A fever dream of a 2014 summer read that haunted Tumblr dashboards and book clubs alike, We Were Liars, a story of privilege, memory and betrayal, all set on a private island (that's all kinds of coastal grandma chic), was the type of book you devour in one sitting. Over ten years later, E. Lockhart's novel has been adapted into a TV series, available now on Amazon Prime. And, just like that, a whole new generation is about to be drawn into the Sinclair family drama and the 'paradise' that is Beechwood Island.
Without ruining the plot entirely, We Were Liars follows Cadence (Cady) Sinclair Eastman (played by Emily Alyn Lind of the Gossip Girl reboot) and her cousins through long summers, which are, as you can probably expect, also full of lots of secrets and one tragic accident. There's an old-money chilliness to the Sinclair family, masked by linen shirts, oversized sunglasses and the illusion of perfection, and the series stars many other familiar faces too; Candice King (Vampire Diaries), Mamie Gummer (True Detective) and Esther McGregor (Babygirl).

Costume designer Amanda Riley nailed the brief with a wardrobe in We Were Liars that feels aspirational, as well as current. Tapping into the coastal grandmother aesthetic - think Diane Keaton in Something's Gotta Give walking along the beach in beige chinos meets Sofia Richie Grainge's honeymoon - Riley's looks are somewhat slightly darker than the light linens we're used to in TV shows set by the beach. Saying that, the outfits are also quiet luxury at its finest - so expect floral dresses from Dôen, structured polos by Ralph Lauren and breezy Reformation pieces.
With summer (finally) here, we could all use the wardrobe from We Were Liars as an answer to minimal fuss, breezy beachwear. So, whether you're heading to the coast or channelling a coastal matriarch in your everyday outfits, you can shop the exact outfits from We Were Liars and high street alternatives below.
Shop: The Best Outfits From We Were Liars
Mamie Gummer's contrast dress
Mamie Gummer (her character goes by Carrie Sinclair) is seen in one of the early scenes wearing a strapless contrast navy dress from Staud. The dress is sold out, so we've linked to a similar design from the brand, as well as a high street alternative.


www.mytheresa.com
Staud's Paolo dress is a great one for summer, thanks to its linen fabric and sweet white hem trimming. Take inspiration from Gummer's character by pairing with a chunky beaded neckline and a pair of kitten heels.

www.reiss.com
If you're looking for a high-street iteration, Reiss has a similar style, featuring contrasting white wave trim, side slit and a square neckline. It's also available in two other colours as well as the versatile navy, including pink and burgundy.
Exact match

www.smartbuyglasses.co.uk
Gummer styled her navy contrast dress with a pair of oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses from Tory Burch. Her exact pair seems to have been discontinued, so if you want to get your hands on them, hesitation isn't advised.

www.coggles.com
For a more accessible take, look to Le Specs, whose sunglasses have been spotted on the likes of Meghan Markle. The Air Heart design features a statement cat-eye, smoke-coloured lenses and thick tortoiseshell frames.
Emily Lind's Ralph Lauren knit
Emily Lind (who plays Cady Sinclair Eastman) wears a Polo Ralph Lauren cable knit polo top in an enviable baby blue. Her exact colour might be sold out, but there's a navy iteration still in stock.

Exact match

www.net-a-porter.com
If you're someone who doesn't like to wave goodbye to their knits, even in the summer months, this Ralph Lauren knitted polo is the perfect piece that also won't have you overheating. Plus, it's still in stock in this glorious navy blue shade.

www.ralphlauren.co.uk
Lind's polo shirt is also available with sleeves in a similar blue hue. Style with a mini skirt or skort and a pair of flip flops for a look that wouldn't look out of place on Beechwood Island.
Caitlin Fitzgerald's striped midi dress
Caitlin Fitzgerald plays Penny Sinclair in We Were Liars and is seen wearing a navy blue striped midi dress by the New York-based brand Tanya Taylor. She styles the dress with a chunky bangle and heels as she poses for a photo with the family.

Exact match

www.tanyataylor.com
Fitzgerald's exact navy dress isn't available from the retailer, Tanya Taylor, however it's still in stock in a lighter blue stripe and red. The dress is a best-seller from the brand and features a figure-hugging shape, side slit and twist knot detailing at the waist.

www.cos.com
COS has a good high street alternative to Fitzgerald's striped dress, with its Boat-Neck Gathered Midi Dress. Made from breathable cotton and designed with a modest boat neckline, the dress is an excellent one for wearing into the office in the warmer weather.
Esther McGregor's white contrast bikini
Esther McGregor (of Babygirl fame) plays Mirren Sinclair Sheffield in We Were Liars. She wears a white bikini from Ralph Lauren with black contrasting trims that's perfect for throwing on with a colourful kaftan and sandals for an afternoon at the beach.


www.next.co.uk
The bikini bottoms are also available in the matching colourway.

www2.hm.com
This Push-Up Triangle Bikini Top is almost identical to the one seen on McGregor (sans the Ralph Lauren logo, of course).

www2.hm.com
The matching bottoms to the white contrast bikini top are also available for under £10.
Emily Lind's DÔEN floral dress
Dôen's dresses are already a favourite with celebrities like Taylor Swift and Alexa Chung, so it's no surprise to see a character from We Were Liars wearing a mini dress from the brand. Lind is seen wearing the Dianne Floral-Print Dress, and if you want to get in on the floral action, too, then the dress is still available to buy on Farfetch.

Exact match

www.farfetch.com
A dress that's fit for picnics in the park and daytime drinks, Dôen's Dianne style features an all-over floral print in a trending butter yellow, as well as a scallop edge and V-neck. Lean into its whimsical edge by pairing with ballet flats and a raffia tote bag.

www.albaray.co.uk
Albaray's butter yellow polka dot printed mini dress is a similar style to that of Dôen's. The dress features a tie V-neck and collar for a feminine touch, perfect for styling with dainty kitten heels.
Emily Lind's Reformation mini dress
It's no surprise that a Reformation dress makes a feature in We Were Liars, as the brand has quite the devoted following. Lind's character Cady wears the Sheri Linen Dress in a scarlet colour (now unfortunately unavailable, although there are three other colours that are).

Exact match

www.thereformation.com
Reformation has so many cult styles, but the perfect one for your holiday wardrobe? It has to be the Sheri Linen Dress, which is made out of a lightweight linen fabric.

www.next.co.uk
Part of the excellent collaboration between Gap and DÔEN, this dress is super similar to the one seen on Lind in We Were Liars, with its square neck, A-line shape and tank straps. Style with your favourite pair of sandals and a large raffia tote.
Emily Lind's gingham swimsuit and denim shorts
Lind shows us perhaps the easiest outfit to wear for an afternoon on the beach - the swimsuit and denim shorts combo. She pairs a blue gingham swimsuit from Beach Riot (now sold out) with Levi's cut-off shorts.

Exact match

www.levi.com
Levi's first-ever pair of denim shorts, its 501 style defines your waist and hugs you in all the right places. With a vintage-inspired fit and cut-off chewy hem, pair the shorts with your favourite linen shirt and flat sandals.

damsonmadder.com
Damson Madder's Betty Swimsuit is not only delightfully sweet, but is also clever, too. The straps can be removed to make the swimsuit into a bandeau style, and at the side there's bow detailing and cut outs for ventiliation.

www.thereformation.com
Reformation's take on a gingham swimsuit is (as expected) incredibly chic, with a tie at the chest and gentle ruching throughout. The same design is also available in four other colours, including a classic black and bright red.
Lind's black ruffle dress and headscarf
In a full-black outfit, Lind's is seen wearing a vintage Red Valentino black ruffle dress. The dress isn't the main talking point of this outfit; however. That honour goes to her accessories, which include a black and white headscarf, black bag and oval sunglasses.


www.allsaints.com
For a dress of a similar style to Lind's, look to All Saints. Its Sonny dress has a similar slim-fitting style, as well as delicate ruching, high neck and mini length. Plus, it's now on sale, meaning you can get a whopping 50% off.

shop.mango.com
If you prefer your summer dresses in a midi or maxi length, Mango has a style that will give you a Lind-inspired look, without sacrificing length.

www2.hm.com
If you want to dip your toe into the satin scarf trend, H&M has a really affordable style to start with. It's also super lightweight and therefore perfect for holiday dressing.

www.harveynichols.com
Le Scarf also has a similar monochrome scarf, and it's made out of 100% silk. Tie either around your head or waist, and pair with linen trousers and an equally breezy top.
Esther McGregor's green mini dress
Another outfit that is incredibly easy to replicate comes in the form of McGregor's Staud green terry cloth mini dress (that's now out of stock). Luckily, there are a couple of other options if you do want to recreate this simple look.


frame-store.com
If you're green with envy over McGregor's mini dress in We Were Liars, although her exact Staud style might not be available, Frame has a design that's extremely similar. The brand describes its Cable Polo Dress as 'sports meets softness' and we can see why, with its cashmere-silk blend fabric and subtle cable stitching.

www.gant.co.uk
For a more affordable pick, opt for Gant's iteration on a classic polo dress, which has a regular fit, above-the-knee length and ribbed collar. Plus, it's available in more than just a delectable mint green.
Esther McGregor's cherry cardigan and red shorts
McGregor's character Mirren teases her cousin Cady in one scene, wearing a cardigan embroidered with cherries from Aqua along with a pair of red shorts. She finishes the ensemble with classic white Superga trainers, for ultimate practicality, of course.


www.selfridges.com
Swap cherries for strawberries and get McGregor's look with a cardigan from House of CB. Embroidered with an all-over cherry print and finished with a button-down, fitted look, the cardigan can be worn open over a midi dress or tied around your shoulders with shorts.

www.freepeople.com
The Isla Shorts from Free People are practically made for the beach, thanks to their super soft terry material, mid-rise waist and adjustable drawstring (which makes pulling them over your bikini so much easier).
Exact match

www.asos.com
You might not have heard of Superga trainers - but you probably should've. A favourite of Kate Middleton's and Em Rata's, Superga trainers are characterised by their often (very) chunky soles and versatile design.
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear). For a glimpse into said travels, outfit inspo and life as a journalist, follow her on Instagram or TikTok.