The Style Shift - Build The Ultimate White-Lotus Inspired Wardrobe

Theoniki Dribusch
May 5
4 min read

The White Lotus is a darkly satirical drama that follows the lives of wealthy guests and the staff who serve them at a luxurious resort. Each season unfolds in a different tropical paradise, where idyllic surroundings clash with the characters’ personal dysfunctions, secrets, and social tensions. As the days pass, facades crack and deeper issues rise to the surface, all while a mysterious death looms in the background. It’s a biting exploration of privilege, desire, power, and human vulnerability, wrapped in sun-soaked beauty and unsettling suspense.

Although The White Lotus is primarily a psychological drama, that doesn’t mean we can’t take a moment to gush over the absolutely stunning outfits featured throughout the show. From breezy linens and resort-ready sets to bold prints and quiet luxury pieces, the costume design plays a huge role in shaping each character’s identity. Today, I’m going to help you recreate some of these standout vacation-ready outfits - without the eye-watering designer price tags. Let’s build a White Lotus-inspired wardrobe together that’s just as iconic (and way more affordable).

The character Katie Bohr- played by actress Leslie Bibb wears this stunning Zimmerman Bikini top, paired with a sunny pair of yellow linen trousers. The high waist of the linen trousers snatch in the waist, paired with a cropped floral bikini top. The cuts of this outfit show an effortless silhouette with a touch of modern edge.

Nobody's Child Blueman LK Bennet

In The White Lotus Season 3, the friendship between Jaclyn, Laurie, and Kate may look polished on the surface, but underneath lies a mess of backhanded compliments, quiet competition, and barely concealed resentment. As Carrie Coon explains, their dynamic captures that all-too-relatable feeling of being bound by history more than harmony. These summer dresses reflect that same energy at first glance, they look coordinated, breezy, and perfectly aligned. But a closer look reveals just how different they really are. Each one is styled to stand out, not blend in just like the women wearing them. It’s that kind of matching that only works from afar, much like their friendship.

Inspired by Jaclyn

Hazel & Olive Peppermayo Showpo

Inspired by Laurie

Alemaïs Farm Rio

Inspired by Katie

Revolve ASOS LUUDA

Olivia and Paula’s friendship in The White Lotus Season 1 might look close from the outside they hang out constantly, share sharp commentary, and give off that effortlessly aloof energy. But underneath, there’s a clear imbalance. Olivia comes from a place of privilege, and as the show unfolds, Paula starts to see just how much that affects their dynamic.

You can even see it in the way they dress. Olivia tends to go for bolder, more extravagant pieces, statement sunglasses, louder prints while Paula keeps it more low-key. It’s subtle, but it mirrors the power dynamics between them. Olivia takes up more space, even in her clothes, while Paula’s style feels a bit more restrained, almost like she’s trying not to outshine. Their looks might complement each other at a glance, but the differences speak volumes about who holds the power in their so-called friendship.

On a deeper level, their clothing choices reflect the unspoken tension between them: Olivia’s clothing is a visual extension of her privilege and the ease with which she moves through life, while Paula’s wardrobe hints at her discomfort and the limitations that come with being constantly in Olivia’s shadow. Though their friendship appears to complement each other, these differences speak volumes about who holds the power, and by the end of the season, it’s clear that Paula’s quiet struggle has been brewing beneath the surface the entire time.

Inspired by Olivia

Stella Mcartney TAMARA Swim Calvin Klein

Inspired by Paula

Sezane Joe Browns

In The White Lotus season two, Lucia and Mia are these captivating, messy, and unexpectedly magical characters. Lucia, played by Simona Tabasco, is sharp and street-smart, easily reading the room and understanding the complex dynamics between the rich guests. She’s grounded, often serving as the voice of reason, contrasting with the superficiality of those around her. Mia, played by Beatrice Grannò, is quieter and more reserved, watching the chaos unfold with a thoughtful, almost distant perspective. Together, their friendship brings a refreshing energy to the show, offering a perspective that feels raw and real in a world full of shallow drama.

The glittering 1000-pound dresses they wear are the perfect contrast to who they really are. On the outside, the dresses are all about luxury and glamour, but underneath, they mirror Lucia and Mia’s own lives complex, layered, and full of contradictions. The dresses are almost like a mask, making them blend into this world of wealth and excess, but their personalities and interactions with others reveal a much deeper story. They might be dressed to impress, but it's their interactions and the way they navigate the power dynamics around them that really stand out. The dresses might sparkle, but it’s the raw honesty and vulnerability of Lucia and Mia that truly shine through.