Between the balletcore, "old money" and "tomato girl" aesthetics, we're spending summer 2023 in pretty flats, blazers and shirred dresses, and swapping Y2K grunge for Gen Z's take on luxury dressing. But, whether you subscribe to the latest trends or you're a classic dresser, there is something universally appealing about TikTok's latest aesthetic that might just capture your attention, and it's already a celeb and influencer favourite.
Enter, "yacht girl summer". You might not actually have plans to cruise around the French Riviera this summer, but there's no reason you can't dress like you're about to step onto a boat, and this luxe aesthetic is the key to looking put together and keeping cool—something we can easily get behind. Sorry, regencycore, but this is a moment for the Below Deck fans.
Take one part maritime stripes, add a little '90s glamour, throw in plenty of linen and swimwear and sprinkle with a little French je ne sais quoi, et voila, the yacht-girl uniform is complete. Think Hailey Bieber's holiday looks, Sophia Richie Grainge's honeymoon wardrobe or Katy Perry at Wimbledon. Goodbye, hot girl summer, and hello, luxury vibes. And if you've ever shoulder-robed a breton knit over a swimsuit whilst pouring a chilled glass of wine, congratulations—you've already achieved the goal.
Whilst the look lends itself well to the likes of Ralph Lauren, Toteme and Valentino, it's equally easy to achieve this expensive feel with high-street pieces. All it takes is the right colour palette and silhouette and a handful of chic accessories.
Sold on a yacht girl summer? Keep scrolling. I've rounded up designer, premium and high-street pieces so good that no one will know if they're archival couture or Arket, along with some easy outfit inspiration to help you style your new buys. Happy sailing. I mean, shopping.
HOW FASHION PEOPLE AND CELEBS ARE DRESSING FOR A YACHT GIRL SUMMER
Style Notes: A breton top, linen trousers, sunnies and a raffia bag? Consider this entire outfit the YGS checklist.
Style Notes: The easy way to style swimwear for before and after the pool.
Style Notes: As soon as navy stripes are introduced, this look feels instantly yacht-ready. The bow-tie top adds a pretty edge.
Style Notes: There aren't any sarongs on the yacht-girl moodboard—this summer it's all about chic cover-ups like gauzy maxi dresses and column skirts.
SHOP THE YACHT GIRL SUMMER AESTHETIC:
Nothing says "I own a boat" quite like a neckerchief or headscarf.
The epitome of luxury.
This could easily pass for designer.
Big enough to hold all of your holiday essentials.
Just add an oversized shirt and linen shorts.
The perfect wide-leg fit.
A simple tank top is a wardrobe staple.
The secret to making every outfit look instantly better.
At this price, I'd a buy a pair in all four colours.
Exactly the kind of thing I want to pull on fresh out of the sea.
Trust With Nothing Underneath and Collagerie to come up with the most covetable pinstripes of the season.
The linen trousers our editors can't stop talking about.
Such a cute dress.
Everything about this look is sheer perfection.
It just wouldn't be summer without a chunky leather sandal.
How to do breton the designer way.
And just like that, I'm sold on mini skirts again.
Casual, comfortable, cool.
I can't think of a better looking mini bag.
This shirt is great on it's own, but even better as a full co-ord.
Believe me, Boden's swimwear fit is worth shouting about.
This is just so elegant.
Sunset party, anyone?
It's impossible to believe you'd be tired of sandals already, but when you're ready to change into something more substantial, it has to be Bobbies loafers.
The best seller is back in stock.
The perfect accompaniment to mules and a mini bag.
Undoubtedly the It bag of the summer.
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