Honestly, if you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Instagram in the last few years, you’ve seen the "Sarah Cameron" effect. It’s that specific, sun-drenched, "I just spent eight hours on a boat but my hair looks perfect" vibe. At the center of it all is Madelyn Cline. But here’s the thing: most people trying to replicate the Madelyn Cline bikini aesthetic are looking in the wrong places. They’re buying cheap fast-fashion knockoffs when the actual magic is a mix of high-end sustainable collabs and very intentional, "Kook-meets-Pogue" styling.
Madelyn isn't just wearing whatever a stylist throws at her. She’s actually out here designing.
The Aro Swim Collaboration: More Than Just a Name
Back in 2021, Madelyn didn’t just pose for photos; she got into the nitty-gritty of design with Aro Swim. This wasn’t a one-off thing, either. The Aro x MC and Aro x MC 2 collections were basically a blueprint for her personal style. If you’re looking for the exact Madelyn Cline bikini pieces that defined her early "Outer Banks" era, you’re looking for styles like the "Lee" (which is super sporty and bold) or the "Cooley" (a bit more dainty and frilly).
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What’s cool is that these weren't just about looking good for a paparazzi shot. They used upcycled, deadstock material. Madelyn has been pretty vocal about the fact that she "loves a bikini and a martini," and that laid-back, "no-stress" energy is why her swimwear choices always feel authentic rather than curated.
The Tommy Hilfiger "New Nautical" Pivot
Fast forward to 2025 and 2026, and the vibe has shifted. She’s moved from the scrappy, beachy Pogue energy into what I call "Elevated Maritime." Her recent work with Tommy Hilfiger for the Summer 2025 campaign is a masterclass in this. We’re talking striped navy and white bikinis, nautical-inspired separates, and those crisp Oxford shirts she uses as cover-ups.
It’s less "lost at sea" and more "sailing the Mediterranean."
If you want to nail the current Madelyn Cline bikini look, you have to embrace the layers. She’s often seen pairing a classic triangle top with linen shorts or an oversized button-down. It’s that "Clueless" meets the East Coast prep aesthetic she’s been obsessed with lately.
How to Actually Get the Look (Without Breaking the Bank)
Look, we can't all drop $500 on a PatBO long-sleeve bikini or wait for the next Revolve drop. But you can mimic the silhouette. Madelyn’s beach style relies on three specific pillars:
- High-Cut Legs: Almost every bottom she wears, whether it’s the "Lee" from Aro or her Hilfiger pieces, features a high-cut leg. It elongates the frame and gives that 90s supermodel silhouette she loves.
- Texture Over Print: While she does the occasional floral (like those Brandy Melville pieces Sarah Cameron wears in Outer Banks), Madelyn usually leans into ribbed fabrics, terry cloth, or "crinkle" textures.
- The "Third Piece": You'll rarely see her in just a bikini. There’s always a pair of baggy jeans, a vintage sailing tee, or a pair of sheer black tights if she’s doing a "cool girl" beach-adjacent look.
The Skin Prep Nobody Talks About
You can buy the exact same Madelyn Cline bikini, but it won't look the same if you’re not doing the prep work. Madelyn is a skincare nerd. She’s been open about her struggles with acne and blackheads, famously swearing by the PanOxyl Foaming Benzoyl Peroxide Wash.
Filming in the South Carolina sun is brutal on the skin. She’s mentioned using SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic (which, yeah, is pricey, but there are dupes out there) and always, always a heavy-duty sunscreen. You can’t get that "honey-lit" glow if you’re dealing with a nasty sunburn or peeling skin.
Why This Aesthetic Still Dominates
It’s been years since Outer Banks first premiered, yet "Madelyn Cline bikini" is still a top-tier search term. Why? Because it’s attainable. Unlike the ultra-glam, "don't-touch-the-water" looks of some influencers, Madelyn’s style feels lived-in. She looks like she actually swims. She looks like she’s having a beer on a dock.
There's a specific "minimalist-luxe" vibe that bridges the gap between high fashion and "I found this in a surf shop."
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Step-by-Step: Building Your Madelyn-Inspired Summer Kit
- Start with a Base: Look for a solid-colored ribbed triangle top. Forest green, scarlet red, or a muted "Sea Grass" are her go-to shades.
- The Cover-Up: Skip the mesh sarong. Grab a men's XL white Oxford shirt. Leave it unbuttoned.
- The Accessories: Keep it simple. A pair of rectangular black sunglasses and maybe some gold huggie hoops.
- Hair & Glow: Don't overdo the makeup. Use a tinted SPF and a bit of lip oil. For the hair, a middle-parted slicked-back bun is her signature when she’s not doing the beach waves.
If you’re hunting for the exact pieces she’s worn on screen, keep an eye on brands like Princess Polly, Urban Outfitters, and Aerie. Most of Sarah Cameron's iconic Season 4 looks came from there. But if you want the "off-duty" Madelyn look, it’s all about those sustainable, high-quality basics and a healthy dose of SPF.
Basically, the goal isn't just to wear a bikini—it's to look like you own the beach you're standing on.
Start by auditing your current swimwear for "texture" rather than "loud prints." Swap out any neon or overly complicated multi-strap pieces for clean, athletic-inspired cuts with high-waisted or high-cut silhouettes. This simple shift in geometry is the fastest way to bridge the gap between a standard beach look and the specific Madelyn Cline aesthetic. Check your local vintage or thrift stores for oversized 100% cotton button-downs to complete the layering she's known for.