Hot pirate fashion trend, explained

First we had Coastal Grandmas, then Mob Wives and Tomato Girls. And while I don’t want to add another cute name to the internet archives, I’m afraid we’re in the middle of Pirate Girl Summer.

If your reaction to yet another niche fashion reference primed to go viral is more “argh, dude” than “creepy, timbers,” I understand and feel your pain. But considering the latest outfits circulating on Instagram save folders and TikTok styling videos, I’m sorry to inform you that it’s happening.

Last week, on July 14, Bella Hadid stepped out in a boat captain-worthy, billowing crop top, black capri pants cropped low (for easy cleaning on deck, I assume), and beachy waves that were easily messed up by the salty sea air. The look represented the culmination of months of similar beachy looks, and thus the official start of Pirate Girl Summer.

Of course, Hadid isn’t the only one serving up yo-ho-hos and a bottle of rum. Everyone’s on deck. This summer, girls everywhere are saying “aye-aye, captain” to shipwrecked details and spending their hard-earned gold doubloons on first mate fashion. Don’t believe me? Turn your compass (and attention) to the pirate queen of Instagram’s riding-style-like-a-winds, Devon Lee Carlson. Never one to miss a moment, the Wildflower Cases founder posted an undeniably pirate-inspired outfit to Instagram last month—complete with a headscarf (presumably to better navigate the Atlantic’s strong currents), an airy white shirt that billows like a ship’s sail, and cropped capri pants for riding (or not) the board.

Sabrina Carpenter of The much-talked-about “Yoo-hoo, boys!” costume In Fashion The World in June also fits the bill if you consider Mr. Smee’s Peter Pan is notoriously underrated as a fashion icon. Complete with nautical stripes and a matching wig, this look would make any salty sailor proud. And at the Cannes Film Festival just a few weeks ago, Iris Law looked truly washed out (in a chic way!), as if she’d escaped deportation to a deserted island, wearing a artistically torn white dress and a black leather belt with gold hardware (for some reason pirates loved these) from YSL.

Even Laura Harrier’s vibrant new collaboration with Reformation has pirate undertones. See this picture Harrier’s treasure chest contained a gold ring and a thick headband, traditional to any seasoned sailor. The collection also includes a deep V neck And button down shirt (Pirates loved to show off their collarbones) to keep cool while sailing at sea.

I suspect the main culprit behind this confusing fashion movement is that many of this summer’s hottest fashion trends read as “more words” But Pirates of the Caribbean” when worn together. The gold statement jewelry we’re all reaching for in the summer—especially the dangling, mismatched kind that TikTok guys love to wear—isn’t just a seasonal staple; it’s also a nod to how much stolen treasure you’ve buried in caves along the coast. And if you jump on the gold-copper necklace trend like Hailey Bieberespecially when paired with a ruffled red pirate top and a seashell bra, all you need is a pet parrot to look fashionable.

Likewise, the ruffled white shirts, wide-tie blouses, and tiered skirts favored by 17th-century pirates and sailors are popping up on street style stars and countless shopping guides right now. If you blame the boho resurgence, but when paired with Y2K capri pants trend controversialhas more in common with Captain Hook than Rachel Zoe.

Finally, the handkerchief’s unruly takeover as this summer’s hottest accessory has brought a salty pirate flavor to many a stylish girl’s outfit. Hunter Schafer’s custom Prada outfit at Cannes, which included a daring leg-baring, swimsuit-like bodysuit and a matching white handkerchief, inspired a full-blown fashion rebellion. In the weeks following its red carpet appearance, the accessory was popping up everywhere and at all times like a black speck. I didn’t know it at the time, but it was a harbinger of the pirate trend to come.

Perhaps unintentionally, but the past few months have seen a lot of hot girl outfits that could pass for the movie Muppet Treasure Island. And while I have some reservations, the pirate look is unmistakably appealing. After all, Kiera Knightley has never looked better in a pirate costume on set (I’m dying on this hill).

Pirates valued comfort and breathable fabrics (otherwise how would you climb a crow’s nest in the middle of the day?), making their wares ideal for wearing during heatwaves. Plus, they had an unrivaled sense of accessorizing among historical bad guys—no one understood the power of layering necklaces and mismatched bracelets better. And give them credit where it’s due: They were way ahead of the curve on the whole capri trend.

Finding unexpected fashion inspiration is like stumbling upon buried treasure, and Pirate Girl Summer is one of the most random. And let’s face it: Captain Hook wore that flowy white shirt.