Dress Like You’re Checking Into the White Lotus

This spring, I’m championing an aesthetic called “White Lotus–core.” It’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like; I want people to dress like they’ve just arrived at an island destination, fresh off a ferry, bags in hand, ready to check into their weeklong stay at the White Lotus hotel (and perhaps be murdered by the end of their stay, but that’s neither here nor there).

I don’t want to see any more jean shorts and ratty graphic tees this spring. Even if you aren’t traveling anywhere, dress like you are; it’s all about having a five-star-resort state of mind, baby. White Lotus–core is all about laid-back, vacation style but turned up to the max. Don’t get confused; this is by no means quiet luxury. If anything, the wealthiest guests at TWL consistently seem to prefer incredibly loud luxury—busy floral prints and patterns, logos on their designer bags, leather boat shoes that are handcrafted in Italy.

Gathering of three individuals outdoors in a tropical setting

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Patrick Schwarzenegger as Saxon Ratliff in The White Lotus season 3, episode 1.

Pretty much all of this is exhibited in the first episode of The White Lotus season 3 by fratty tech bro Saxon Ratliff (played by Patrick Schwarzenegger). Wraparound sunglasses hanging from his neck? Check. (They’re Roger Federers.) Floral-printed polo? Check. (His is Southern Tide, a brand that has a section on its website called “Father & Son Matching,” in case you were wondering what kind of vibes we’re talking about here.) Awkward-inseam-length khaki shorts? Check. (Brooks Brothers, naturally.) And leather Gucci loafers? Well, of course!

Here’s the key: To avoid looking like a grade-A douchebag, you’ve gotta do some mixing and matching. Don’t wear the Southern Tide polo and the Brooks Brothers shorts (which, by the way, you should not be getting in an inseam longer than seven inches, ever) and the wraparounds all at the same time. Wear the shorts with a breezy crochet polo or a linen button-down or a laid-back tee. In the same vein, a floral polo with linen pants is always a good move.

Person gesturing with hands in a tropical setting

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Patrick Schwarzenegger as Saxon Ratliff in The White Lotus season 3, episode 1.

You know how they say to dress for the job you want, not the job you have? That’s pretty much my mentality here—dress for the vacation you want, not the vacation you have. Start off on the right (boat-shoe-clad) foot with the styles below.