Chicology Magazine

As you’ve probably already seen, Zara Larsson’s summer is here! Before we talk about the trend, we need to look at the background of the singer around whom the trend is based. After the resurgence of her older hits, especially “Lush Life,” and new releases like “Stateside’ with PinkPantheress, as well as “Midnight Sun,” have helped boost Zara into the spot of artist of the summer, which Sabrina Carpenter held last year with hits like “Expresso” and “Feather.” This Swedish singer began her singing career back in 2008, almost 18 years ago, after winning a Swedish talent show. Zara’s now getting the well-deserved recognition for her musical talent, especially after Alysa Liu (Olympic figure skater) performed a viral routine to the artist’s song “Stateside.” Zara’s used nostalgia, viral pop culture, and a bold and joyful identity to turn decades of underground success into a global pop phenomenon. This global trend is also known as the Zara Larsson Effect, made of maximalist and nostalgic Y2K aesthetics that combine beachwear, festival fashion, and pop-culture references all into one outfit! Most of these outfits will consist of varying elements, but they all share similar traits that make the style easily recognizable! Some of the core elements are: color, sequins, silhouettes, themes, and accessories. The colors are usually bold and saturated, like pink, coral, hot pink, and ombre, to name a few. These colors are usually paired with sequins, rhinestones, and metallic prints. The silhouettes are “less is more” cuts with playful fringes, ruffles, and tiered layers. These are often paired with low-rise denim or ultra-tiny shorts. For themes, dolphin and mermaid imagery, Barbie/Bratz, Winx Club, Hannah Montana, Britney Spears, hibiscus flowers, and Destiny’s Child are the way to go! Accessories kike statement earrings, jeweled hair clips, starfish belts, and chain jewelry should be used to amplify the overall fantasy vibe. 

Zara’s Midnight Sun Tour and her appearances at music festivals like Lollapalooza have solidified this look as the summer’s go-to. There has been high encouragement to emphasize fun and fearless creativity when recreating this look with your own twist. No rules, just colorful and blinged-out glam!

It’s really easy to see why this trend is everywhere right now. It’s perfect for any summer-related outings like the beach, festivals, and casual glam. This makes sense since it’s so easy to mix up the look with its boldness and festiveness.

Want to make this look your own? You’ll need to start with your base, depending on which way you’re leaning aesthetically. Pick out pieces like sequin halter tops, embellished fringe tops, patterned or graphic tube tops, rhinestone camisoles, or candy-colored bikinis. Next, pick your bottom to complete the foundation of the look. Think pieces like metallic mini skirts, low-rise denim, or fringe skirts. You can even try a statement dress with chain details and ombre sequins! Don’t forget to consider wearing floral hair clips if you’re going for the maximalist beachwear look. There are plenty of variations you can find both online and in stores like Aeropostal. In fact, rhinestone-covered versions have popped up recently that would perfectly tie this look together! Now, your makeup look should enhance the aesthetic you’re aiming for. Features like bright-colored eyeshadow, aura blush, face gems, matte base with bronzer, highlighter, and glitter. Playful makeup made of features like these can help bring out the outfit’s whimsy. Face gems, for example, will really complete the rhinestones look as it becomes reminiscent of the sandwich method that many use when crafting looks. The “sandwich method,” in a simple explanation, is when you pick any top, a bottom that has nothing in common with the top, add any accessories, and a bag and pair of shoes that match the top in pattern or color. 

Now you might be wondering: where do I get pieces to create my own version of this look? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! There are way more places to look for pieces like Motel Rocks, but here are a few specific ones with the items you’ll most likely be able to find in each. River Island: embellished fringe tops, metallic mini skirts, and ombre sequin dresses. Urban Outfitters: rhinestone camisoles, graphic tube tops, stiletto boots. I’ve found that Urban Outfitters has a little of everything, as they also sell bags, hair accessories, and nails that can really help you tie the look together. New Look: sequin halter tops and bright sequin mini skirts. Desigual: ruched floral, sequin slip dresses, mirror-disc skirts. Main Rose: stringy hot pink bikini, beachy jewelry, starfish hair clips. Windsor: graphic tops and mini sequin skirts, mini denim bottoms, bags, and Y2K accessories. I’ve been able to find some really cute pieces from this store, and they’ve recently made more sequin and statement dresses! Definitely check out Beginning Boutique as they have some really cute pieces like baby tees, sequin dresses, and skirts. Edikted is yet another option, but more budget-friendly! You’ll find almost everything you need to achieve the Zara Larsson look.