Love Island 2018 is fully underway and as it doesn’t air in the states I’ve chain watched 16 episodes in one day. I’ve been keeping tabs on the line-up of this year’s Islanders on Twitter. Amongst the love triangles and chat up lines, my favourite part is seeing what they are wearing. Taking inspiration from some of Love Island’s most stylish past female contestants, I’ve drafted up the ultimate Love Island packing list!
Contestants shouldn’t leave their outfits unplanned, it’s the TV show where appearance matters. In fact, getting their look right could even help them once they leave the villa. For example, former islander Olivia Buckland’s quirky style impressed so much, she was snapped up by plus size dresses retailer, QUIZ, to create her own capsule collection of party-ready styles. If you are hoping to find your own holiday romance this year, here’s how to look your best.
Dreamy dresses
Having the perfect dress is key, especially when you have all those spare hours soaking up the Spanish sun. The Love Island girls know exactly how to do it, choosing bodycon mini dresses that showcase their shape.
Montana Brown, Amber Davies, Kady McDermott and Olivia Attwood were all fans of a bodycon, thigh-skimming style. Some of my favourites include Amber’s beaut sequinned head-turner and Montana’s chic wraparound dress and Kady’s intricate cut-out turquoise dress from last season that she wore to the Love Island final in 2016.
The Love Island Ladies lust over a Maxi dress. Think thigh-high splits, plunging necklines, low backs and bold summer-inspired prints. Olivia Buckland’s loose-fitting final dress; with a cutaway plunge neckline, double split and bright blue floral print, was the perfect look-to dress.
Looking for a subtler look? Make like last year’s finalist Olivia Attwood in her light blue maxi, which featured a high halter-neck design, low back, and subtle split.
Your dresses shopping list:
- Plunge-neck maxi.
- Sequin mini.
- Cut-out mini.
- Bold prints.
Seriously stylish swimwear
The past two series of Love Island reboot have taught us a thing or two, the most important being that the island girls love cut-out swimwear! Whether it’s criss-cross fronts or cut-out sides, it’s all about showing that skin! Some of my favourite looks include Amber Davies’ flattering wraparound swim suit and Jess Shears’ vintage-inspired red bikini with cut-out high-waisted bottoms.
Plunging necklines are another swimsuit style the islander love. The likes of Olivia Buckland and Olivia Attwood opted for this style in chic white and black for ultimate Bond girl glamour, while Montana Brown upped the style stakes with jewelled detailing and peacock feather prints.
Colour? Brighter the better! The island girls are fans of bright reds, pinks, oranges and blues, and never shy away from animal prints. These plainer basics are great for mixing and matching, creating a new look for each of your beach days. Don’t forget about molten metallics either — they’re perfect for catching the light as you chill by the pool.
Your swimwear shopping list:
- Cut-out bikini.
- Plunge-neck swimsuit.
- Brightly coloured or metallic swimwear.
Must-have shoes
Most memorable shoe moment? Olivia Attwood getting the heel of her shoe stuck in-between the villa’s decking boards? For that reason alone, we suggest packing a chunky wedge instead of a skinny-heeled stiletto — plus they’re the perfect summer shoe, working with virtually any outfit.
Keep is casual ladies, the Love Island girls love lazing around the pool. Slip on a pair of pool sliders and you’ll have all you need to make your way from lounger to bar for those all-important cocktails!
Your shoe shopping list:
- Pool sliders.
- Glam wedges.
- Flat sandals — perfect for those lunchtime catch-ups with the ladies.
Chic co-ords
Striking the balance between smart casual, islanders are huge fans of a co-ord — and they’re not afraid to mix and match.
Stand-out co-ords from series gone by include Montana Brown’s gorgeous lilac strappy crop vest and matching palazzo trousers, as well as Georgia Harrison’s boho-inspired patchwork two-piece.
The co-ords didn’t have to be a matching pair either; previous contestants have loved creating new looks through a mix of different tops, skirts and shorts. Perhaps the queen of this is former contestant Camilla Thurlow, who effortlessly paired casual t-shirts with dressier miniskirts and cute frilled and floral shorts.
Your co-ord shopping list:
- Matching crop top and palazzo pants combo.
- Bold formal shorts.
- Brightly coloured skirts.
- A mix of relaxed t-shirts and dressier vests.
There you have it — your ultimate Love Island packing list. Follow these style tips and channel your inner islander style whether you’re spending your summer at home or away this year.
Who’s your favourite Islander this year?
*This post was a collaboration with Quiz but my obsession with Love Island is 100% my own.
