Images: Imaxtree
More designers are paying attention to California beyond award season nowadays. And the allure of the West Coast has manifested into trends with many designers drawing inspiration from classic California surfer style for Spring 2019.
The Cali surfer girl vibe is brilliant for the beach or tropical vacays, but the look can be trickier to pull off when we’re away from a body of water. And while we can’t rock our rash guards in the city, that doesn’t mean only those near the coast can try the trend. Savvy street style stars have translated the breezy surfer look in New York, Milan, Copenhagen and beyond. The runways are also a great reference on how to fashionably hang ten.
Approach the trend like a newbie surfer on their first wave and take it easy. Err on the less-is-more side and start with one or two touches, like tie-dye, flip flops or a Hawaiian shirt. Juxtapose classic surfer details with more citified styles, like shorts suits and dad sneakers.
Here are 11 stylish ensembles to inspire you to unleash your inner surfer girl.
How to Master California Surfer Girl Style Anywhere
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Elevated Options
Dress up a classic graphic T-shirt and printed shorts combo with extra sandals and statement jewelry. And do it for daytime. We dare you to try an open sarong with a braided belt.
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Ride the Wave
How many times have you gone to the beach and ended up tying your tank top in a knot? Bring the styling hack to the streets via a cropped top. Instead of bikini bottoms, finish with a tropical pattern skirt, pastel wedges and a sleek bun.
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Save the Board Shorts
Denim shorts are in keeping with the California surfer trend and everyone has a pair as part of their wardrobes. These faded longline shorts are a fresher take than cutoffs. Combined with the breezy tops, layered necklaces and white midi heels, it's an epic outfit, but not too gnarly.
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Chill Out
Transition a chill surfer look into evening with dynamic patterns, colors and dressier accessories. The fruit print shirt is a fun take instead of the usual flowers. Pairing it with a mint green skirt only adds to the appeal. Strappy sandals and a statement bag elevate the ensemble for cocktail hour.
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Feel the Breeze
Keep the slouchy printed button-down, but trade in the board shorts for a flowing midi skirt. Supersized sunglasses and flip flops (with a coordinating pedicure) heighten the laid-back Cali vibe. A trendy saddle bag adds a fashionable finish.
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Think Tropical
This printed bomber jacket evokes that surfer spirit without taking things too far. The coordinating graphic tee and fresh white jeans are also Cali-approved. Chunky sneakers add some street cred and a micro bag is always a great exclamation point.
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Peace, Love and Tie-Dye
Tie-dye on tie-dye? It can be successful even when you're nowhere near an ocean or festival. Go for nontraditional shades and modern colorways, but keep the hippie vibe in check by finishing with the chunkiest boots you own.
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By the Ocean
What's more surfer than pairing a bikini with an open Hawaiian shirt? More daring people wear their swimsuits on land. A more comfortable alternative is rocking a bandeau top. No matter the combination, complete the outfit with a contrasting midi skirt and strappy flat sandals.
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Tangerine Dreams
A lot of California surfer-inspired outfits are about contrasting colors and patterns. But there's something to be said for a harmonious color palette as shown in this tonal orange look. There's still a sand-meets-street feeling between the T-shirt, floral printed skirt and statement sneakers.
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Hang Ten
Here, the surfer girl vibe is evident in everything from the floral coordinates to the printed sneakers to the layered jewelry. But the neutral palette and graphic print prevent things from going to the extreme.
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Surf's Up
This literal approach is surprisingly easy to pull off. The summery mood of this surfer print skirt is carried into the ruffled crop top and lace-up sandals.
