There’s no denying that The Summer I Turned Pretty has become the blueprint for dreamy, nostalgic, coastal summer style. From Belly’s effortless sundresses to Conrad’s worn-in tees and Steven’s linen button-downs, the show serves as a major summer fashion inspo that has fans (myself included) searching for lookalikes everywhere from TikTok to Pinterest.
But here’s the catch: binge-watching your favorite teen drama shouldn’t lead to impulse-buying fast fashion dupes. Whether you’re Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah, we can all agree that the planet shouldn’t have to suffer for your summer wardrobe. That’s why I put together a guide to help you shop the show’s most iconic looks, without supporting wasteful trends, overproduction, or unethical labor.
Let’s break down how to capture Cousins Beach style, the sustainable way.
The Coastal Core Cheat Sheet: Style Without the Waste
Before we get into brands and places to thrift, let’s decode what exactly makes up the TSITP aesthetic. Think of it as coastal-core meets clean teen:
- Flowy sundresses
- Soft, sun-faded pastels and neutrals
- Ribbed tank tops and oversized sweatshirts
- Linen button-downs and relaxed chinos
- Vintage collegiate tees
- Minimalist gold jewelry
- Subtle beach accessories: straw totes, claw clips, canvas sneakers
These aren’t wild trends that change every month, they’re classic summer staples. And that’s good news, because it means they’re easy to thrift or shop secondhand.
What Brands Actually Dress the Cast?
If you’re wondering where the TSITP wardrobe team pulls its pieces, the answer is a mix of high street brands and hidden gems, with a few nods to coastal prep and vintage influence.
According to interviews with The Summer I Turned Pretty costume designer Jessica Flaherty and confirmed sourcing notes across fan forums and fashion recaps, many of Belly’s and Taylor’s outfits come from mall brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Brandy Melville, Free People, and even Urban Outfitters .
While these labels nail the aesthetic, it’s worth noting that they don’t all meet sustainable standards. For example:
- Brandy Melville has been criticized for its lack of size inclusivity and transparency in production.
- Abercrombie & Fitch has made recent moves toward sustainability, including water reduction in denim production and a growing use of recycled materials, but they still fall into the category of mass-production retail (Abercrombie Sustainability).
- Free People and Urban Outfitters, both owned by URBN, have vague sustainability commitments and mixed scores on Good On You, particularly around labor practices.
On the plus side, some of the vintage-feel tees, soft pastel cardigans, and beach accessories worn by the characters are thrifted or custom-designed. That means replicating these looks doesn’t require buying into fast fashion, you can create similar outfits through secondhand sites or with brands that prioritize responsible production.
Also worth mentioning: costume designers often tailor and rework existing garments. So if you’ve got a sundress that’s not quite the right length or a sweatshirt that’s too oversized, a simple alteration could give you your own version of a screen-worthy fit without buying anything new.
How to Thrift TSITP Looks Without Leaving the House
If you’re not near a curated vintage shop or indie boutique, don’t worry. You can still recreate The Summer I Turned Pretty aesthetic using online resale platforms and search-savvy tactics:
Not Near a Great Thrift Store? Try These Online Resale Sites
- ThredUp: Filters for brands, sizes, and even style tags like “coastal” or “beachy”
- Depop: Great for searching exact TSITP-inspired looks (search terms: “Belly Conklin dress,” “Cousins Beach style”)
- Poshmark: Perfect for snagging gently used items from Abercrombie, Free People, and other brands that mirror the show’s vibe
Use Targeted Search Terms
Try phrases like:
- “Coastal summer dress”
- “Eyelet midi dress”
- “Vintage collegiate sweatshirt”
- “Linen button-down”
- “High-waisted khaki shorts”
- “Ribbed tank top Y2K”
Use filters for color (ivory, blush, sage, light blue), materials (cotton, linen, TENCEL), and silhouettes (fit & flare, A-line, relaxed fit).
Pro tip: Use photo references or episode stills to help guide your searches. Reverse image search if needed!
Brands That Nail the Look Without the Waste
Want something new and sustainable? These brands serve TSITP vibes without the greenwashing:
- Christy Dawn — Romantic dresses, made from deadstock or organic cotton
- Whimsy + Row — California cool with low-impact materials and small batch production
- For Days — Circular fashion model: shop, return, recycle. Their basics and tees are perfect for layering
- OuterKnown — Chill coastal energy with hemp, organic cotton, and ethical factories
Bonus: These brands are actually transparent about their supply chains, water use, and emissions. No shady fast fashion vibes here.
What to Avoid
Don’t get sucked in by the dupes. Here’s what to skip:
- Temu & Shein “Summer I Turned Pretty” collections
- Ultra-low prices that seem too good to be true (they usually are)
- Hauls with 15+ items—if you wouldn’t wear it 30+ times, it’s not worth it
- Any brand that doesn’t disclose their factories or materials
Let’s be real: the show is beautiful, but the fast fashion machine profiting off its looks is anything but romantic.
Final Thoughts: Cousins Beach, But Make It Conscious
The Summer I Turned Pretty taps into something timeless: that carefree, dreamy, sun-kissed summer where it feels like everything could change. And the clothes? They help tell that story.
But you don’t need to burn through new trends or add landfill fodder to channel that feeling. Whether you’re drifting through a thrift store or choosing to support a slow fashion brand, your version of Cousins Beach style can be just as cinematic, and a whole lot more sustainable.
Because nostalgia might be soft and pastel, but your values can still be bold.
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