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The White Lotus effect: Tips to ace resort fashion

The White Lotus effect: Tips to ace resort fashion

Aakanksha Mahendra Ahire / TNN & Agencies / Updated: Apr 25, 2025, 15:44 IST

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Luxe fashion in The White Lotus, featuring bold prints and vibrant colours, has made resort wear more aspirational than ever. If you’re heading on a getaway, take notes as style gurus share tips to ace the trend

The White Lotus effect: Tips to ace resort fashion

A still from The White Lotus series

In recent times, web shows like The White Lotus, Emily in Paris, The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives and Four More Shots Please! have redefined resort wear, merging comfort with style.
Mitali Ambekar, a celebrity stylist, says, “Web series have glamorised vacation dressing and reflect the power of resort fashion as a tool of self-expression. Whether it’s the minimalism of The White Lotus, the bold colours and patterns of Emily in Paris, or the OTT ensembles in The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives – they have made resort wear aspirational as well as accessible.”
Celebrity stylist Madhuri Singh adds that while most series highlight women’s style, shows like The White Lotus also showcase fashionable looks for men.“Characters sporting oversized linen shirts, printed resort shirts, tailored shorts, sandals, and a watch have shown how any man can pull off these looks and say, ‘I woke up like this’.”

Poll

Do you believe resort wear can be both comfortable and stylish?

Not reallyAbsolutely!

Resort wear today is all about relaxed silhouettes, breathable fabrics and easy luxury that transitions from beachside lounging to evening outings. It’s no longer just seasonal, but a lifestyle for those who value timeless style

Vikram Seth, fashion stylist & creative director

STYLISTS PICK THEIR FAVOURITE LOOKS FROM THE WHITE LOTUS

Michelle Monaghan (Jaclyn Lemon)

Michelle Monaghan as Jaclyn Lemon (left), Carrie Coon as Laurie (centre) and Leslie Bibb as Kate (right) in The White Lotus season 3

Her outfits are versatile and perfectly layered, and they don’t try too hard to look cool… The colours, prints and layering look balanced and never over-the-top. That’s the vibe I like for a vacation – relaxed but stylish at the same time
- Madhuri Singh, a celebrity stylist
Parker Posey (Victoria Ratliff), Sarah Catherine Hook (Piper Ratliff) and Aimee Lou Wood (Chelsea)

Parker Posey as Victoria (left) in a navy blue floral dress/Sarah Catherine Hook as Piper (centre) in a cream corset-style sundress/Aimee Lou Wood as Chelsea (right) in a crochet dress

I love how minimal and luxe these outfits are. What’s more, they can be worn and styled easily by everyone. I love Chelsea’s crochet-style dress for its bohemian and trendy vibe
- Mitali Ambekar, a celebrity stylist
Jennifer Coolidge (Tanya McQuoid)

Jennifer Coolidge as Tanya in a pink floral dress

Tanya’s pink floral dress paired with a pair of big sunglasses and a scarf is one of my favourites. Her wardrobe screams old-money eccentric with a vintage twist. The OTT glamour is iconic. Her pink look on the Vespa is tragically fabulous
- Vikram Seth, a fashion stylist & creative director

It’s elevated holiday dressing... On The White Lotus, you could see yourself wearing these (outfits). Maybe they’re not completely perfect. It’s a little off. It’s wild. It’s emotional dressing… You can sort of choose your own adventure with the clothes

Alex Bovaird, costume designer for The White Lotus who recently co-designed a resort wear collection with a popular fashion retailer, told Variety

PACK THESE RESORT-WEAR PIECES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

FOR WOMEN

Flowy maxi dress or kaftan
Co-ord sets in linen/poplin
Chic swimwear
Crochet coverups /sets/pants

FOR MEN

Tropical or Hawaiian printed shirts
Beach shorts, linen pants, shorts
Cuban collar shirts or polo tees

ACCESSORIES

Statement sunglasses
Wide-brim hat
Woven tote or crossbody bag
Strappy sandals or slides

Pick a diverse colour palette. Bright pops like fuchsia and tangerine make a statement, while sea-inspired hues like turquoise and aqua bring a calming vibe. For prints, think tropical foliage, nautical stripes, tie-dye, florals and abstract art for a relaxed vacation vibe

Mitali Ambekar, celebrity stylist

IDEAL FABRICS FOR TROPICAL AND SUMMER GETAWAYS

Linen: Lightweight and breathable
Cotton: Soft and airy
Rayon/viscose: Drapes beautifully and feels cool against the skin
Chiffon/georgette: Great for flowy evening looks
Silk blends: For a touch of luxury

TRY OUT THESE LOOKS

FOR WOMEN

Opt for a linen co-ord set. Pair it with minimalist gold jewellery, strappy sandals, and oversized sunglasses. Complete the look with a woven tote
Wear a kaftan or flowy maxi dress with layered shell or bead necklaces, flat slides, and a wide-brim hat. Wear a belt to cinch the waist for a defined silhouette
Put on a swimsuit and sarong/sheer cover-up. Add statement earrings, bangles, and an open-button shirt or kimono for a glam beach club vibe. Add luxe-looking sunglasses
Try an off-shoulder cotton dress with block heels, a straw bag, and delicate anklets fit to be worn during the day and in the evening
Wear a wrap skirt and crop top. Style it with slides or gladiator sandals, hoop earrings, and a sleek bun or beach waves

- As suggested by Vikram Seth, a fashion stylist & creative director
FOR MEN

Wear a linen shirt and tailored shorts in breezy neutrals with sliders and sunglasses
Opt for a tropical print co-ord set for a playful edge. One can wear it open over a vest with sliders and a fedora hat
Put on a Cuban collar shirt with relaxed linen trousers. Pair it with loafers and layered bracelets
Try a sleeveless knit shirt or tank top with high-waist linen shorts and sandals for a cool look
Experiment with a monochrome tee and jogger set layered under a lightweight jacket and paired with clean sneakers

- As suggested by Mitali Ambekar, a celebrity stylist

End of Article