I may have begun my first-ever season of Love Island USA six weeks ago, but I’m not new to the franchise—and the drama, of course. I’ve done a pretty good job of staying in the loop and keeping up with the Islanders on social media. I’m extremely familiar with the incredible vintage Cavalli looks that Leah Kateb wore in the villa and Olandria Carthen’s heel collection that had everyone thinking she was at least 5’9″ with a modeling contract. As a fashion editor, I notice showstopping looks, especially when they’re televised.
Now that I’m 32 episodes deep into season 8, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I’d wear if I were ever cast on Love Island USA. (I’m a 28-year-old Gen Zer with lots of opinions and a crippling fear of how I’d be perceived by millions every day, so I don’t actually want to be on the show. But a girl can dream.) Since this show has been consuming my evenings and social feeds for over a month, I decided to curate a packing list for a hypothetical extended vacation to Fiji. I scoured the internet for looks that would be perfect for the main events that happen in the villa. If you’re ready for sexy dresses, sheer details, unique bikinis, fun heels, and more, keep scrolling.
First Impression
When you enter the Love Island villa for the first time, you’re not just introducing yourself to your fellow castmates; you’re introducing yourself to the world. It’s only right that you do so in style.
MESHKI
Ruvic Knit Maxi Beaded Dress in Baby Pink
The other women would be begging to borrow this dress. I’m calling it.
Bec and Bridge
Xanthi V Neck Maxi Dress
Only buy this if you’re prepared to turn heads.
JENNY BIRD
Classic Anklet Stack
Accessories are integral to villa outfits. I’d wear this anklet every day.
Tiger Mist
Liliana Summer Maxi Dress
I’m loving this two-in-one situation. It feels sexy without being overdone.
I’d pay the overweight-luggage fee just to ensure these raffia heels made it to Fiji with me.
Seven Wonders
Estella Halter High Slit Maxi Dress
No basic dresses in the villa.
Peppermayo
Kolisa Beaded Halter Maxi Dress in Cream
The shell detailing is sublime.
MESHKI
Fiorella Embellished Satin Maxi Dress
I implore you to zoom in on the embellished cups. I’m swooning.
Daytime in the Viilla
Every morning, the women get ready while the guys they’re coupled up with serve them breakfast in the Glam Room. The women put on a full swimwear look to roam around the compound, tan, pull people for chats, work out, and gossip. Sounds like my ideal day. It’s during this time that Islanders typically yell, “I got a text!” when they’re notified that there’s a challenge or recoupling night on the horizon.
Pucci
Printed Triangle Bikini Top
Anthropologie
Resin Shell Tassel Necklace
Does this necklace not match the bikini perfectly?
Monday Swimwear
South Beach Sarong in Black Crinkle
Semi-sheer and available in six colors. Take your pick.
Anthropologie
Fringed Crochet Cap
I actually own this and feel like you should, too.
Elisa Johnson
Riley Sunglasses
I wouldn’t go anywhere—especially not to Fiji—without a pair of sunglasses.
Free People
Carmel by the Sea Sandals
Faux-toe-ring sandals for the win.
Staud
Aiyo Tankini Top Cobalt
Who else is in favor of the tankini revival? This cobalt option is utterly perfect.
Triangl
Este Canary Crush Neoprene Scoop Crop Bikini Set
Peep the polka dots on the straps.
LINA LENNOX
Organic Silk Oversized Scrunchie Mint Green
A scrunchie is an underrated accessory, whether it’s on your wrist or in your hair.
Havaianas
Slim Square Flip Flop
The Love Island women are often barefoot or wearing slides during the day. I’d opt for my tried-and-true Havaianas.
This sarong doubles as a scarf to tie around your hair.
Free People
Oso Pendant Necklace
It will make every outfit feel aquatic.
Hunza G x Burberry
Devyn Skirt/Top in Red/Check
When I saw this swimsuit for the first time, I immediately knew I needed it in my life.
Free People
Akoia Swim Crochet Mini Dress
Throw this over a little bikini, and call it a day.
Jimmy Fairly
The Brooklyn
Wear these, and you’ll have the coolest sunglasses in the villa.
Show Me Your Mumu
Raffia Cowboy Hat
The Islanders love a good cowboy hat. This is my top pick.
Free People
Imara Belly Chain
This would be my secret weapon for adding some spunk to my bikinis.
Frankies Bikinis x Jennie Mina
Satin Swim Shorts in Marrakesh
Animal print is a must. I love the idea of a swim short on days when I want more coverage.
Andrea Iyamah
Makena Bikini in Olive Green
This bikini is wearable art if you ask me.
Monday Swimwear
Clovelly One Piece in Blue Denim
One-piece swimsuits don’t get enough love on Love Island, but I’d singlehandedly bring them back, starting with this denim number.
The women rarely wear pants in the villa, but I couldn’t imagine not packing these sarong pants.
J.Crew
Audrey Slim Thong Sandals in Leather
A luxe alternative to rubber flip-flops.
BYDEEAU
Prague Bikini Top in Zahana
The details speak for themselves.
Evening Chats
(Image credit: @styledsara, @fashionwithjazz, @summerrachelwarren, @loriharvey)
Once the sun goes down, the couples all get dressed for the evening in full glam and entirely new head-to-toe looks. Similar to daytime in the villa, the couples use this time to explore new connections, spend time with their partners, or simply recap what drama ensued that day. There’s no shortage of hair, makeup, and outfit inspo for viewers.
Danielle Guizio NY
Cyrielle Dress
You might lose count of how many chats you’re pulled for while wearing this dress.
Lioness
Aura Poncho in Persian Jewel
These ponchos make any outfit feel 10 times more elevated.
MANGO
Striped Knitted Shorts
Bikini top, white tank, and kitten heels? Absolutely.
HOUSE OF CB
The Silhouette Bandage Halter Top
Bandage dresses made a much-needed comeback in 2025. For 2026, I give you the bandage top.
Norma Kamali
Pedal Pusher Capri Leggings in Black
Wear these with the bandage top above for that sleek, all-black look.
Larroudé x Ciao Lucia
Eloisa Sandal Black Leather
Who says you can’t bring some whimsy to Love Island?
Reformation
Jillian Silk Top
I’d re-create this exact look as I waited for someone to pull me for a chat.
Abercrombie
Low Rise Baggy Jean
It’s quite rare to see the women sporting jeans at any point during their six-week stint in Fiji, but I couldn’t check a bag without a good pair of loose, baggy jeans to pair with a cute top.
Naked Wardrobe
Drape Sleeve Knit Minidress
I love seeing the women wearing loose and flowy silhouettes. This would be my take on it.
A good pair of heels can work wonders for a simple outfit in the villa. Just ask Trinity.
H&M
Halterneck Wrapover Beach Dress
A minidress that’s under $50 and packs a punch? You’re coming to Fiji with me.
Realisation Par
The Hazel
Keep things fun and flirty.
VRG GRL
Tia Linen Mini Dress in Olive
I don’t see enough linen on the show. Let’s reintroduce summer’s favorite fabric.
Recoupling at the Fire Pit
Recoupling nights are always the juiciest. This is when America’s votes and opinions about the couples are revealed, people get eliminated, tensions rise, and unexpected pairings form. I like to think of it as the night to wear a revenge look, and all the pieces below embody that spirit.
Rat and Boa
Beatriz Dress
It’s the butterfly motif for me.
Naked Wardrobe
Chiffon Asymmetric Maxi Skirt
Talk about a revenge outfit.
Brunel Beauty
Golden Hour Glow Body Oil
If Olandria from season 7 taught us anything, it’s that no outfit is complete without body glow.
Naked Wardrobe
Rib Knit Braid Trim Crop Top
The braided trimming adds so much to the look.
JADED LONDON
Lavinia Backless Fringe Minidress
There’s no way I’d get sent home wearing a dress this showstopping, right?
ASOS
Plunge Neck Gather Detail Mesh Maxi Dress in Chocolate
Bec and Bridge
Dante Spiral Halter Top
I’m speechless. (That never happens.)
PH5
Lyndon Wavy Mini Dress
Let’s be honest: I’d pack this for just about any vacation.
Reformation
Luna Knit Bodysuit
The sheer bodice is so sexy, especially when paired with the skirt below.
LEAU
Vesper Sheer Mesh Knee Length Skirt in Black
Sheer bottoms are trending in the outside world, and I’d pack this skirt to wear on a big recoupling night.
Sam Edelman
Paloma Sandal
The gold straps, the raffia soles, the beaded detailing—this shoe screams vacation.
