#WhiteLotusStyle and #ResortCore are booming, while HBO’s hit redefines rich-and-relaxed, driving hype for The Row, Khaite and Toteme
HBO’s The White Lotus, a hit TV series, has become a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Beyond its biting social satire and shocking plot twists, the show also captures the attention of viewers, particularly Gen Z, through its fashion. From effortlessly chic resort wear to quiet luxury staples, The White Lotus is a blueprint for aspirational dressing, influencing everything from TikTok trends to shopping habits worldwide.
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Why Gen Z Identifies with The White Lotus and Wants to Emulate Its Fashion
Gen Z is known for its love of individuality and aesthetic-driven shopping, and The White Lotus delivers exactly that. The characters’ wardrobes mix luxury brands like Gucci, Valentino, and Jacquemus with vintage pieces and indie designer finds, creating a look that feels both effortlessly cool and subtly rich. This combination resonates with Gen Z’s desire for authenticity, sustainability, and a fashion-forward yet timeless appearance.
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TikTok has seen a surge of White Lotus-inspired outfit recreations, with users dissecting the “rich-but-relaxed” aesthetic seen in the show. Hashtags like #WhiteLotusStyle and #ResortCore are gaining traction as creators search for dupes, second-hand finds, and capsule wardrobe staples that capture the vibe of their favourite characters.
The Rise of Resort Core
With The White Lotus popularising luxurious yet wearable vacation style, the fashion industry has taken notice. Resort Core is emerging as the next big trend, blending bohemian ease with high-end sophistication. Think flowy linen sets, structured swimsuits, raffia accessories, and breezy yet polished silhouettes. Brands like Zimmermann, Toteme, and Staud are experiencing a surge in interest, with searches for “elevated resort wear” skyrocketing on platforms like Pinterest and Depop.
But it’s not just about luxury labels; Gen Z shoppers are also turning to thrift shops and rental fashion platforms to achieve The White Lotus look without breaking the bank. Apps like Vestiaire Collective and The RealReal have reported increased searches for brands featured in the show as young consumers embrace circular fashion over fast fashion alternatives.
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The Quiet Luxury Appeal
Another key factor driving Gen Z’s fascination with fashion featured in The White Lotus is the show’s masterful take on “quiet luxury” as a concept that prioritises subtle elegance over loud logos. Characters like Daphne (portrayed by Meghann Fahy) and Harper (played by Aubrey Plaza) exemplify this style through their wardrobe choices, which include minimalist cashmere sets, timeless Bottega Veneta bags, and barely-there makeup looks that convey wealth without shouting it.
This trend aligns perfectly with Gen Z’s growing disillusionment with overt branding. Instead of flashy designer logos, today’s young shoppers are seeking out quality craftsmanship, neutral tones, and elevated basics. As a result, labels like The Row, Khaite, and Toteme, which were once considered niche, are now thriving thanks to this cultural shift.
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How The White Lotus is Manipulating Shopping Habits
The impact of the show’s fashion extends beyond just aesthetics, reshaping how Gen Z shops. Influencer-driven styling plays a significant role, with TikTok and Instagram creators using The White Lotus as a style reference and showing their followers how to replicate these looks affordably.
Pre-loved, vintage fashion is also experiencing a boom as second-hand marketplaces see increased interest in White Lotus-inspired styles. Instead of following seasonal, disposable trends, young consumers are gravitating toward timeless, high-quality pieces that align with their values.
Angelo Ruggeri
Journalist and Master Course Tutor & Fashion Styling Course Leader, Milan