The Love Island Packing List
The countdown is on to Love Island 2018. As ITV2 lines up the next wave of wannabe islanders ready to find love on the popular show, we turn our attention to what they should be wearing.
It’s the TV show where appearance matters, so contestants shouldn’t leave their wardrobes to chance. In fact, getting their look right could even help them once they leave the villa.For example, former islander Olivia Buckland’s quirky style impressed so much, she was snapped up by dresses retailer,QUIZ, to create her own capsule collection of party-ready styles.
Taking inspiration from some of Love Island’s most stylish female contestants, we’ve drafted up the ultimate Love Island packing list. Whether you’re heading to the island or are hoping to find your own holiday romance this year, here’s how to look your best:
Seriously stylish swimwear
If there’s one thing the past two series of the Love Island reboot has taught us, it’s that the island girls love cut-out swimwear! Whether it’s criss-cross fronts or cut-out sides, it’s all about showing that skin! Some of our favourite looks include Amber Davies’ flattering wraparound swim suit and Jess Shears’ vintage-inspired red bikini with cut-out high-waisted bottoms.
Another style the islanders love when it comes to their swimsuits is a plunging neckline. The likes of Olivia Buckland and Olivia Attwood opted for this style in chic white and black for ultimate Bond girl glamour, while Montana Brown upped the style stakes with jewelled detailingand peacock feather prints.
And when it comes to colour, the brighter the better! The island girls are fans of bright reds, pinks, oranges and blues, and never shy away from animal prints. These plainer basics are great for mixing and matching, creating a new look for each of your beach days. Don’t forget about molten metallics either — they’re perfect for catching the light as you chill by the pool.
Your swimwear shopping list:
✓ Cut-out bikini.
✓ Plunge-neck swimsuit.
✓ Brightly coloured or metallic swimwear.
Dreamy dresses
With all those hours spent soaking up the sun, you need the perfect dress to show off your tan. The Love Island girls know exactly how to do it, choosing bodycon mini dresses that showcase their shape.
Montana Brown, Amber Davies, Kady McDermott and Olivia Attwood are all fans of a bodycon, thigh-skimming style. Some of our favourites include Kady’s intricate cut-out turquoise dress that she wore to the Love Island final in 2016, Amber’s beaut sequinned head-turner and Montana’s chic wraparound dress.
The Love Island ladies aren’t afraid of donning a daring maxi either. Think thigh-high splits, plunging necklines, low backs and bold summer-inspired prints. For style inspiration, look to Olivia Buckland’s loose-fitting final dress; with a cutaway plunge neckline, double split and bright blue floral print, the dress delivers ultimate summer glamour.
Looking for a subtler look? Make like last year’s finalist Olivia Attwood in her light blue maxi, which featured a high halter-neck design, low back, and subtle split.
Your dresses shopping list:
✓ Plunge-neck maxi.
✓ Sequin mini.
✓ Cut-out mini.
✓ Bold prints.
Chic co-ords
Striking the balance between smart casual, islanders are huge fans of a co-ord — and they’re not afraid to mix and match.
Stand-out co-ords from series gone by include Montana Brown’s gorgeous lilac strappy crop vest and matching palazzo trousers, as well as Georgia Harrison’s boho-inspired patchwork two-piece.
The co-ords didn’t have to be a matching pair either; previous contestants have loved creating new looks through a mix of different tops, skirts and shorts. Perhaps the queen of this is former contestant Camilla Thurlow, who effortlessly paired casual t-shirts with dressier miniskirts and cute frilled and floral shorts.
Your co-ord shopping list:
✓ Matching crop top and palazzo pants combo.
✓ Bold formal shorts.
✓ Brightly coloured skirts.
✓ A mix of relaxed t-shirts and dressier vests.
Must-have shoes
Remember when Olivia Attwood got the heel of her shoe stuck in-between the villa’s decking boards? For that reason alone, we suggest packing a chunky wedge instead of a skinny-heeled stiletto — plus they’re the perfect summer shoe, working with virtually any outfit.
For those lazy pool days, the Love Island ladies like to keep their look casual. Slip on a pair of pool sliders and you’ll have all you need to make your way from lounger to bar for those all-important cocktails!
Your shoe shopping list:
✓ Pool sliders.
✓ Glam wedges.
✓ Flat sandals — perfect for those lunchtime catch-ups with the ladies.
There you have it — your ultimate Love Island packing list. Follow our style tips and channel your inner islander style whether you’re spending your summer at home or away this year.
