How to Look Like a Surfer Girl

Co-authored by Hannah Park

Last Updated: February 5, 2023

The surfer girl look can be fun for a costume or just a style to adopt if you live in a sunny area. If you want to look like a surfer girl, you will need beach style clothing like shorts and a jumper dress. You can also accessorize with things like sunglasses. Opt for minimal makeup and hair that looks a little wet.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Selecting Clothing

1
Try using a bikini top as a shirt. A bikini top may seem like an unconventional item to wear as clothing, but you can find a way to make one work as a shirt. You do not have to wear a real swimsuit, but go for something like a tube tank-top or crop top with a bikini-like feel.^{[1]
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- This can be paired with high wasted shorts or a nice jacket.
2
Invest in a solid pair of shorts. Shorts are a staple of the surfer girl style. You should have at least a few pairs of shorts in your wardrobe if you want to look like a surfer girl.^{[2]
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- The surfer girl is meant to be laid back. Therefore, you should look for shorts that do not look new or expensive.
- Stop by a local thrift store. You are bound to find a few pairs of shorts there that work with the surfer girl style.
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3
Have a knit jumper for cooler weather. A jumper dress looks something like a pair of overalls. You should opt for one if you want to adopt the surfer girl style. It works well because surfer girls are often hopping in and out of the ocean and may throw on a light dress to pop into a store before returning to the beach. Go for a knit dress, as this gives you a lot of exposure to air.^{[3]
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- You should search thrift stores for a jumper dress, as clothing that looks worn adds to the laid back surfer mentality.
4
Wear sandals or wedges. Sandals and wedges should be a staple of your wardrobe if you want to look like a surfer girl. Invest in a variety of bright, colorful pairs of these types of shoes.^{[4]
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- You can also go for flip-flips for the surfer girl feel.
5
Wear plaid. As the surfer girl culture is sometimes thought of as somewhat tomboyish, plaid should be a staple in your wardrobe. Opt for plaid button down shirts, which can easily be worn over a tank-top or bikini-top.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Picking Accessories

1
Wear sunglasses. If you want to look like a surfer girl, sunglasses are a must have. You should have several pairs of sunglasses of different colors and styles for a variety of outfits.^{[6]
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- Keep in mind, the surfer girl culture is not overly concerned with materialism. Designer sunglasses may not mesh as well with the surfer girl look.
2
Try a trucker hat. The surfer girl look is a little tom boyish by nature, so a trucker hat can help solidify the look. If you wear your hair in a mermaid braid, a trucker hat can fit in nicely with your style.^{[7]
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- If you're not a fan of trucker hats, you could wear something like a baseball hat instead.
3
Invest in a waterproof watch. A waterproof watch can give you a surfer girl vibe, as it has a kind of casual, tomboyish appeal. It also reflects the fact that, as a surfer, you spend a lot of your time in the water.^{[8]
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4
Carry a beach or tote bag. As a surfer girl, a typical purse may seem a little too fancy. Opt for something more casual, like a beach bag or a tote bag, to carry your things. This can help you look like a relaxed surfer girl.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Styling Your Hair and Makeup

1
Use sea salt spray to create a wet look. Surfer girls often have wet, wavy hair. To achieve this, mist your hair with a matte hair spray to get it a little damp. From there, douse your hair in some sea salt spray. Then, you can use your fingers to bunch your hair to create messy waves.
- If your hair is already damp, just use the sea salt spray.
- You should avoid using sea salt spray, however, if you were actually at the beach, as too much salt could damage your hair.
2
Braid your hair. A long braid can give your hair a mermaid vibe. If you have longer braid, try braiding it into a single long braid that hangs over your shoulder. This is a great look to pair with hats.^{[9]
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3
Use bronzer. You want the sun-kissed look of someone who spends a lot of time on the beach. Bronzer can help you achieve this. You can dust your face with a layer of bronzer to give yourself a believable tan.
- If you actually do spend a lot of time on the beach, use sunscreen under your bronzer and choose a bronzer with SPF protection.
4
Opt for neutral tones with makeup. Surfer girls spend a lot of time in water. Therefore, elaborate makeup isn't exactly realistic. Neutral tones that match your natural skin work best.
- If you use foundation, use only a light amount that matches your skin.
- Stick to neutral tones of eye shadow and lipstick, if you use them at all.
- Minimize your use of things like eye liner or mascara. If they're used, use them very lightly.

Expert Q&A

Question

What are some surfer girl outfit ideas?

Hannah Park
Professional Stylist
Hannah Park is a professional stylist and personal shopper with experience in e-comm styling, celebrity styling and personal styling. She runs an LA-based styling company, The Styling Agent, where she focuses on understanding each individual she works with, and crafting wardrobes according to their needs.

Hannah Park

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Try channeling an LA girl to get the surfer look. LA is the home of the surfer vibe, and in the summer you'll see a lot of girls wearing flowy rompers and a cool field hat from a brand like Brixton. You can also wear denim skirts, fanny packs, and woven mules to get that beachy feel.
Question

Do you have to say things like “broooo” and “dude” to be a surfer girl?

Jade Werblow

Community Answer

No! you don't have to say things like that but many people who surf do. It's entirely up to what you prefer though.
Question

How do I decorate my room in the beach vibe?

Kiwi

Community Answer

To decorate your room with the beach vibe, you might need blue walls and a more friendly sea creature decoration. So, stuffed animals like dolphins and turtles could give your room that vibe. Seashells will definitely come in handy.