The Summer I Turned Pretty: 12 Standout Fashion Moments
- BY SASHA-LEIGH HODGEN

- Sep 23
- 4 min read

From sun-drenched Cousins Beach days to chic Parisian nights, The Summer I Turned Pretty isn’t just a heartfelt coming-of-age story about love and friendship, it’s also a visual love letter to summer fashion. Across three seasons, the series has delivered some of television’s most swoon-worthy style moments, capturing everything from carefree coastal looks to jaw-dropping evening wear. Each outfit doesn’t just look beautiful, it reflects the emotional heartbeat of the scene and the character wearing it. Here, we’ve rounded up 12 standout looks to inspire your next wardrobe refresh.
1. Belly’s Yellow Midi Dress (Season 3, Episode 11 – "At Last")
This buttercream-yellow Simkhai Kittiya midi dress is the moment Belly begins to feel like a woman coming into her own. The corset bodice hugs her frame just right, while the airy poplin skirt sways softly with every movement, a perfect blend of romance and effortlessness. Paired with Castañer Carina wedge espadrilles, the look feels sunlit and optimistic, mirroring Belly’s emotional turning point in Paris. It’s a masterclass in understated summer glamour that still makes a statement.
2. Denise’s Black Ruffled Strap Dress (Season 3, Episode 11 – "At Last")
Denise’s Gemma Dress by Réalisation Par proves that black doesn’t have to mean boring. The ruffled straps and soft draping bring a playful femininity to a classic evening dress, while the fluid fabric moves beautifully under twinkling Paris lights. This isn’t just an outfit, it’s a mood: confident, mysterious, and slightly flirtatious, making Denise one of the series’ unexpected style standouts.
3. Belly’s Black Ruffle Front Mini Dress (Season 3, Episode 11 – "At Last")

Parisian chic at its finest. The La Robe Maille Croissant mini by Jacquemus, paired with glossy Carel Paris Banana slingbacks, is a reminder that a little black dress can still be daring. The textured ruffle front elevates a familiar silhouette, giving it a youthful edge that perfectly matches Belly’s whirlwind emotions. It’s the kind of dress you can wear to dinner in Paris or dancing until sunrise.
4. Belly’s Rehearsal Dinner Dress (Season 3, Episode 8 )
This romantic white number, soft, structured, and impossibly graceful, captures Belly in a transitional moment between girlhood and womanhood. Its flowing fabric and delicate detailing are perfect for any summer soirée or milestone event, making it a quintessential “remember this night forever” piece. The clean silhouette reflects her emotional growth, proving that sometimes simplicity speaks louder than sparkle.
5. Taylor’s Floral Strapless Dress (Season 3, Episode 6)

Taylor’s strapless floral dress bursts with colour and charisma, a vibrant reflection of her bold, vivacious personality. The playful blooms evoke late-afternoon tea parties and carefree laughter with friends. But there’s a subtle sophistication in the tailoring that hints at Taylor’s own coming-of-age journey; she's still fun-loving but beginning to embrace a more refined, thoughtful side. It’s a floral fantasy that feels both youthful and timeless.
6. Belly’s Christmas Pajamas (Season 3, Episode 2)

These cozy, festive pyjamas which also make an appearance at the end of the episode 11, offer a rare glimpse of Belly’s softer, more homely style. The bright red hue feels warm and joyful while also carrying symbolic weight, throughout the series, red is tied to Conrad’s intense, passionate love, while blue embodies Jeremiah’s calming, steady presence. It’s a subtle but powerful bit of visual storytelling that adds depth to an otherwise simple holiday look.
7. Laurel's Red Bow dress (Season 1, Episode 7)

Laurel’s unforgettable red bow dress is a study in understated power dressing. The striking colour and feminine silhouette remind us that Laurel is far more than just “Belly’s mom” or an author hunched over a laptop, she’s elegant, resilient, and quietly formidable. The bold bow detail adds a playful touch, proving that strength and softness can exist beautifully in one look.
8. Anika’s Green Goddess look (Season 3, Episode 7)
Shimmering like moonlight on water, Anika’s green cowl-neck dress was an inspired choice for Belly’s bachelorette festivities. The rich emerald tone, paired with a sparkling green bag, radiates calm confidence and empathy, qualities that define Anika’s role as a steadfast friend. The fluid fabric and beaming sparkle make this a dream dress for warm summer evenings.
9. Belly’s “What would’ve been” Wedding dress (Season 3, Episode 9)

Minimal yet deeply meaningful, Belly’s almost-wedding dress is heartbreak in fabric form. Its clean, elegant lines and understated design reflect her inner turmoil and hesitation. It's beautiful, but something about it feels unfinished, just like the moment itself. The simplicity works precisely because it doesn’t try too hard, making it one of the show’s most emotional fashion statements.
10. Nicole’s Braids (Season 1, Episode 3)

While not an outfit per se, Nicole’s braids deserve their own spotlight. The style framed her face perfectly, highlighting her natural beauty and confidence. Throughout the season, her hair choices, from these sleek braids to her gorgeous Afro, underscored her effortless cool and individuality, making her one of Cousins Beach’s quiet style icons.
11. Shayla’s Debutant Dress (Season 1, Episode 7)

Shayla cemented her status as the fashion queen of Season 1 with this unforgettable debutante gown. From its dropped waist and cotton-linen-like texture to the chic square neckline and single-strap detail, every element whispered timeless elegance. It was a moment that showcased her poise and grace, while still feeling fresh and youthful.
12. Belly’s Debutant Tea Fit (Season 1, Episode 2)
Though less dramatic than the debutante ball looks, Belly’s tea outfit deserves mention for its delicate balance of tradition and personality. The classic lines and soft colour palette perfectly suited the occasion, while subtle accessories kept the look modern and approachable, and those gloves…just incredible. It’s the kind of ensemble that reminds us that sometimes the quieter outfits leave the most lasting impressions.
From effortless beach dresses to breathtaking evening gowns, The Summer I Turned Pretty proves that fashion is more than just costuming, it’s an emotional language. These standout moments don’t just set trends; they capture the hopes, heartbreaks, and transformations of the characters we’ve come to love. Whether you’re channeling Belly’s buttercream romance, Denise’s effortless chic, or Laurel’s fearless elegance, there’s endless inspiration to infuse your own summer wardrobe with a touch of Cousins Beach magic. Summer might be fleeting, but these looks are truly timeless.














































































