When the day finally came to sit down and watch the first few episodes of Jenny Han’s famous summer trilogy’s third and final season, I could hardly contain my excitement. I’ve been an avid watcher of the show since the very first season, and I consider myself to be a die-hard fan since I first read The Summer I Turned Pretty books in seventh grade.
But being so invested in a series comes with its challenges, like having to cringe at the Gen Z lines of the characters and yelling at the TV every time Belly rejects Conrad’s efforts. Putting those things aside, my main objective is to grade the outfits of the star of the series from this final season.
If you also enjoy rating different award show looks from the comfort of your bed, come along with me as I gush about our girl Belly’s style choices from season three. A big shout-out is due to @lolatungfashion on Instagram for giving viewers access to all of Belly’s outfit details.
Casual Peach-CHic Outfit
One thing I absolutely loved about Belly’s outfit while running errands with Conrad (and stopping at the peach farm) was that the look was very nostalgic to season one Belly. In the very first episodes of the series, Belly steps out wearing lots of flowy summer tops paired with casual denim shorts. Here, her style is reminiscent of those youthful threads, while also standing in front of Conrad with a new sense of maturity.
Belly models a Dôen piece called the ‘Skylark Top’ and a pair of blue-wash cutoff jean shorts. Hair may hold memories, but so do the timeless summer threads that remind us of our roots. This gets a B+ from me, simply because the nostalgia it brings is unbeatable.
The Springy Ruched Purple Mini Dress
The Zimmerman ‘Natura Ruched Mini Dress’ fits Belly like a glove. If you’re going to announce your engagement at a time like Belly did, at least she did it in a stunning dress!
The color ‘Iris’ complements Belly’s skin tone especially well, and I love the style of the bodice. I think that the dress was the perfect thing to wear to Susannah’s memorial event; you could even say the dress matches the hydrangeas blooming outside the summer house. On her shoulder, she carries a crossbody Coach bag in a sophisticated cream color. Overall, this gets an A- from me.
Belly’s Dinner Dress
Since Belly strutted out in a stunning Reformation dress in the first episode of the season, I’ve been obsessed. The white and blue coloring of the flowers complements her energy so well. This dress is light and airy; it’s not too much and not too little. In my opinion, it’s just right.
One of my biggest pet peeves in television is when the stylist goes over the top with women’s clothing. This dress has the perfect amount of elegance and femininity for Belly. It’s a unique length for a dress as well, falling between being a mini and a midi dress.
Needless to say, I’m a fan. My one critique would be that the dress should’ve been paired with a different set of shoes; some kitten heels would’ve made this outfit a perfect fit for Belly. For this one, I’m giving her an A-. Well done, Belly!
A merry yule sweater
There is no doubt that Belly was absolutely glowing in her Paris era. The city of love transformed her style into a newly mature, Parisian, and minimalistic look. In her red button-up Sèzane sweater, she made the Christmas vibes come alive in the room. Matched with a pair of classy black pants and gold jewelry, she has a renewed energy of playfulness and festivity.
Belly has truly become the queen of the iconic red lip this season, and it suits her. The curled hair adds texture to the aura of her outfit, and I’m here for it. Belly’s getting an A here.
The Fall Schoolgirl look
Everything about Belly here is completely refreshing from what we’ve seen before. Her outfit is composed, tasteful, and perfect for a fall day on campus at Finch. Pairing a seemingly simple black dress with the slightly oversized jean jacket was definitely a good move. She’s radiating college energy without being too formal. And, adding frilled white socks and a cute and comfy pair of burgundy loafers ties the whole outfit together.
The collegiate energy she reflects with this outfit could also be seen as representative of a new chapter in her life: one of learning, living independently, and growing into the academically serious person she wants to be seen as. Just because it’s a pretty classic look, I’ll give this outfit an A-, deducting a point for originality.
Engagement Dress
Although I was undeniably opposed to the union of Belly and Jeremiah, there’s no denying that Belly looks absolutely stunning in the Staud ‘Dena Dress’. It’s simple yet very much an embodiment of Belly’s summer style: not too much, just the right amount. The scooped neckline adds the perfect amount of shape to the dress. A poplin-style thread, the fitted bodice in contrast with the flowy bottom of the dress, ties together in perfect combination.
The dress is also breathable in the summer heat, perfect for a more casual wedding rehearsal like Belly’s. Still, I am not a Jelly supporter (I just had to make that clear)! I will say that having her hair down here would’ve echoed the elegance of the overall look, but Belly looks stunning regardless. It’s an A, Belly! I’m loving this look.
La Petite robe noire
Second place goes to the stunning little black dress Belly sported in the season finale of The Summer I Turned Pretty. Paris allowed Belly to refresh her style, giving her a new sense of confidence along with a fresh haircut. Here, in the eyes of Conrad, Belly is a new version of herself; one that’s more poised, assertive, and serious. But of course, she’s still the same old Belly! In this Jacquemus ‘La Robe Maille Croissant Mini Dress’, the fitted shaping of the dress is extremely fashionable on Belly.
The ruffled detailing at the top of the dress also radiates a sense of Parisian style, while the rest of the dress remains more classically elegant. Belly’s new red lip (dare I say it reminds me of Taylor Swift’s) pulls the look together well. Absolutely and positively, this look has to receive an A.
The Yellow Dress
It goes without saying that finally seeing Bonrad get their endgame after being such an avid lover of the books was a great moment. But what made it especially memorable and special was the dress Belly wore in the episode finale. Standing at the summer house hand in hand with Conrad, Belly is glowing and full of love. This Simkhai ‘Kittya Cotton Midi Dress’ encompasses all of the joyful emotions Belly demonstrates in the final few minutes of the episode.
Yellow is often a color associated with hope and light, which is exactly what viewers wanted to see from Belly at the end, when she finally chooses Conrad and they return to Cousins Beach. Again, it’s a poplin dress, emulating spring tones with its ‘Buttercream’ shading and graceful flowing skirt. There’s no doubt about it: Belly’s yellow dress gets an A+.
All in all, we saw many amazing looks this season from Belly. In contrast to the other seasons, I feel that Belly’s style choices here are direct reflections of her character growth. We see her go from an unconfident, struggling teenage girl to a thriving, self-assured adult. That kind of personal development was very much demonstrated through her evolving style, and I feel proud to say I’ve been watching that journey since the start of this beloved Prime Video series.
Although it’s the end of this chapter, don’t you worry; I’ll be back after the release of The Summer I Turned Pretty: The Movie to give you my rankings of Belly’s outfits in a new era of her life. Thank you for coming along with me as I gave you my informed opinions on Belly Conklin’s summer threads from this final season!
Until next time…
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