The virality of Haim’s ‘Relationships’ is understandable. Who knew every modern relationship could be encapsulated in all of three minutes? The hesitancy, the sensual, sweaty dancing in a club, the messy romantic prospects with a non-committal partner, the rolling around half naked in the heat of summer, the emotional unavailability, the getting back together, the almost breaking up again. The only unrealistic thing about the music video is wanting to call it off with a certain Drew Starkey. But we digress.
Marking the sisters’ first release out of their upcoming fourth album, perhaps half of its genius lay in the decision to cast the Queer heartthrob in the MV. But the other half? We’re crediting it to the subtle creation of Haim’s impossibly effortless and covetable style. The vibe is easy yet sexed-up; breezy yet bold; understated yet stirring. In the maddening throes of their on-off relationship, Danielle wears a stark green jersey over a striking set of red underwear. There’s a tone-on-tone ensemble that’s equally memorable: a cerulean button-up shirt worn braless over a powder blue pencil skirt. And then there’s that scene where almost all their layers come off. Simple, but not sexless.
The moodboard writes itself with its vivid colours and shapes—think the chic minimalism of ‘90s Calvin Klein, or the delicious cuts of vintage Helmut Lang. Hats off to stylist and costume designer Erin Benach for this one, but one look at the cover art for ‘Relationships’ and their since-released single ‘Everybody’s trying to figure me out’ and you’ll catch it: the nostalgic references to some of the Internet’s most iconic photos, ones we’ve consistently dragged out of the archives time and time again.
One look at the former especially, and you’ll see the similarity to that shot of Nicole Kidman walking down the streets enrobed in sheer bliss. But it’s the fashion we’ve also clocked, with Danielle mimicking the sheer, skin-clinging blouse, cotton midi and floral patterned look that Kidman is wearing in the snap. Alana and Este’s looks also brim with the pared-back composure that comes with spending a few hours under the sun: a loose singlet paired with a flowing skirt and some ballet flats, or a short jersey dress dialled casual with some trusty sneaks.
All carefree, effortless and brimming with nostalgia, there’s an enviable sense of ease the Haim sisters have been emanating with their style, and we’ve been left wanting. Is this what ‘single girl summer’ is supposed to feel like? If so, count us in.
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The office siren
It’s the star outfit of the ‘Relationships’ music video. Danielle’s tone-on-tone outfit—in colours that don’t necessarily meld together but do—is simple, sexed-up and free.
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Freedom on the horizon
If there’s one thing the sisters are channeling from that Nicole Kidman snap? That unbridled look of glee. Translated in their clothes, there are breezy scoop tanks atop simple minis, a combination you could pull together from anything in your wardrobe. There’s a sublime mix of sheer fabrics, florals and jersey separates too, nothing meant to be overly seductive—just lawless.
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For the prospective lover
Something of note: the music video utilised plenty of colour—for both Danielle and Drew Starkey’s character—to demonstrate their on-off relationship. Just when things seem to be looking up (and he’s moving all his things back in), a vivid show of colour is thrown back in.
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Summer's out
Transient, fleeting and tastes like summer. Este and Alana ace the ‘single girl summer’ brief in their own way; a mocha mousse mini here, a pair of ballet flats there. We adore Este’s sheer pink midi and white tank combi—the exact picture of casual insouciance and things you throw on when your sister tells you to help pack up her boyfriend’s things because she’s thinking of calling it off.
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Bedside etiquette
All that and for what? The pair are just going to tumble back into bed together and everything about what Danielle wears in this scene feels very real: some striking yet sexy underwear, with a jersey thrown on top.
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Put your boots on
Next chapter for the Haim sisters (or maybe just Dani)? Emulating that Kate Moss capture from LA back in 2000, she’s taking in some sun and slipping into her best denim and boot combi. Specifically, those Vivienne Westwood Pirate boots, if you will.
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Lisa Yang striped cashmere T-shirt, $522
Available at Net-a-Porter.
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Kallmeyer striped cotton jersey shirt, $172
Available at Net-a-Porter.
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Calvin Klein high rise denim mini skirt, $170
Available at Calvin Klein.
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Vivienne Westwood Pirate boots, $1,134
Available at Vivienne Westwood.
