Are there any Love Island style lessons which work for real life?

Never fear, we're not about to tell you that Love Island 2018, the finale of which will air tonight, should become your new direct style inspiration (neon pink denim two-piece, anyone?). But the islanders' wardrobes are nothing if not captivating (as you might expect when dressing for both boys and cameras is a daily occupation) and really have thrown up some new style possibilities which don't require a role in a reality TV show to pull off. 

These are the learnings which could influence your wardrobe for the rest of the long hot summer and beyond... 

Forget your kitten heels and stilettos

In recent seasons, fashion has favoured the chic kitten heel and flat mules, often with a smattering of embellishment and in a jewel-toned satin or velvet.

If the islanders have anything to do with it however, the clunky metallic wedge would be your summer shoe of choice. There's no doubt they're the easiest of the three when it comes to all-day wear and navigating the grassy outdoors, and if you're keen, we'd counsel you stick to classic espadrille options and leave strappy metallic platforms to our beloved islanders. 

Over-accessorise your bikini 

Bar the evenings when bodycon and sequins are de rigueur, the unofficial dress code of the island is strictly swimwear, which means the girls have been enjoying playing with accessories. 

Some islanders have sported thin belts around their swimming costumes or layered up statement earrings and necklaces. The most popular accessory so far though has been the printed headscarf, as sported here by  Kaz who also paired hers with gold hoop earrings. Global fashion search engine Lyst reports that searches for hair scarves up 41% since the show started. 

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Do a clothes-swap

The islanders have ensured their wardrobes have been getting maximum wear by helpfully sharing their favourite pieces with each other. Laura and Megan are the same shoe size, so regularly share heels for evening events, while New Laura and Megan have worn the same black crochet co-ord set for date nights.

'Clothes-swapping' brings a whole new meaning to cost-per-wear; holding a swapping party with your friends is an easy way to update your wardrobe without spending a penny. 

Crochet is your secret holiday wardrobe weapon

Previously the reserve of Glastonbury-goers, you can count on at least one crochet top being sported in the villa each day. Since the first episode aired, Lyst has seen a 68% rise in searches for the style. 

The girls, namely Megan and Dani, have each sported a cropped off-the-shoulder top by Missguided and have pushed the bargain retailer's crochet sales through the roof. As the show's sponsor, Missguided dresses the female contestants for the show, and the top selling pieces were - surprise, surprise- crochet, with 98% of the stock of Megan's top above selling out following the episode. 

The return of out-out dressing... 

... even if you aren't actually going out. The contestants may be stuck to the villa, but it can't be said that they don't make an effort. By night, the islanders dress up to the nines with heels a necessity alongside silky, lace or bodycon dresses, all by Missguided of course. Take your cue from the ladies of the island and inject a bit of glamour into your evening looks via a silky drawstring bag, embellished footwear and a red pout, even if you're just having dinner at a friends. 

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Introducing the swimming costume 2.0

If you're aiming for a great tan, swimwear with minimal extra's - a simple triangle style or a bandeau swimsuit - would traditionally be the smartest answer to avoid dodgy tan lines. Not for the islanders, however, as the one-piece 2.0 has been a favourite among many of the contestants. Think asymmetric necklines and daring cut-outs'.  It seems the islanders have unwittingly influenced the rest of us: since Love Island began, Lyst have seen searches for bondage-style swimwear rise by 31%. Bondage may not be quite what we're suggesting, but a little swimwear experimentation could be just the pep up your holiday wardrobe requires.