Madelyn Cline Is Gen Z's Next Style Icon—5 Outfits She Wore I'm Drooling Over
At this point, we’ve all heard about Outer Banks. The series highlights a group of carefree, coastal teenagers who end up on a lot of adventures. Amongst the cast, a rising star happens to be Madelyn Cline. Her sense of style, natural beauty, and beachy blonde hair have the predominately Gen Z audience hooked.
Lately, I can’t open the TikTok app without seeing a mention of her personal style. Cline’s style is California cool, she can wear crocs and make them look good and when she walks a red carpet, it never feels like she’s trying too hard. She often opts for comfortable yet stylish pieces such as oversized sweaters, denim jackets, and flowy dresses. She also incorporates bohemian elements into her outfits, such as crochet details and earthy tones.
Overall, her style is effortlessly cool and reflects her laid-back personality. Her stylist Mimi Cuttrell told me, "Maddie has a beautiful ability to mold into so many genres of style," which can definitely be noted by the versatility present in the best of her looks. I need this type of vibe in my life so below, I collected the best outfits she’s worn as of late so we can copy and paste them onto ourselves before summer hits its peak. Enjoy.
Cline puts a feminine touch on utility style with this military-inspired mini dress paired with black leather knee-high boots. I love the touch of edginess that the boots add to the outfit.
Stylist's Notes: "I approached this with a feminine eye. The soft and delicate color hue, with the structured silhouette, was the perfect compliment." —Mimi Cuttrell, celebrity stylist
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This outfit exudes the perfect juxtaposition of edgy and chic. The vintage-inspired leather cargo pants add a rugged touch, while the metallic crop top brings some shine. She finishes it off with pointed-toe pumps that elevate what might be known as a casual outfit—chef's kiss.
Stylist's Notes: "I love this look for Maddie. The ultimate cool girl while still being young, fresh, and effortlessly glamorous" —Cuttrell
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I'm copying this look as soon as humanly possible. The knit matching set is the definition of coziness yet it somehow looks so elevated on her. We love it when style and comfort come together.
Stylist's Note: "Maddie wears colors so beautifully. This was youthful, fun and cozy." —Cuttrell
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Nothing says 2023 more than a denim maxi skirt and white button-down. This look inspired me to pull out the red lipstick, it's such a bold and confident statement.
Stylist's Notes: "Tommy Hilfiger is at the heart of American fashion, so we wanted to approach this look with an elevated, all American & classic aesthetic." —Cuttrell
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It wouldn't be a Gen Z style icon without low-rise jeans now, would it? The fact that this cardigan cinches at the waist makes this look so flattering.
Stylist's Note: "We went for a cool and casual look at home. She is cozy and chic. Nothing better!" —Cuttrell
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Shop more pieces that I have a feeling would end up in Madelyn Cline's wardrobe:
I immediately thought of Cline when I found this dress.
I predict that Cline already has this dress in her shopping cart.
If you want to have an Outer Banks summer, start with a collection of tops like this.
Wear it as a dress, wear it as a skirt. The opportunities are endless.
If you like all things Gen Z, you need to have a good tube top in your life.
What I think Cline would wear to a casual dinner with friends.
Up Next: 7 Outdated Spring Trends We're Leaving Behind and Their Timeless Replacements
Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of industry experience to the editorial team. Since joining in 2021, she has made her mark by blending luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra translates editorial expertise into viral social content, making fashion engaging for a new generation. Her unique perspective is rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.
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