Summer is finally here, and if you are scrolling through Instagram, you have likely seen your favorite celebrities lounging by the water in stunning designer resort wear. From Hailey Bieber’s chic minimalist bikinis to Dua Lipa’s vibrant crochet cover-ups, A-list swim style always looks incredibly glamorous. But you don’t need a movie star’s budget to turn heads at your next pool party. Here at HiDoose, we believe you can look like a million bucks without spending it. We are breaking down the ultimate guide to making your poolside outfit affordable and incredibly chic.
With a few strategic styling choices, you can easily replicate those high-end paparazzi shots. Let’s dive into how you can capture that effortless luxury look on a budget.
Start with the Perfect Base Swimsuit
The foundation of any great swim look is, of course, the swimsuit itself. Celebrities love high-end brands like Hunza G or Monday Swimwear, which are famous for their textured fabrics and classic, flattering cuts. To recreate this look for less, skip the triple-digit price tags and look for textured fabrics like ribbing, seersucker, or piqué on budget-friendly fashion sites.
A solid-colored swimsuit in a rich neutral tone—like olive green, chocolate brown, classic black, or terracotta—instantly looks more expensive than busy prints. Finding a high-quality dupe is the fastest way to keep your poolside outfit affordable while still capturing that high-fashion look. Look for clean lines, seamless edges, and hardware-free designs to mimic that quiet luxury aesthetic.
The Power of an Oversized Button-Down
One of the biggest secrets to celebrity poolside style is the cover-up. Instead of reaching for a basic mesh sarong, take a cue from style icons like Sofia Richie Grainge and opt for an oversized white button-down shirt. It is the epitome of effortless, “I just threw this on” summer glamour.
You do not need to spend a fortune on designer linen to achieve this. You can easily find a lightweight cotton or linen-blend button-down at local thrift stores, or simply borrow one from a partner’s closet. Wear it unbuttoned over your swimsuit with the sleeves rolled up, or tie it at the waist for a relaxed, breezy vibe. It provides just the right amount of coverage while keeping you looking incredibly sophisticated.
Secrets to Keeping Your Poolside Outfit Affordable
When it comes to elevating your swim look, the magic is always in the details. You do not need designer logos to look like you belong on a private yacht in Saint-Tropez. A pair of chunky gold hoop earrings, a retro silky headscarf, and a wide-brimmed straw hat can instantly elevate a basic swimsuit.
By focusing on these small details, you can make any poolside outfit affordable and runway-ready in seconds. Look for budget-friendly accessories at trendy retailers or local boutiques. Swap out your everyday canvas bag for a structured straw tote, which instantly screams summer luxury. Just remember to keep your jewelry water-friendly—opt for gold-plated stainless steel or fun resin pieces that won’t tarnish in the sun or pool water.
Step Up Your Footwear Game
Nothing ruins a chic poolside look faster than a pair of worn-out, plastic flip-flops. Celebrities almost always finish their resort wear looks with elevated footwear, such as leather slides, woven mules, or low-wedge espadrilles.
To capture this aesthetic on a budget, look for slide sandals with minimalist straps or braided details. Faux-leather options in tan, black, or cream are incredibly versatile and look far more expensive than they actually are. They transition seamlessly from the pool deck to a casual outdoor lunch, giving you more style mileage for your money.
Ride the Style Wave with HiDoose
At the end of the day, looking like a celebrity is all about confidence and how you put your look together, not how much money you spent. With these simple styling tricks from HiDoose, creating a poolside outfit affordable to replicate is easier than ever. You can enjoy the sunshine, snap some gorgeous photos, and keep your bank account happy all at the same time.
Which celebrity’s poolside style are you dying to recreate this summer? Let us know in the comments below!
For more on how fashion trends evolve, see this overview of fashion.
You might also like: 7 Best Statement Belt Dupes Worn by Celebs