear. In Jaclyn hands, anything goes when it comes to swim suit coverups, from a vintage Chanel dress to a patterned Valentino button-up.
The key to recreating these fits is focusing less on whether something is designated as "pool wear" and more on whether it feels good against your skin and compliments your bikini. Look for fabrics that add complimentary color and visual interest. Treating your coverup as a coordinated part of your ensemble — rather than the default thing you throw over your suit — is what elevates the look into a polished fit. Part of what works so well here is the oversized button down shirt over swimwear. The best part is? As Jaclyn demonstrates, you don't need to buy anything new because you can comb your wardrobe for the best layers, leaving you more budget to splurge on the perfect bikini. Recreate your own version of the look with Coofandy Men's Button-Down Shirt over A Berlook Contrast One-Piece Swimsuit.
Chloe's elegant summer night dress
Technically, Chloe isn't a guest at the hotel but her chic, French girl looks are still a masterclass in vacation dressing. She tends to favor more sophisticated looks and younger designers like Jacquemus and Khaite; she's got Greg's credit card after all. Her style is deceptively simple, and its the little details that take her looks from boring to perfection. For example, the high-cut on her pink one-piece swim suit breaks up the block of monochromatic color and gives the otherwise boring outfit some extra oomph.
If you're looking to recreate this sexy, elegant resort style at home, reach for a YELAIVIP One-Piece Swimsuit and a EASTBUDDY Chiffon Ballet Skirt in coordinating colors so that the contrasting textures take center stage. Top it off with a wide-brimmed sun hat, since a former model like Chloe would be super diligent about follow expert-backed advice to prevent wrinkles. Finally, polish the style off with some Gacimy Chunky Gold Earrings and sunglasses.
Chelsea's chill maxi skirt
Chelsea's youthful, bohemian styles contrast with many of the show's others. According to costume designer Alex Bovaird, she's intended to look a bit out of place next to the other White Lotus clientele. "We imagined she got the crochet dress from a market, or she collected things from Goa. She's supposed to have this very market-driven, eclectic wardrobe," Bovaird told Vogue, which s why her ensembles have a more ad hoc feel. But that doesn't mean Chelsea, played by a gorgeously transformed Aimee Lou Wood, isn't stylish. Her looks are playful and sexy, just like her character, and she's got her fair share of designer handbags.
The secret to recreating laissez-faire looks? Emphasize contrasts and don't be afraid to clash a little bit. Much of the visual interest in Chelsea's look comes from the high-low mix: high fashion pieces blended with vintage and kitsch. If you're looking for a place to start, pair a Goodie Two Sleeves Cropped Band Tee with a BTFMB floral skirt for a rock-meets-girly vibe. Top it off with plenty of jewelry; this is a great time to bust out any jewelry you might have acquired traveling and layer it over a fun Teamer Double Layer Pendant Necklace for a new age vibe. Don't be afraid to over-accessorize since that's part of the surprising, outré quality.
Belinda's tropical dress
After everything Belinda went through in season one, this poor woman deserves a rest. That's why we were — at least at first, so happy to see her on a well-earned work trip to Thailand, rocking some seriously comfortable-looking Lily Pulitzer-esque caftans and dresses. While it doesn't look like this trip is going to be exactly the restful vacation she deserves, it's good to see she's slaying anyway in a bunch of boldly printed designs that scream resort wear. These are some of the easiest outfits to recreate and they're perfect for going straight from a spa treatment to fancy dinner. Reach for a loose Makabo Pattern Dress or caftan. The secret to recreating these looks is resisting the urge to go overboard with accessories since the dresses are such bold statements already. Belinda usually finishes her looks off simply, with just some pretty earrings and a trusty pair of sunnies. Recreate your own version with Yocoyee Dainty Teardrop Earrings and SOJOS Polarized Sunglasses.