the 5 style trends we can expect to see this summer
Fear not reader, I’m not about to suggest that the Love Island cast shape all of your summer fashion choices. But there may be some unexpected style takeaways in the new season of the hit reality television show to note – as well as plenty to avoid.
The series in which lithe 20-somethings parade in swimwear 80 percent of the time, with the main goal to ‘couple up’ and convince the voting public they should be crowned winners, is renowned for spawning interesting fashion trends (mesh skirts, anyone?) and this summer is set to be no exception.
Cut out swimsuits, thong bikini bottoms – these common summer beachwear trends can all be traced back to ‘the villa’ in recent years.
The show, which is filmed over six weeks in the recent Green List addition, Majorca, has returned to our screens following an 18 month hiatus due to the pandemic. The first episode aired on Monday 28th June and introduced 10 (already deeply-tanned) islanders.
With a myriad of outfit changes already underway, there are several summer fashion trends that have already cropped up…
Love Island 2021 fashion trends
Introducing the bikini 2.0
Scandal, gossip and nudity aside, another thing Love Island delivers in buckets is swimwear. Tanning by day meant typically only the teeniest minimal styles would do, but this season the swimwear on the show is about making a statement and avoiding dodgy tan lines is no longer a priority.
Wrap halter necks, puff-sleeved bikini tops, cleavage and midriff cut-outs and impossibly high-waisted tanga briefs have already been spotted. The main takeaway from Liberty, Shannon and co? Go bold or go home.
Eye-catching colour is the way to go
With the aim to secure a partner, a bright fashion statement that’ll definitely get attention is de rigueur on the island. Just ask Faye: she secured three ‘couple-ups’ within minutes of each other, all of which she could put down to her zingy turquoise two-piece. Plus, what better to showcase a mahogany tan than a bold hue?
Cut-out swimwear aside, nothing screams summer like a citrus dress. Once the weather perks up, why not take a leaf out of Faye or Kaz’s book and invest in a sunshine-yellow or apricot smock if you’re tired of resorting to classic navy and cream.
Upside down bikinis are here
Even traditional low-key swimwear designs have been given a Love Island styling twist. There’s an interesting trend steadily rising on social media whereby triangle bikini tops are worn upside down, and with the likes of Love Island favourites Boohoo and PrettyLittleThing already styling their new season swimwear in this way, it’s safe to say it’s set to become a staple this season on party islands.
Sky-high heels are the shoe of choice
While the rest of the nation has been reluctantly stuffing their feet back into real shoes since the lifting of lockdown restrictions, with heels a far-off notion, the footwear timeline on Love Island is significantly sped up.
Sharon sported metallic wedges which are a forever-favourite on the show, but Liberty and Kaz’s strappy six-inch platforms are proving just as popular this season – by day and night.
The rest of us might like to start off small. If you’ve been wedded to your Birkenstocks, block heeled mules or espadrille wedges will ease you in.
Sarongs have made a comeback
In an unexpected twist, cover-ups made an unexpected appearance in the first episode with three of the five new contestants sporting them. Cover-ups they may be, but the actual coverage is in rather short supply – the 2021 Love Island sarong is sheer, short, slinky and tied artfully around the waist, coordinating with the bikini perfectly.
Traditionally, sarongs are more practical and modest, so their return is great news for beachwear in general. John Lewis has a handful of sarongs in stock at the moment, and has already noted a 75% increase in beachwear sales since the return of Love Island was announced. Perhaps this is one Island-created trend that we might all want to try in real life?
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