Honestly, if you thought the Italian linens of season two were peak vacation goals, you aren't ready for what just hit Thailand. The White Lotus clothing season 3 has completely abandoned the idea of "quiet luxury." It’s gone. Poof. In its place, we have something costume designer Alex Bovaird calls "loud luxury," and it is every bit as chaotic and expensive as you’d imagine for a show where people literally die at five-star resorts.
The Death of Quiet Luxury
We’ve spent the last few years hearing about "stealth wealth." Cashmere sweaters without logos. Unassuming beige trench coats. Well, the Ratliffs and the "Girls Trip Trio" clearly didn't get the memo.
In Thailand, the wardrobe is a weapon. It’s about being seen from across the infinity pool. We’re talking clashing prints, neon silks, and enough gold hardware to set off every metal detector in Southeast Asia. Bovaird actually mentioned in a recent interview with Vogue that she deliberately upped the ante this season because the stakes—and the heat—are higher.
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The fabrics are meant to shimmer and fight with the background. It's satirical, obviously. Mike White loves to use fashion to show how these people are constantly "performing" their happiness.
The Girls Trip Trio: Alémais and One-Up-Man-Ship
The dynamic between Jaclyn, Laurie, and Kate is basically a masterclass in passive-aggressive dressing. They’re best friends, but they’re also clearly trying to out-spend each other.
- Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan): As the Hollywood actress of the group, she’s the most "extra." That red Valentino sequin mini she wore for dinner? Absolute spotlight-grabbing behavior. She also hauled a vintage 2006 Chanel chiffon gown to the resort. Who does that? Someone who wants everyone to know they have "archival" taste.
- Kate (Leslie Bibb): She’s leaning heavily into the Australian brand Alémais. You’ve probably seen her in that Yvette cut-out midi dress with the wild floral patterns. It’s "country club wife" but make it spicy.
- Laurie (Carrie Coon): She’s the corporate lawyer, so she’s a bit more "understated," if you can call a $2,800 Valentino VLOGO bag understated. She often wears pieces that look effortless but cost more than your car.
The funniest detail? The Erewhon tote bag Jaclyn carries. Apparently, that was Michelle Monaghan’s own idea—she literally bought it in LA and brought it to the set because it felt so "LA actress in Thailand."
The Ratliffs: Preppy or Just Pretentious?
If the girls' trip is about sparkle, the Ratliff family is about "The Catalog." Bovaird said she wanted them to look like they stepped directly out of a Ralph Lauren shoot. It’s very WASPy, very "my father will sue you."
Victoria Ratliff (Parker Posey) is the queen of this. She’s wandering around a humid Thai resort in silk scarves and Gucci Bamboo 1947 bags. It looks uncomfortable. It looks stiff. And that’s the point. She refuses to adapt to the environment; she expects the environment to adapt to her.
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Then you have Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger). He is the embodiment of "douchebro swag." Think white shorts that are slightly too tight, wrap-around polarized sunglasses, and Sperry x Brooks Brothers loafers. It’s the official uniform of someone who’s about to say something offensive at the bar.
Chelsea vs. Chloe: The Expat Style War
The most interesting fashion contrast this season isn't the rich Americans—it's the women who actually "live" in the vibe.
Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) is all about the "boho-chic" expat look. She wears a lot of My Beachy Side crochet dresses—specifically the 'Petit Fours' mini. It’s handmade, vegan, and feels very "I found this at a local market" even though it costs $500. She’s trying to look spiritual and connected to the land while her boyfriend Rick (Walton Goggins) wears baggy linen trousers from a Bangkok bazaar.
On the flip side, you have Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon). She’s the "French-Canadian-model-turned-expat." She’s the one who actually pulls off the high-fashion-in-the-heat look. Her custom pink Jacquemus swim set is arguably the most viral outfit of the season. It’s effortless in a way the Ratliffs could never be.
Why the Heat Changed Everything
One thing people forget when looking at White Lotus clothing is the literal weather. Thailand is famously, punishingly hot. Bovaird had to ditch a lot of heavier fabrics they used in Sicily.
Instead, we see:
- Linen everywhere: For the men, it’s the only way to survive. Even the hotel manager, Fabian, has to keep it crisp while his world falls apart.
- Thai Silks: A nod to the location. You’ll see characters like Sritala (Lek Patravadi), the resort owner, wearing incredibly expensive local textiles that put the tourists' "elephant pants" to shame.
- The "No Denim" Policy: Bovaird generally avoids denim on the show. It’s too "real world." The White Lotus is a fantasy, and denim is for people who have to work for a living—unless you’re Rick, who gets a pass for his vintage finds.
Real-World Takeaways: How to Get the Look
You don't need a $10,000 per night room to steal some of this energy. If you're looking to emulate the White Lotus clothing season 3 aesthetic, focus on maximalist resort wear.
Don't buy one print; buy three and wear them together. Look for brands like Alémais, Zimmermann, and Waimari. If you want the Chelsea vibe, crochet is your best friend. If you want to go full Ratliff, stick to structured linens and silks from heritage brands like Gucci or Ralph Lauren.
Basically, just dress like you're about to have a very expensive emotional breakdown. That’s the core of the aesthetic.
Next Steps for Your Wardrobe:
- Start by swapping your basic flip-flops for a wedge or a structural slide (like the Jimmy Choo Avenue).
- Incorporate one loud, clashing accessory—a silk scarf or a vintage-inspired bag—into an otherwise simple beach outfit.
- Invest in high-quality linen rather than cheap blends; it breathes better and develops that "expensive wrinkle" look seen on the show.