The Absurd Genius of Love Island Fashion
Style cues from the best and most unserious show on TV.
This is a Big Spoon post.
If you’re new here (or just need a refresher), Spoonful of Style comes in two servings: Big Spoon is the full-course meal—rich with fashion commentary, cultural context, and deep dives into what style says about us. Little Spoon is the treat—quick bites like outfit ideas, styling swaps, and things I’m shopping.
This one? A glamorous fever dream I can’t look away from.
Amid so much tension and division, the country is united—thanks to Love Island USA. It’s all anyone can talk about, from politicians to NBA stars. Even the official TikTok account of the New Orleans Saints posted a reaction to Nicolandria. I somehow got my boyfriend—who’s long been anti-island—to jump on the bandwagon. As someone who’s been watching the show for years—I started with Love Island UK, and for the record, seasons 5 and 10 are still the best—I feel deeply validated. I’ve been screaming Love Island’s praises for ages, and this season? It’s on another level. The drama. The manipulation. The twists and turns. As I’m writing this, I just finished Thursday’s episode, and that soul ties moment between Nic and Olandria had me standing in front of the TV screaming for five minutes straight.
But it’s not just the plot that makes Love Island magic. It’s also the clothes. You know I had to turn this into a fashion moment—after all, this is Spoonful of Style.
There are rules—or at least codes. The less fabric, the better. The more cutouts, the better. There’s a Love Island look, and it’s in a league of its own. It’s not realistic—not even for vacation. Paige DeSorbo literally hosted a challenge in a suede turtleneck corset? I know she later said it was because she had no other options, but still. What girl do you know is arriving on a first date in the butt-baring rope dress Huda rocked during episode one?
There’s color, there’s glitter. It’s bold, it’s bright, and it’s relentless. Ariana Madix’s hot pink dress that showed off her sculpted abs? A perfect example. These women aren’t dressing for comfort or practicality—they’re dressing to stand out. And while yes, that is the point—because standing out gets you picked, gets you coupled up, and potentially $100,000—obviously excluding Paige and Ariana—there’s something else happening, too.
Love Island is the ultimate getting-dressed-to-go-nowhere fantasy.
Outside of the whole being with strangers, kissing strangers, sleeping with strangers thing, Love Island is kind of my ideal vacation. A massive oceanfront villa with a pool I never have to leave. I love to do nothing—but I also love having little moments within that nothing to get dressed up, to feel like something’s happening, without ever having to deal with Ubers, long walks (in heels), or lines. Everything you need is right there.
The women wake up, shower, throw on a cute bikini and heels just to sit around and rehash the same drama from the day before. Later, they shower again and change into full-on nighttime looks—sequins included—to do more of the same. There’s wine or champagne being poured. Chips being passed around. It’s a dream, especially for someone like me. I love getting dressed up, but I hate being outside. So the idea of throwing on a ridiculous pair of heels and knowing your feet will be fine because you’re not going far? Heaven. Going downstairs in a slip dress and sandal heels just because? Heaven again. It’s unserious, but in the best way. No weather. No rules. Just a chance to live out your most extra fashion aspirations among your girls, with your boyfriend and his closest friend nearby. You’re dressing up purely for the vibe. It’s about the commitment.
It’s my version of running errands in a flowy frock or throwing on a nap dress just to watch movies. No one really sees it—but you feel better because of it. That might be a stretch, but that’s what Love Island reminds me of. Yes, they technically have a global audience—but they never leave the villa. In a way, they’re just getting dressed for themselves. For each other. And isn’t that what fashion is about?
I guess what I’m saying is: we should all be getting dressed for the plot a bit more. There’s so much sadness in the world, so why not lean into the things we can control—the things that make us feel good? For me, fashion always has. Whether you’re staying in or going out, treat it as a chance to wear something that feels adventurous or exciting. If it’s a wine night in the apartment, swap your leggings for a little knit short set or a cozy cotton dress. If you’re going to dinner with your bestie, throw on those heels. Try new things. Wear your clothes. If you have a pair of pants in your closet you bought for a special occasion, the occasion is now. It’s not practical. It’s not necessary. It’s just fun.
And we could all use more fun.
What’s been your favorite Love Island fashion moment so far? Tell me in the comments!
‘Till the next Spoonful,
Robyn Nia
Nothing like a good fit no matter the occasion
Love love love