Everyone is trying to dress like Cousins Beach. Honestly, it’s not even just about the clothes anymore; it’s about that specific feeling of salt air, messy hair, and the kind of heartbreak that only happens when you're sixteen. When we talk about Belly from The Summer I Turned Pretty outfits, we aren't just discussing a wardrobe. We’re discussing a cultural shift toward "coastal granddaughter" chic that took over TikTok and Pinterest the second Lola Tung stepped onto our screens.
It's relatable. That’s the magic. Isabel "Belly" Conklin doesn't wear runway pieces or high-fashion couture that feels untouchable. She wears what a girl with a crush and a suitcase full of hope would actually pack for a three-month stay at her mom’s best friend’s beach house.
The Evolution of the Cousins Beach Look
In the first season, the vibe was pure innocence. Think light washes of denim and tiny floral prints. Belly was stuck between being a kid and being the girl everyone suddenly noticed. Costume designer Amy Andrews Harrell leaned heavily into that transition. We saw a lot of American Eagle, Wildfable, and Zara. It felt accessible because it was.
But then Season 2 hit, and things got heavier. The outfits reflected that. The colors stayed soft—lots of baby blues and creams—but the silhouettes changed as Belly dealt with grief and the messy reality of the Fisher boys. You've probably noticed she moved away from the super-girly sundresses and toward more functional, slightly oversized pieces. It’s the "I’m trying to keep it together" look.
Why Belly from The Summer I Turned Pretty Outfits Work So Well
The brilliance of the styling lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a stylist to recreate these looks. You basically just need a good pair of denim shorts and a tank top that fits perfectly.
Take the iconic white deb ball dress. It’s the peak of the show’s fashion lore. While the rest of her wardrobe is casual, that dress represented her "coming out" to the world. It was a Selkie-inspired moment without being a literal Selkie puff dress, keeping it grounded in the show's reality. Most fans, however, aren't looking for ball gowns. They want the everyday stuff.
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The Essentials Checklist
If you're trying to build a wardrobe based on Belly from The Summer I Turned Pretty outfits, you need the basics first. Start with a pair of high-waisted denim shorts—the ones she wears are usually a medium wash with a slight fray. Pair that with a crochet halter top. Crochet is huge in the show because it screams "summer hobby."
Don't forget the oversized hoodies. These are crucial. Usually, they belong to Conrad or Jeremiah, which adds to the emotional weight of the outfit. It’s that "boyfriend fit" but with actual narrative stakes. Brand-wise, the show uses a lot of Converse Chuck Taylors and simple Keds. No heels here, unless someone is getting married or debuting.
Breaking Down the Color Palette
The colors aren't accidental. The show uses a palette of "Cousins Blue," sunset oranges, and soft whites. It’s meant to mimic the sky at different times of the day.
- Sky Blue: This is Belly’s power color. It matches her name and the ocean.
- Sun-Washed Yellow: Often used in Season 1 to show her optimism.
- Muted Sage and Grey: These crept in during Season 2 to mirror the somber tone of Susannah’s passing.
One of the most searched items is the "Love Always" sweatshirt. It’s simple, it’s red, and it’s nostalgic. It captures that 2000s-era aesthetic that author Jenny Han weaves into the DNA of the story.
Where to Actually Shop the Look
You don't have to guess where these clothes come from. The production team has been pretty transparent about using brands like:
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- Aerie: For those soft, ribbed tanks and loungewear.
- LoveShackFancy: For the more expensive, floral moments (like the birthday dinner).
- Billabong and Roxy: To maintain that authentic "beach girl" DNA.
- Urban Outfitters: For the slightly trendier, "city-meets-coast" pieces.
It’s a mix of high and low. Most of us can't drop $500 on a dress, so we look for the $25 dupe at Target, and honestly, that’s exactly what Belly would do too.
The Cultural Impact of the Coastal Granddaughter
We have to talk about the "Coastal Granddaughter" trend. Before this show, "Coastal Grandmother" (think Nancy Meyers movies, white linen, and gardening) was the big thing. Belly Conklin shifted that demographic.
The Belly from The Summer I Turned Pretty outfits took that sophisticated beach look and made it youthful. It replaced the stiff linen trousers with linen shorts. It swapped the expensive cashmere pashmina for a chunky knit cardigan. It’s a lifestyle brand at this point. People aren't just buying the clothes; they're buying the idea of a summer that changes your life forever.
Misconceptions About the Style
A lot of people think you need to live near water to pull this off. You don't. It’s an aesthetic of ease. The biggest mistake people make is over-accessorizing. Belly rarely wears more than a simple gold chain or a beaded friendship bracelet. The hair is the most important accessory—sea salt spray is your best friend here. If it looks too polished, it’s not a Belly Conklin outfit. It needs to look like you just woke up from a nap on a porch swing.
Seasonal Shifts: From Summer to Fall
While the show is literally called The Summer I Turned Pretty, Season 2 gave us some "Fall in Cousins" inspiration. We saw more layers. Flannels over tank tops. Knitted vests. This is where the style becomes more versatile for those of us who don't live in a perpetual July.
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The brown leather jacket Belly wears in some of the flashback scenes is a standout. It’s a departure from her usual soft palette, showing a bit more grit. It proves that the "Belly style" is evolving as she grows up. She’s moving away from the little girl in the floral romper and into a woman who knows how to style a vintage-looking coat.
Real Talk: Is it Sustainable?
Fast fashion plays a big role in these TV wardrobes. While it's easy to go to Shein and buy ten floral tops, the actual "Cousins" vibe is more about quality pieces that last. Think about the "Team Conrad" or "Team Jeremiah" sweaters. Those are items you keep for years. If you want to shop this look sustainably, look for vintage LL Bean, Lands' End, or Gap on resale sites like Poshmark or Depop. You’ll find better fabrics that actually feel like they’ve been washed a hundred times by the sea.
Actionable Steps to Build Your Summer Wardrobe
If you want to transition your closet into something Belly Conklin would approve of, stop buying trendy "micro-trends" that will be out of style by August. Focus on the core components of Belly from The Summer I Turned Pretty outfits that have staying power.
- Invest in "The One" Denim Short: Find a pair that doesn't pinch and looks better the more you wear it. Levi’s 501s are the gold standard for this.
- The Power of the Basic Tank: Buy ribbed tanks in white, baby blue, and soft pink. They are the building blocks for every single outfit in the show.
- Layer with Purpose: Get one oversized, high-quality hoodie. It should be thick enough to keep you warm during a beach bonfire but soft enough to sleep in.
- Keep Shoes Minimal: One pair of white sneakers (like Supergas or Converse) and one pair of functional sandals (Birkenstocks are very "Cousins") are all you need.
- Embrace the "Messy" Hair: The outfit doesn't work if your hair is perfectly curled. Use a texture spray or just let it air dry after a swim.
The beauty of Belly's style is that it’s forgiving. It’s meant for eating ice cream, running on the sand, and crying in the car. It’s a wardrobe for living, not just for photos. Start with one or two key pieces—maybe a crochet top or a striped button-down—and build from there. You don't need a beach house to feel like the main character of your own summer.
The key is simplicity. Stick to the soft colors, the comfortable fabrics, and the "less is more" approach to jewelry. Before you know it, you'll have captured that specific Cousins Beach magic without even trying.