Whether you find the Love Island look slick or ‘ick’ is a matter of personal preference (either way, the show’s persistent peddling of super-fast fashion is problematic to say the least). But whatever side you fall on, the contestants have influence – just look at the whopping followings they all boast on social media. Mostly, 2021 is business as usual on the fashion front: a dress flimsier than Liam’s resolve in Casa Amor guarantees airtime (and you know what airtime guarantees? Money!). Nevertheless, Love Island season 7 has introduced us to some new, unexpected, trends, namely ‘under boob’ and brown lipstick. Will those trends have a shelf-life any longer than an iced coffee left in the Majorcan sun? Unlikely. Do they make for moreish viewing anyway? You bet. Here are the surprising style lessons we’ve learnt from this year’s Love Island (warning: approach with caution).
Don’t be afraid of weird tan lines
Love Islanders are fearless in the face of challenging swimwear. Stringy, barely-there bikinis are a non-negotiable in the Villa. But season 7’s hopefuls also like them with complicated ties and asymmetric cut outs. Don’t forget your SPF.
Find a chaperone to help you walk in heels
Also filed under challenging: Villa heels. For those who struggle to negotiate the long walk from fire pit to bean bags, someone to link arms with is a good idea, not just for the stability but for the flirting opportunities. Although, as Clarisse knows, nothing makes a statement quire like chucking off your shoes completely.
Always dress like it's Friday night
The contestants are probably contractually obliged to Make An Effort, but one legitimately useful takeaway we can all take is that it's also fun to do so. After over a year of trackpants and solitude, there's something uplifting about seeing the girls getting ready together in their best-self outfits. Your Friday night look doesn't have to be diffusion WAG - but if you want it to be, go forth!
A ‘revenge’ look can even come in brown towelling
Princess Diana made the revenge dress a thing back in 1994 when she arrived at the Serpentine in a demurely sexy LBD by Christina Stambolian. For Millie’s ‘showdown’ with Lillie, however, she wore a brown towelling halter top and midi skirt.
Jewellery can be very symbolic
Millie’s Sagittarius necklace has been given more airtime than dear Salma was. Liam took it with him to Casa Amor as a (meaningless) gesture of his devotion; it later broke (metaphor alert!). Happily, she is now back together with her beloved – and Liam. Elsewhere, Faye has been wearing Teddy’s ring and a tenuous ‘plot’ was spun out of Liberty losing a bracelet given to her by Jake. All in all, it appears the contestants have been taking cues from Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle – but of whom are fans of symbolic jewellery.
The corset is happening
It’s been making waves in fashion sets for a while, but corsets have finally washed up on the shores of Majorca. Not for you? Then a dress with midriff cut outs is another Love Island essential.
Trousers should be lairy
Party pants in prints louder than Faye on a rampage are having a moment this season. To be worn with the matching cropped top, of course.
Blazers must be worn with, well, nothing else
If you think a bare chest and blazer are an incompatible pairing this is not the trend for you. Faye and Millie are both fans of a blazer + bare chest pairing that defies the laws of gravity. One can only assume that tit tape is the unsung hero of this year’s Villa. This look is office inappropriate - you have been told.
Do. Not. Wear. Sunglasses. In. Bed.
That is all. (Apparently the Islanders do it because the lights are so bright, but try this at home and you will look like the definition of ridiculous).
It is impossible to be a sexy mermaid
Wakefield must have been up in arms – and Twitter was in hysterics – when Mary landed that mermaid costume for the heart rate challenge. The Yorkshire lass is pure ‘fire’, but even she could not pull it off so, come October 31st, you would be advised to steer clear if you treat Halloween as an interactive Tinder opportunity. We’re not sure who she crossed on the production team to land that outfit, but either way, she was a good sport.
And finally… Approach hats with caution
No comment.
SEE: Love Island's Biggest Beauty Secrets
1 of 10With Great Lashes, Come Great Responsibility
Dani Dyer's dedication to blow-drying (yes...BLOW-DRYING) her lash extensions, was testament to the fact that attentive aftercare is essential to prolonging their fullness. Got a set applied? Arm yourself with a wealth of spoolie brushes, and though we wouldn't recommend necessarily blow-drying them, giving them a gentle brush through during the day will keep them looking tip top.
2 of 10Barefaced Is Beautiful
We know that Love Island beauties traditionally adore their glam time - quite frankly we live for those mirror-side conversations whilst they're preening pre-party - but they're also proof that bare is just as beautiful. The lesson? If you're on holiday and prone to reaching for your makeup bag each day, take a chill pill, and let your natural complexion shine. Need a bit of a boost still? Boost your glow and protect from the sun in one with Ultrasun's SPF 50 Tinted Face Cream, £26.
3 of 10Buns Can Break The Internet
Molly Mae sent the masses into meltdown with her super large bun that sat pretty at the top of her head most days in the villa. She finally gave in to the call and gave us all a tutorial on how to copy it, and would you believe, it's a twist-and-go jobby. Secure with a few kirby grips and your away. Boots Blending Grips, £1.50.
4 of 10Lashes Are Everything
It seems the key to looking good come what may on TV is boosting the flutter power of your lashes. Whether they were donning strip falsies, or had booked in for a set of semi-permanent extensions, the girls have consistently ensured they've upped the volume. Follow suit with a lash appointment, or make them occasion-wear with a set like Eylure London's Most Wanted in Gimme Gimme, £12.95.
5 of 10Extensions Are Here To Stay
Love Island contestant after Love Island contestant have proved that there's no shame in indulging in a few hair extension wefts to boost your volume, in fact we reckon the likes of Molly Mae are responsible for a serious surge in sales, proof that there's no way clip-ins are a phase. Indulge your craving and try them out. There are numerous brands to choose from, but Molly has lent her name to a tong with Beauty Works, implying that their versions could be a great first port of call.
6 of 10Fake Tan Is The Safest Tan
The contestants' love of the bottled bronzing stuff is proof that even if you're spending your days in a glorious amount of sun, there's no need to top it up the risky way. The contestants were visibly on it with the SPF and spent their evenings layering on the faux stuff. Try one of our favourites, St Tropez Self Tan Purity Water Gel, £33, to get a sun-kissed look without damaging your skin.
7 of 10Sudocrem Is A Spot Solution To Consider
Montana was a Sudocrem obsessive in the villa. Come bed time she cleansed before dotting any blemishes with the stuff, then hit the hay. Why? Sudocrem might not be able to stop spots from forming, but if you've popped or picked one (everyone does!), its healing properties (it's full of zinc) speed up the fading process - that's some serious know-how. Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream, 125g, £2.99.
8 of 10SULA? There Is A Solution
Now, Olivia Attwood may have puzzled viewers by using her roll-on deodorant across her upper lip, but there was method in her madness (before you ask, we're not advocating this - do not deodorise your upper lips!). Olivia's SULA (sweaty upper lip alert) struggle was quite obviously real, and she obviously didn't have any blotting papers to hand - the best antidote to the problem. Try these hero DHC Blotting Papers, £4.50, and you won't look back.
9 of 10Brown Lip Liner Is Back
Faye Winter proved, mid-season seven, that brown lip liner is back and here to stay. She even revealed her go-to - Collection's Lip Definer Pencil in Cappuccino.
10 of 10Face Serum's Don't Have To Be Expensive
Kaz used a budget-friendly face serum during her season seven stint, and claimed that it kept her shine at bay during the day. You can shop the Boots Glow Essence Serum, £4, in question, here.
READ MORE: Wait – What Do Meghan Markle And Love Island's Millie Court Have In Common?