Exaggerated Preppy Style in Sirens Fashion

In the new Netflix series Sirens, the fictional island of Port Haven is a colorful, preppy paradise that sets the stage for dramatic class differences through style. The inhabitants of this exclusive New England getaway sport bold prints, madras shorts, and Nantucket reds, creating a visual display that is hard to miss. If black is your go-to color everywhere else, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb in Port Haven.

Costume designer Caroline Duncan took the exaggerated preppy aesthetic to the next level by diving into classic WASP codes and culture from Lisa Birnbach’s The Official Preppy Handbook. From appropriate toe shapes of boater shoes to the difference between madras prints and windowpane, every detail was meticulously curated to fit the upper-crust, blue-blood summer look. The characters in Sirens are clad in Lilly Pulitzer-style dresses, colorful blazers embroidered with quirky motifs, and other recognizable preppy staples.

While the majority of the Port Haven residents flaunt their preppy ensembles, there are a couple of characters who buck the trend. Billionaire Michaela Kell, played by Julianne Moore, opts for flowing chiffon dresses and subtle luxury pieces that reflect her high status. Kevin Bacon’s character Peter Kell is portrayed as the true ruler of this island universe, with a style reminiscent of icons like John F. Kennedy Jr. and Robert Redford.

The exaggerated, homogenous, and colorful world of Sirens sets the stage for a visual feast that borders on camp. Duncan’s attention to detail in creating this Stepford-like aesthetic is evident in every stitch. From Lilly Pulitzer-inspired shift dresses to curated ensembles that reflect a character’s status, the costumes in Sirens play a crucial role in bringing this preppy paradise to life.