When considering the most fashionable films of the '90s and early, it's obvious to cite classics like Clueless, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, Legally Blonde and The Devil Wears Prada. Despite being an avid fan of these teen-y dramas, there is one movie—and frankly one Y2K style aesthetic—that I think is often slept on: Blue Crush. I grew up with boys, and not just any boys, horrible, boisterous boys, who would make me watch Godzilla, Jackass and Jurassic Park. When it came to so-called "chick flicks," the one we could all agree on watching on repeat was Blue Crush. Maybe it was Kate Bosworth as the ultimate cool girl in a bikini, maybe it's just because that film is actually so good, either way, I had no difficulty in persuading my brothers to watch it.
And it might just be time for a rewatch, because lately I've noticed the surfing style that was present in fashion in that era is definitely making a comeback. Whilst we've been living in a Y2K comeback era for some time, we've seen the return of 2000s activewear, capri pants and even multiple It bags of that time, surfcore hasn't really happened. Until now. From more obvious and actually quite timeless pieces like flip flops and shell details to more divisive trends like board shorts and the colour aquamarine, this movement is about to be a moment.
It isn't just a stylistic trend, but also a hobby, too. From London Girl's Surf Club to content creator Lindsay Holland's Marnie Rays surf retreat in Cornwall, I've noticed a cohort of influencers, editors and multi-hyphenate cool girls frequenting the waves lately. Maybe it's time to pick it up as a hobby? Or you could just watch the film and buy the clothes?
6 Y2K Surfer Fashion Trends Back In Summer 2026
1. Board Shorts
Style Notes: Board shorts are back, baby! Whether you’re a surfer or just a bystander, whether you want to go knee-length or micro, printed or plain, this shorts trend is about to be huge. I’ve spotted a few sporty styles on Free People, panelled with piping in contrasting colours, as well as others with classic hibiscus print. If you got rid of your Roxy pair that you had when you were 12, don’t worry! The Quicksilver brand have collaborated with Miaou for the ultimate surfer girl-coded collection, board shorts included.
2. Hibiscus Prints
Style Notes: Whilst spring and summer collections often bring floral prints, we’ve seen less maximalist florals on the runways in recent years, thanks to a long period ruled by minimalism and quiet luxury. But no more! Dries van Noten presented hibiscus prints for its spring/summer 2026 collection, in beautifully gaudy hues like chartreuse, orange and purple. With the rise of the “yen Z” aesthetic—a TikTok trend that celebrates the wellness movement of the early 2000s (think yoga, harem pants as well as bamboo and orchid motifs)—it was only a matter of time we started to see the return of the hibiscus flower, an integral floral print of the noughties era.
3. Aquamarine
Style Notes: Aqua has to have been one the strongest colour trends of 2026. Everywhere I look I see shades of turquoise, Tiffany Blue and teal (and let's not forget, Transformative Teal was WGSN's colour of the year). I hate to state the obvious but what is more on the nose when it comes to beachy motifs, than the literal colour of the sea? This relatively gaudy and frankly once quite divisive shade is undeniably synonymous with the Y2K era. Just think, cerulean has practically been put on the spectrum because of The Devil Wears Prada, which came out in 2006, and the brighter shades of turquoise are so mermaid-coded, and were popularised in other films of the era, like Mermaids (2003) and Aquamarine (2006).
4. Shells
Style Notes: In case you missed it, shells are everywhere in 2026. From necklaces and earrings to adorned on sandals, bikinis as well as the use of mother of pearl on belts, buttons and handbags, this boho-infused summer detail is really doing the rounds. Whilst shells aren't only associated with the surfer girl, they are—in all forms—synonymous with the beach girl vibe and a must in order to nail this style.
5. Tankinis
Style Notes: Did surfer girls in the Y2K era wear bikinis and swimsuits? You bet. But did they pioneer the tankini movement also? Oh yes! Low rise boxer short bottoms are also really on the rise too, and I have to put this down to this wave of interest in the California beach babe aesthetic prominent in this era. Featured heavily in swimwear collections from the coolest brands, like Damson Madder and the aforementioned Roxy x Miaou collaboration, the return of the tank isn't happening, it's happened and is here.
6. Flip Flops
Style Notes: It seems obvious to call this out, because really flip-flops are a timeless beachwear staple every year. But wearing them outside of beach and pool settings is a trend that's occured in recent years. Especially the classic rubber styles from Havaianas and the like. We've often put this down to Copenhagen street style, who have championed wearing basic flip flops with cotton trousers, skirts and capri pants for some years, but for the surfer girl, this is nothing new at all.
