Ah, summer. Baby blue beaches, and Piero Piccioni’s symphonies playing in my head 24/7. More importantly, it’s Island Girl season. The Island Girl is all about embracing natural hair, body, skin, everything. But what does that mean for the summer of 2025? Well, here’s a rundown of the aesthetic and what hot girl summer is gonna be in ‘25.
I’m an Island Girl, in an island world
For those of you who don’t know, the Island Girl aesthetic is often associated with more tropical countries and their cultures. Think the Pacific Islands, or Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines (my hometown!). With the sun pouring down everyday over here, you can imagine most of the fashion encapsulates more golden, tan skin, and breathable fabrics.
In other words, the Island Girl aesthetic revolves around nature, both in the literal sense of being next to the ocean, but also our bodies as they naturally are. Unlike other trends where white skin is the standard, or thin waists are a must, this “trend” is based on real figures in tropical countries – ones that do not always fit western ideals.
I will say though, as a “real island girl”, it’s a good thing to keep in mind when an aesthetic goes a little too far and hits appropriation territory. It is a beautiful thing to have parts of your culture shared as a fashion movement, especially an aesthetic that adores natural features outside of predominantly White norms.
Yet, simplifying entire cultures into one homogenous “aesthetic” can be misleading. For instance, Pacific Islanders are not the same as Asians, South Americans, and so on. Not all islanders wear leis or grass skirts. It is important to keep in mind how a trend is a trend, not an explanation for our culture.
Still, taking inspiration here and there is how fashion grows. The Island Girl is about inclusivity, so, by all means, try it out for yourself (and maybe put your own spin on it!). Here are some fashion tips and tricks to get you started.
Skip the concealer, keep the rosy cheeks
A good fit loves a good makeup look. But, personally, I think the Island Girl look only needs two things: blush and a lip stain.
Think about it this way: you’re going to be dunked in water. The fish are not gonna care when they see your concealer float to the surface. If the Island Girl is all about natural skin, then what you’re gonna need more than anything is sunblock.
But if you still feel like you need something to feel put together, layer on some blush to give that perfectly sunburnt look, with a matching lippie of course. (I recommend Happy Skin’s long-lasting jelly blush for both cheeks and lips if you’re gonna be underwater all day.) Those two things are only there to add color to your face, keeping your natural beauty going.
Stop and smell the rose clips
Are you even surprised? Flowers in tropical environments are something you just can’t miss, or else you miss the Island Girl point completely. Adding something flower-related is essential to getting that ‘25 beach look.
The biggest trend right now is flower claw clips. I genuinely have no idea where they came from, but they’re literally everywhere and are perfect for any hair type. They’re also great trinkets to add to beach bags or to wrap your beach towels. Useful and fashionable.
But, if you can get your hands on them, handmade orchid pendants all over Etsy are also classy additions to any sundress. Trust me, with one of those bad boys, you will have people stop and stare at you on the sand.
Crochet this, crochet that
Speaking of handmade, crochet apparel are just the thing for hot girl summer, 2025. These tops will have you feeling like a K-pop idol, dancing to their next summer hit. Think Le Sserafim’s “Smart” or Twice’s “Alcohol Free”.
Not only are these tops beautiful, they’re also very breathable. They’re essentially a step away from being a bikini, except it is socially acceptable to wear them outside the beach. A must-have, for any island girl.
Plus, if you’re still in need of a beach bag, might I interest you in some crochet totes too? If you’re gonna carry a towel, a hat, a whole umbrella, might as well put it in something that isn’t just a glorified basket.
Oh, I just love your nails!
A fashion girlie in this day and age cannot step foot outdoors without a fresh set of press-ons – decorated with seashells and pearls, no less!
Press-ons or a new salon set of nails, while small, add lots of interest to more plain, natural looks. They’re a needed edition to any swimsuit look in today’s world of skirt-over-jeans-layering.
Crocs are better bedazzled
You need to have a set pair of slippers or Crocs on the beach. One time, I decided to wear running shoes to walk the shoreline – just walk – and I came home needing a new pair. Trust me, you would rather wish you were dead than ruining a good pair of sneaks in the sand.
But slippers are boring on their own. As a fashion nerd, they make me cry if I stare at them too long. If you’re gonna leave the house in Crocs and sandals, at least add a little cute clip to salvage yourself.
Luckily for you, 2025 made sure that small trinkets and charms are going to stay in stores until, at least, the end of the year. In other words, you have no excuse to not look good in Crocs.
Gingham anytime, anywhere
You cannot walk down the shoreline and not see at least one girl in anything gingham. Gingham plaid sundresses, plaid bikinis, you name it.
For something so synonymous with picnics and the outdoors, it makes sense for the Island Girl to make plaid her own. Plus, because of the recent ’60s fashion takeover, it’s easy to find it almost anywhere, including your closest Walmart (probably).
If all else fails, bringing a picnic blanket to the beach doesn’t sound like too bad an idea. Just imagine all the beach-picnic photoshoots you could have.
That’s a (head) wrap!
You know what else looks good in crochet? Headscarves. These hair accessories are a great way to add a light layer of detail in the height of the summer heat. Plus, with the return of 60’s fashion, you’re right on trend!
If you want to stand out while still keeping cool, the headscarf is the way to go. You could also make your own with old winter scarves or bandanas lying around the house. You just gotta love pieces that fit any season.
Let’s go to the beach, let’s go get away!
The Island Girl is a thrifty girl – one that turns any microtrend into summer mainstays. But, more importantly, she’s a girl that knows her natural beauty is her best accessory.
Glitter nails and gingham wraps just don’t hit the same as skin and body care. If you’re out in the sun all day, I doubt you’re gonna be thinking about whether your blush still looks symmetrical. Your best beauty tip? It’s probably staying hydrated.
Whatever you decide to do, don’t chase hot girl summer. Hot girl summer comes to those who are confident (especially in sweat!). You know, like a true Island girl.
