In the third season of The White Lotus, the luxurious resort wear-heavy wardrobes of the cast are just as arresting as the murder mystery plot that lies at the heart of the series. Is it any surprise then that the series has been serving plenty of maximalist style inspiration for those jetting away to exotic tropical locales in the coming months? (Story by Anindita Paul)
Updated On: 2025-04-10 11:12 AM IST
Compiled by : Raaina Jain
Not your grandma’s crochet
The crochet dress worn by Aimee Lou Wood’s character, Chelsea, epitomises effortless resort chic. According to image consultant Taylor Elizabeth, crochet pieces add interesting textural contrasts to an otherwise simple look and are best suited for casual beach dinners or parties. Opt for simpler pieces in classic colours. For a more conservative take, you could layer your crochet piece with wardrobe staples, including jackets, tees and skirts, in neutral tones.
Breezy kaftans in rich jewel tones
This year, invest in silk kimono-style pieces in rich jewel tones. Statement prints, which were favoured by New York City lawyer Laurie (played by Carrie Coon), are trending again and mimic the vibrancy of tropical beach settings. Fashion and luxury entrepreneur Meghna Ghodawat says that one can easily dress these pieces up with statement jewellery, or tone them down by skipping all accessories. Steer clear of designs that have too many embellishments and, if you are petite, floor-length styles that can overwhelm you.
Tailored linen spells vacay chic
Toe the line between wearability and high fashion with tailored pieces in breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen, Elizabeth advises. Parker Posey’s character, Victoria Ratliff, exemplifies this with her tailored khaki linen dress. The structured yet breathable fabric makes it perfect for tropical climates. While prioritising comfort, avoid baggy, shapeless clothing that can feel sloppy instead of relaxed. A good example of this is oversized tees or shorts that lack structure.
Co-ordinated swimwear and cover-ups
Swimwear deserves a special mention in the show’s styling, with sleek one-piece styles making as much of a statement as ruffled bikinis. One-shoulder styles, dramatic V-necks and earthy colours are top picks for Kate (Leslie Bibb) and Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), dressed up with patterned cover-ups and accessorised with elegant gold jewellery.
Elizabeth believes that wearing a co-ordinated sarong over your swimwear allows for movement between lounging by the pool and stepping into a seaside café without feeling underdressed. You could also opt for a sheer kaftan, wrap dress, or linen cover-up, to maintain sophistication while staying vacation-ready.
Read full story: Take inspiration from The White Lotus 3 with these fashion tips to update your summer vacay wardrobe