We’ve long passed the window for end-of-year respites, the summer holidays still a while away, but if there’s any pivotal piece of television that can ignite the vacation bug, it has to be Mike White’s The White Lotus. Returning for a highly anticipated Season 3 in Thailand on Max, the first episode debuted to much fanfare. Sure, that might have something to do with Blackpink’s Lisa Manoban part to play as an impressionable hotel staff in the White Lotus Thailand, but beyond the K-pop behemoth’s acting debut, episode one delivered on astounding cinematography of the tropical island that is Koh Samui, deliciously dark humour and suspense surrounding the new set of characters and a cacophony of colourful resort wear.
As returning costume designer Alex Boviard tells Vogue: “We don’t do quiet luxury”, fans of the series from day dot would also notice a major step-up in the wardrobe depo when comparing Season 3 to the first when the show was set in Maui, Hawaii. There wasn’t too much of an emphasis when it came to resort wear in the pilot season, but as Boviard shares: “This season, we definitely upped our game. We definitely had the right shoe for the right swimsuits, cover-ups, hats, bags, and sunglasses. Whereas, in season one, we were like, ‘Here are your flip-flops.’”
One will observe the attention to detail with each character and their chosen garb. The wealthy Southern family portrayed by Parker Posey, Jason Issacs and their three children give a big tell to where they come from and who they each are as individuals. (Right off the bat, Patrick Schwarzenegger’s polo T-shirt/wraparound polarised sunglasses/stark-white shorts combi scream the perfect douchebag.) Then there’s the carefree and blasé Chelsea (played by Aimee Lou Wood) who is fashionable yet not overtly flashy unlike the trio of 40-something best friends (Leslie Bibb, Michelle Monaghan and Carrie Coon), who each make a point of competing for attention via blinding coloured prints and skin-tight fabrics.
On the topic of dressing for the tropics on a luxurious vacation, see Vogue Singapore’s guide to the resort wear essentials we’ve spotted so far in The White Lotus Season 3.
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Matching bikini sets
Chelsea’s first visit to the resort’s pool was in a carelessly louche ensemble: a fiery red two-piece that whilst simple, revealed her free spirit and definitely drew the eye—especially that of one leery Saxon, played by Patrick Schwarzenegger.
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Stylish wrap-arounds
As seen on Leslie Bibb, wrap-arounds are a surefire piece to cover up for dressier occasions, whilst still able to easily strip down for water activities.
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Johanna Ortiz Sailing Landscape printed cotton-voile pareo, $488
Available at Net-a-porter.
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Dries Van Noten Paneled printed silk-twill midi wrap skirt, $907
Available at Net-a-porter.
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Alémais Day Dream wrap-effect linen mini skirt, $396
Available at Net-a-porter.
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Mesh cover-ups
“I love your outfit,” exclaimed Chelsea to a soon-to-be friend Chloe, played by Charlotte Le Bon. We have to concur; given her polka-dotted mini powered by a confident stride. It’s a dazzling entrance that cemented Chloe’s lofty fashion inclinations and what we could look forward to for the rest of the season. Case in point: a chic netted cover-up that puts her lean toned figure on display.
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Printed breezy dresses
Michelle Monaghan’s character Jaclyn is a famous face on television, which means she’s never caught looking short of perfect. Through her several outfit changes in episode one, Jaclyn’s always decked in something bright and striking—with a penchant for colourful printed dresses, from casual to cocktail.
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Zimmerman Illuminate bead-embellished paisley-print crepe de chine maxi dress, $1,537
Available at Net-a-porter.
