We may be in the grips of winter’s chill but for our friends in the northern hemisphere, and the few of us bound for a European getaway, summer outfit planning is in full swing.

And this season it’s all about the ‘Tomato Girl’ trend. This aesthetic encompasses the alter-egos of every Aperol spritz sipping, red sauce pasta slurping, Lana Del Ray listening bona fide woman ready to transport their mind, body, and spirit to the coasts of the Italian Riviera.

The mood leans on existing trends in circulation including quiet luxury’s tactile linens, vintage jewellery, and fine leather goods with the romantic allure of coquette beauty and cottage core whimsy, but in a more intense way with the inclusion of a very specific shade of red. Put simply, it’s old money Hamptons girlie returns from her summer in the Mediterranean.

Relying heavily on a curated palette of white, pale yellow, terracotta, brown, muted leafy-hued green and – you guessed it – tomato red, the ‘Tomato Girl’ aesthetic is heavily influenced by the colours seen in Italian cuisine and landscapes and represents a classic woman from eras bygone. It’s nostalgic, playful, and inherently carefree.

To execute the ‘Tomato Girl’ trend, the outfit formula is surprisingly easy and builds on pieces you likely already have at your disposal. Relaxed linen shirts, frilly or balloon-sleeved white blouses, ruffled midi skirts and the like, cinched in at the waist with brown belts and paired with leather slides or sandals. Accessories should be minimal: a few classic gold pieces of jewellery, bags made from wicker or raffia; and windswept, natural beauty including curly waves and a subtle sweeping of sun-kissed make-up. Dresses and blouses can feature antique floral prints reminiscent of ’70s cinema, optional bodice detailing and full skirts. 

But at the core of this trend, the ‘Tomato Girl’ represents an antidote to our modern, often fast-paced lives. The ‘Tomato Girl’ is a forager; she goes to the local market, gets around on foot or on a vintage bicycle, she cooks recipes passed down to her from her ancestors, and she’s certainly not concerned about trends or technology. She’s nonchalant and carefree, and ready to fall in love.

Summer, we’re ready for you now.