Key Characters and Their Signature Costumes
The Amazon Prime series The Summer I Turned Pretty adapts Jenny Han's coming-of-age novels, and costume design supports the emotional arc of Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah. The show's wardrobe emphasizes summer staples such as sundresses, board shorts, tank tops, and lightweight cardigans, with fabrics like cotton voile, linen blends, and jersey knit. The costume department uses color palettes that shift from soft pastels in early episodes to bolder prints and deeper tones as the story progresses, a detail noted by costume designers in interviews about the series' visual evolution. For fans looking to recreate looks, the most recognizable costumes include Belly's floral sundresses, Conrad's casual surf-inspired outfits, and Jeremiah's relaxed beachwear, all of which can be assembled from thrift stores and online retailers. Forbes covered the costume design approach, highlighting how the team built outfits around the show's beach house setting and the characters' personal growth.
Belly's Dress Progression
Belly's wardrobe is central to the costume narrative, with her sundresses marking key turning points in the story. In early episodes, she wears lighter, more modest prints, while later episodes feature strapless styles, brighter colors, and fitted silhouettes that reflect her confidence. Fans can replicate these looks using A-line cotton dresses, floral or gingham patterns, and simple accessories like straw hats and sandals. Sears offers a range of affordable summer dresses that match the show's aesthetic, and costume breakdowns on fan sites often list specific dress styles and colors seen in each episode.
DIY and Store-Bought Options for Fans
Cosplay and costume communities have created detailed guides for The Summer I Turned Pretty outfits, breaking down each look by character, episode, and scene. DIY tutorials focus on using lightweight fabrics, simple sewing patterns, and thrifted pieces to achieve the relaxed coastal vibe without high-end designer costs. For those who prefer ready-made options, retailers and costume shops have released capsule collections inspired by the series, including sundresses, cover-ups, and swim trunks that mirror the show's color palette and fabric choices. Amazon lists a wide range of floral sundresses that can serve as a base for Belly's costumes, while Etsy sellers offer handmade versions with custom prints and embroidery details.
Budget-Friendly Fabric and Accessory Tips
Costume accuracy on a budget often comes down to fabric choice and accessory details, with cotton lawn, chambray, and lightweight denim being the most common materials in the show's wardrobe. Accessories such as layered necklaces, canvas tote bags, and leather sandals help complete the look, and many of these items can be found in seasonal collections from fast-fashion brands. Fans who want to match specific scenes can use screenshots from the series to compare colors and patterns, then search for matching pieces using online marketplaces and secondhand platforms. Etsy's summer dress market includes many options with hand-drawn or vintage-inspired prints that align with the show's style.
Where to Buy and How to Style for Events
Costume parties, comic conventions, and themed events are popular settings for The Summer I Turned Pretty-inspired outfits, and styling guides often suggest pairing dresses with denim jackets or lightweight cardigans for evening wear. Retailers such as Target, H&M, and Zara carry seasonal pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple looks from the series, and