How to dress like your favourite White Lotus characters
The White Lotus has put men’s resort fashion back on the map. Here’s how you can make the most of “destination dressing”.
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I don’t know about you, but I’m seriously glued to this season of The White Lotus, and not just for all the trouble in paradise.
Set in Thailand this time around, the Emmy-winning series is giving major holiday fashion FOMO and I want to update my wardrobe immediately, starting with this crisp linen shirt from Uniqlo (which is only $59.90, a complete bargain).
Aussie jewellery maker Lox and Chain should also be on your radar, with their rings, necklaces or men’s bracelets, including my favourite, the Homebound Ring, which is $169.
I’m definitely sorting out a pair of comfy Birkenstocks ($203 at THE ICONIC), and these Country road chino shorts, which are under $100 at Myer.
Once my wardrobe is all sorted, I’m booking a one way flight to Phuket, and keeping an eye out for the best flight deals while I’m at it.
And since I’ll be looking great, there’s a chance I might never come back!
Marie Claire Australia founding editor Jackie Frank agrees The White Lotus has put resort fashion back on the map in a big way, and by taking a slightly satirical and tongue-in-cheek approach to looking your best on holiday.
“We want you to look like you’re hanging in a five-star resort. It’s very much about looking rich,” she told news.com.au checkout.
“And it’s really championing that kind of destination dressing, which is about loud prints and florals, patterns and logos.
“[Think] designer bags and leather boat shoes like Tods loafers or Gucci loafers. And obviously you know, things like Brooks Brothers, who are known for their classic shirts.
“Aim for lots of linen. It’s button down shirts, it’s not your lazy T-shirt any more. It’s about having the polo with a signature signum on it, or having a printed shirt.”
When building a destination-inspired wardrobe, Frank says the best place to start is with a clean linen shirt, like Uniqlo’s Premium Linen Shirt Long Sleeve.
“You know who does brilliant linen shirts, it’s Uniqlo. They’re not expensive, but they’re terrific.” she added.
Keen to channel some of the best looks worn on The White Lotus by Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sam Nivola or Jason Isaacs but don’t know where to start?
Well, we’ve got you covered below, with some great options for a whole range of items including shirts, shorts, sandals and accessories like watches and jewellery.
Our favourite pieces include the Stackers II ring from Lox and Chain plus there’s this Camilla White Lotus Short Sleeve Camp Collared Shirt at THE ICONIC, and these Country Road Liam Slides.
Read on for our best roundup of men’s fashion inspired by The White Lotus.
BEST WHITE LOTUS INSPIRED FASHION LOOKS: MEN’S SHIRTS
A great starting piece for creating your holiday wardrobe, a quality shirt can serve as a statement piece, and gives you freedom to build in other pieces around it.
Ideally, you want something versatile that could transition from daywear or beach time through to the evening.
Channelling Sam Nivola’s sense of style in season three’s episode Hide or Seek, you could consider options with fun and quirky print designs.
And if you’re travelling to warmer climates like Thailand, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics like linen, cotton and bamboo.
Our Top Picks:
- Uniqlo Premium Linen Shirt Long Sleeve, $59.90 at Uniqlo
- Rodd & Gunn Portland Island Sports Fit Shirt, $199 at THE ICONIC
- Camilla White Lotus Short Sleeve Cabana Shirt, $395 at THE ICONIC
- Runaway the Label Joshua Shirt, $129 at THE ICONIC
- Oxford Fergus Pure Linen Shirt in Pea Green, $99 (down from $169) at Myer
- Polo Ralph Lauren Custom Fit Nautical Oxford Shirt, $153.30 (down from $219) at THE ICONIC
BEST WHITE LOTUS INSPIRED LOOKS: MEN’S POLOS
A quality polo shirt holds its own across professional and social settings.
Whether you’re heading abroad to a work conference, a destination wedding or just making the most of some RnR, make sure you have at least one or two folded up in your suitcase.
Made typically with breathable cotton or polyester, show off some personality and style by selecting patterns, prints and colours that pop, like Patrick Schwarzenegger’s bright green number from episode three of The White Lotus, ‘The Meaning of Dreams’.
Our Top Picks:
- Rodd & Gunn The Gunn Original Fit Polo Shirt in Dusty Sage, $79 at Myer
- Nautica Men’s Short Sleeve Solid Stretch Cotton Pique Polo Shirt, from $54.37 at Amazon Australia
- Amazon Essentials Men’s Regular-Fit Quick-Dry Golf Polo Shirt, from $34.90 at Amazon Australia
- Levi’s Authentic Polo, $79.95 at THE ICONIC
BEST WHITE LOTUS INSPIRED LOOKS: MEN’S SHORTS
We’ve talked a lot about shirts, but don’t forget about a great pair of shorts, especially in warmer climates like Thailand where it’s typically more humid.
Dress shorts and chinos bring an outfit together, and truly lift your look when paired with other items like leather loafers or slides, and a leather belt.
White or beige cotton shorts are a great option here, and you may also consider dark tones to go with a brighter shirt which features patterns or prints.
Our Top Picks:
- Country Road Verified Australian Cotton Stretch Chino Short in White, $99.95 at Myer
- Tommy Hilfiger Brooklyn Essential Shorts, $104.25 (down from $139) at THE ICONIC
- Academy Brand Joshua Boardy, $69.95 at THE ICONIC
- Rodd & Gunn Linen 9” Resort Short in Navy, $129 at Myer
BEST WHITE LOTUS INSPIRED LOOKS: POOL SHORTS & BOARDSHORTS
If you’re staying somewhere like The White Lotus, then some beach time or relaxing by the pool is a must.
Whether it’s jumping in for a dip, or lazing the afternoon away on a sun lounge, a great set of boardies or pool shorts can step in here to keep you looking great while you’re keeping cool.
Our Top Picks:
- Runaway the Label Abe Short, $89 at THE ICONIC
- TEAMM8 Resort Swim Short - Red Mirage, $91 at THE ICONIC
- Skwosh Yeah Baby Shorts in Brown Seersucker, $89 at Myer
- Armani Exchange Milano New York Swim Shorts in Navy, $180 at Myer
- Camilla White Lotus Mid Length Boardshorts, $275 at THE ICONIC
BEST WHITE LOTUS INSPIRED LOOKS: MEN’S FOOTWEAR
Don’t skimp on your footwear, especially when you’re abroad.
If like me, you enjoy holiday strolls along the beachside, it’s important to ensure your feet are well supported.
Whether you’re after slides, sandals or loafers, investing in great pieces will help strike the perfect balance between comfort and style.
Our Top Picks:
- Birkenstock Arizona Smooth Leather Sandals, $203 at THE ICONIC
- Country Road Liam Slides, $179 at THE ICONIC
- ECCO Men’s Lite Moc Summer Driving Style Loafer, $158.98 at Amazon Australia
- Clarks Craftarlo Lo Shoes in Brown, $229.95 at Myer
BEST WHITE LOTUS INSPIRED LOOKS: MEN’S CHINOS AND PANTS
The guests at The White Lotus know how to dress well, and that includes a great pair of chinos or linen pants.
If you’re headed to warmer climates like Thailand, pick items with suitable fabrics (aim for light and breathable cotton), and go for neutral colours which can be paired well with your selection of shirts and tops.
Our Top Picks:
- Runaway the Label Oscar Pant, $149 at THE ICONIC
- Topman Extra Wide Trousers, $47.50 (down from $95) at THE ICONIC
- Trenery Regular Fit Cotton Dobby Chinos Pant in Light Grey, $89.95 (down from $149.95) at Myer
- Stretch Easy (Cotton Relaxed) Ankle Pants, $39.90 at Uniqlo
BEST WHITE LOTUS INSPIRED LOOKS: MEN’S SUNGLASSES
Another item you don’t want to forget is your sunglasses, especially if the sun’s out.
Sunglasses cover a lot of bases, both as a fashion accessory, and for reducing glare.
Plus, they’re perfect for people watching, much like our friends on The White Lotus who don’t want to miss out on any of the drama, but stay low key.
Our Top Picks:
- Costa Del Mar Blackfin Black Polarised Sunglasses, $195.20 (down from $244) at Myer
- Tom Ford Gold Sunglasses, $710.00 at Myer
- Ray-Ban Brown Polarised Sunglasses, $238 at Myer
- Polo Ralph Lauren Flair Sunglasses, $265 at THE ICONIC
- Persol 0PO3355S Sunglasses, $363 from THE ICONIC
BEST WHITE LOTUS INSPIRED LOOKS: MEN’S WATCHES
When on holiday, the hours all seem to blur together, so make sure you keep things on track with a watch (updated to your relaxing-induced timezone).
Like other pieces of clothing, a watch can serve as a great statement piece, showing off a massive sense of style and personality.
While typically at a higher price point, investing in a quality timepiece will last you a couple of years at the very least, and it can also serve as a special keepsake for your time abroad (or closer to home too).
Our Top Picks:
- Diesel Mega Chief Men’s Chronograph Watch, $445 at THE ICONIC
- Swatch Carbonium Dream, $305 at THE ICONIC
- Maserati Successo Chrono Stainless Steel Strap Watch, $379 at Myer
- Swatch Canyon Chaser, $325 at Swatch
BEST WHITE LOTUS INSPIRED LOOKS: MEN’S JEWELLERY
Like with watches and sunglasses, your jewellery selections can lift your outfit, show off some style, and make you feel like a king while on holiday.
These items below will make you feel your best, while you’re kicking your feet up.
Our Top Picks:
- Sacred Heart Necklace, $160 at Lox and Chain
- Stackers II Ring, $180 at Lox and Chain
- Homebound Ring, $169 at Lox and Chain
- Midnight Cuff, $175 at Lox and Chain
- Serge DeNimes Rivet Ring, $104 (down from $130) at THE ICONIC
- Serge DeNimes Paragon Necklace, $186.94 at THE ICONIC
- Saar Tom Pearl necklace, $129 at Myer
- Saar Emerge Daniel Ring in Silver, $129 at Myer
- Saar Jax Set Black Grey Large/Extra Large Bracelet Set, $129 at Myer
- Fossil Drew Silver Bracelet, $160 at THE ICONIC
BEST WHITE LOTUS INSPIRED LOOKS: MEN’S COLOGNE
You want to look good while you’re away on holiday, but you also want to smell great. Cologne, like jewellery and other accessories, can be a nice way to lift up your wardrobe.
Aim for light and summery scenes, which are clean and crisp. Think fragrances that have some lovely top notes including lemon, mint and bergamot, just to name a few.
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Our Top Picks:
- Davidoff Cool Water Men Wave Eau de Toilette 125ml, $75 at THE ICONIC
- Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Solar Lavendar EDT Intense 50ml, from $118 at Myer
- Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Homme Parfum, from $140 at Myer
- Who is Elijah MUSE Eau De Parfum 100ml, $179 at Adore Beauty
- Versace Eros Pour homme EDP 100ml, $176 at Adore Beauty
- Lacoste Original Eau de Parfum, from $109 at Myer
- BVLGARI Man Rain Essence EDP, from $163 at Myer
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