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Hands up, who still wants to look like a surfer girl?

Blue Crush starring Kate Bosworth in her most famous role (probably) was released 13 years ago, but her breezy natural style is indelible in our minds. The list of things we could have achieved while pondering how to look just like her is, tragically, endless.


Of course surfer chic was popular long before 2002. Surfing first originated in Polynesia and became mainstream in the US in the late 50s, early 60s. It was the surfer lifestyle that appealed to so many - days spent getting fit riding waves, BBQs on the beach and long nights spent in front of camp fires. It's the kind of summer we'd all be having if we didn't live in the UK.

Surfer girls were cool -they were serenaded by the Beach Boys and, man, did they have good hair, all wind swept and matted by sea salt (the money we've spent trying to achieve the same look is frankly embarrassing). These women are sporty, athletic, healthy and pretty damn strong. No, they aren't wallowing on the sand like rotisserie chickens (me); they're busy having fun, riding waves and accidentally acquiring a sun-kissed glow in the process. Then they'd chill out in a beach hut with a beer in the evening.


Surfer girl style is all about looking as laidback and breezy, but with a sporty edge. You'll need a good pair of shorts, although nothing that looks too new, a fisherman knit jumper to throw on when it gets cooler, some hardy espadrilles, flip-flops and of course, a sporty-looking bikini or swimsuit. You'll also be required to get on board with neoprene, which may be a may or break issue for some (me).


This isn't a massively girly look, surfers tend to go in for loose fitting attire - whether that be a billowing tunic top or slouchy jeans. A caveat - some surfer folk go in for tie dye. Make of this what you will, but it is my belief that unless you are hippy normally found dancing round the Sacred Stones at Glastonbury, or a market stall owner at Camden, then tie dye should be avoided for the good of humanity. Perhaps go in for a palm tree print instead.

Alternatively, you could just buy the Beach Boys' Surfer Girl album and pretend it's written about you.