How to Shop Love Island Fashion Sustainably

Girl, I see you hunting down those Love Island fashion pieces! πŸ‘€

As the most recent season of Love Island USA has come to a close, many of us (or maybe I’m projecting) are imagining ourselves screaming I GOT A TEXT!!!! across the villa. With the tropical outfits, stunning bathing suits, and boho accessories, who wouldn’t want to spend six weeks in Fiji? πŸ–οΈ

So get ready to become the next bombshell…sustainably!!

1. Thrift Love Island Fashion Like an Islander πŸ’Έ

Everything you see on Love Island, from Huda’s gorgeous finale dress to Amaya Papaya’s Moo-Moo, can be found sustainably (and at a sustainable price)! πŸ’΅

  • Use Depop, Poshmark, or Vinted to search for the specific pieces you are looking for (ex. “Love Island Dress” or “Cut-Out Mini Dress”). Or you can find where that Islander got their exact dress from and search for that! Ex. “Princess Polly Top” or “House of CB purple dress”
  • Set alerts for terms like “mesh ruched dress” or “slinky halter top” to snag items before they’re gone! πŸ˜‰
  • Tip: If you are like me and LOVE finding vintage items, any 2000s Y2K fashion has similar items to what we see in the villa! Mesh tops, embellishments, mini skirts, you name it! πŸ‘—

2. Build a Capsule of Statement Staples 🧒

Instead of chasing every trend, invest in a small amount of very versatile items that you can use at multiple points this summer! πŸ‘–

  • A white or black bodycon mini = endless outfit options.
  • A good triangle bikini top (that’s in your style!) can double as a crop top under a sheer shirt.
  • Choose neutral-toned heels or sandals that go with everything.
  • Tip: Islanders often repeat silhouettes with different prints! You can do the opposite and keep the same item and add different accessories each time (chunky gold jewelry one night, pearl hair cuffs the next). πŸŽ€

3. Swap & Borrow for Special Occasions πŸ’›

You don’t need a new dress for every party. Clothing swaps with friends (like we saw some of our favs doing in the villa) or rental platforms like:

  • HURR (UK-based, partywear)
  • Rent the Runway (US, glam and girly options)
  • By Rotation (for every occasion)

These can give you access to that Love Island look without breaking the bank or wasting items. This practice also promotes a circular economy! πŸ”ƒ


4. Choose Ethical Brands with a Love Island Vibe πŸ’˜

If you want that Love Island vibe, but don’t quite have the time to shop and want to find pieces you’ll wear over and over again, these brands are for you:

  • Reformation – the BEST sexy dresses and crop tops with eco-friendly fabrics.
  • Peachy Den – great for a more playful look!
  • Summersalt – ethically made swimwear with a chic look

Tip: Focus on fabric!! Things like TENCEL, organic cotton, and recycled poly blends are some of the best 😍


5. Restyle Your Basics Like a Stylist 😎

Sometimes the best way to try out a new style is to style our closet differently! This not only prevents waste, but is also significantly better for our wallets. πŸ’–

  • Turn a scarf into a halter top.
  • Layer bikinis with oversized button-downs.
  • Use gold hoops, body oil, and beachy waves to elevate even simple pieces.

6. Set Boundaries with “Get the Look” Culture ⭐️

While it can feel that we HAVE to dress a certain way this summer, social media is always pushing that idea. Remember that fashion is cyclical and works in trends; what might be popular this summer may not be the case next summer. Always stay true to your style! ✨

  • Save looks to Pinterest and wait at least 48 hours before buying
  • Recreate the concept of an outfit; it doesn’t have to be the exact item
  • Ask: β€œDo I love this because it’s my style or because it’s trending?”

back! πŸ’š

next! 🩷