Honestly, if you told me five years ago that Stassi Schroeder would be headlining a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway show in Miami, I probably would’ve laughed. Not because she isn't stunning—she’s the OOTD queen for a reason—but because the "Vanderpump Rules" era felt like a lifetime ago. Yet, there she was on May 31, 2025, strutting down the catwalk at the W South Beach. It wasn't just a walk; it was a whole mood.
She looked incredible. Total bombshell energy.
But behind the scenes? It was chaotic in that very specific Stassi way. She was candid about being terrified. She literally told reporters she felt like she might "s--t her pants." It’s that kind of bluntness that keeps her relevant long after leaving Bravo. While most influencers try to look perfectly polished and effortless, Stassi was backstage basically disassociating and listening to the Game of Thrones theme song to pump herself up.
The Walk That Divided the Internet
The reaction to the Stassi Schroeder Miami Swim Week debut was, predictably, a mixed bag. If you go on Reddit or TikTok, people are still debating her "head sway." Some fans loved the confidence; others thought it looked a bit unnatural.
Does it even matter? Not really.
The reality is that she shared the stage with absolute heavy hitters. We’re talking Alix Earle, Bethenny Frankel, and Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles. For a 36-year-old mother of two who constantly jokes about her "stretched-out skin" and losing "70% of her boob mass" after breastfeeding, just being out there was the win.
She rocked two distinct looks that are now everywhere on Pinterest boards:
- The Polka Dot Moment: A black-and-white contrasting bikini from Frankies Bikinis. It was classic, a bit retro, and very much in line with her "Next Level Basic" brand.
- The Snakeskin Set: A purple and black animal-print string bikini by Nessy Swimwear. This was the "wow" look. It was cheeky, bold, and definitely the one that got the cameras flashing.
Why This Wasn't Just Another Influencer Gig
Most people think Miami Swim Week is just a bunch of people in bikinis taking selfies. It’s not. For Stassi, this was a massive career pivot. She’s transitioned from the "villain" of a reality show to a New York Times bestselling author, and now, an SI Swimsuit model.
Think about the timeline. She’s had two kids—Hartford and Messer—and she’s been open about the toll it takes on your body. Walking that runway wasn't just about fashion; it was about proving that the post-reality-TV life can be even bigger than the show itself.
The "Stassi Says" Factor
This appearance also coincides with her big return to the screen. Between her guest spot on Vanderpump Villa season 2 and her upcoming docu-comedy Stassi Says on Hulu, she’s everywhere right now. She’s leaning into this new era where she isn't just a "Bravolebrity"—she's a brand.
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Backstage in Miami, she was soaking up tips from the pros. She mentioned how welcoming the SI regulars were, which is a far cry from the cutthroat drama we used to see at SUR. Her daughter, Hartford, even watched the dress rehearsal. Imagine being a toddler and seeing your mom headline the biggest swimsuit show in the country. That’s a legacy move.
Real Talk: The Cost of the "Look"
If you want to recreate the vibe, it’s going to cost you. Stassi’s hair was done by Bradley Leake, who used extensions to get that "big bombshell energy" with a middle part.
As for the skin? She swears by a specific "Botox in a bottle" face mask while traveling. She isn't gatekeeping. She knows her audience wants the details.
What Most People Get Wrong About Miami Swim Week
A lot of people think these shows are just about being "thin." That’s old-school thinking. The 2025 SI show featured a huge range of body types—from athletes like Ilona Maher to moms like Stassi and Bethenny.
The shift is real.
The "Stassi Schroeder Miami Swim Week" moment worked because she didn't try to look like a 19-year-old runway veteran. She looked like a woman who has lived a lot of life, had a couple of kids, and still knows how to wear a bikini.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Get the Look: If you're eyeing that snakeskin bikini, check out Nessy Swimwear. For the polka dots, it’s Frankies Bikinis. Both brands saw a massive search spike after the show.
- Confidence Hack: Follow Stassi’s lead—if you’re nervous about a big moment, find your "power anthem." For her, it’s the Game of Thrones theme. It sounds silly until you try it.
- Stay Updated: Watch for her "Stassi Says" premiere on Hulu later this year to see the behind-the-scenes footage of her Miami prep.
This wasn't just a walk down a stage. It was a statement. Whether you love her or hate her, Stassi Schroeder knows how to make an entrance. And in the world of Miami Swim Week, that’s the only currency that matters.
To keep up with her latest style transitions, you can follow her "The Good The Bad The Baby" podcast where she breaks down the reality of balancing high-fashion gigs with toddler meltdowns.