Kelly Wearstler–Inspired Malibu Lookbook for Less
Updated: Jul 2
WWXW4LESS
Welcome to WWXW4LESS! After sharing Kelly Wearstler's Inspired Malibu Beach Weekend, post here, I wanted to create a follow-up featuring the same bold, artistic, California-cool aesthetic—but with far fewer dollar signs attached. While the original post included a handful of accessible pieces, many of the featured items fell squarely into the luxury category.
This post is your guide to recreating those Kelly Wearstler's Malibu look for less. My goal with the WWXW4LESS series isn't necessarily to find exact dupes, but rather to curate pieces that capture the spirit of the original looks—similar silhouettes, textures, colors, and overall mood. Think of these as inspired alternatives that deliver the same feeling without the designer price tag.
The original looks
Nobu Malibu Dinner
Kelly Wearstler's Malibu Look for Less
No. 1
This Nobu Malibu-inspired look comes in at around 80% less than the original post selections—yet I honestly can't decide which version I love more! Both are incredibly chic, but this one lets you keep your budget while keeping the vibe.
Above, you'll find the same Zara Kimono from the original post, along with another Zara find: the Textured Fringe Dress, which delivers much of the same joie de vivre as the Andrés Pajón Fringe Dress.
And while the Revolve Azucar Wedge Sandal isn't remotely similar to the Givenchy Raffia Mules, true to its name, it adds just the right amount of azucar–or sweetness ––to the look. That's exactly what WWXW4LESS is about—capturing the spirit of an outfit rather than recreating it piece by piece.
The Getty Villa
Kelly Wearstler's Malibu Look for Less
No. 2
This outfit is exactly what I mean when I say I'm curating looks that capture the spirit of the original post. The chocolate lace corset from Zara is certainly not a dupe for the Andrés Otálora woven top, but I think both pieces feel beautifully feminine and artisanal in their own way.
And don't get me started on the high-tops—they're about $600 less than the Golden Goose Sliders, and I love a good deal. Honestly, I think these Converse Chuck Taylors are going to age like fine wine.
As for the wide-leg pleated pants from Zara, they have the most delicate kiss of shimmer, and I love it. They look incredibly flowy and comfortable on the model—exactly what I'd want to be wearing while wandering through the Getty Villa for the afternoon.
The Beach Shack
Kelly Wearstler's Malibu Look for Less
No. 3
Now here's where we get into dupe-y territory. These FINESSE Karla Pink Perspex Wedge Sandals are incredibly close to the Christian Louboutin Just Arch Sandals. The Louboutins are giving sexy pin-up vibes, while the FINESSE wedges are serving glossy '80s glamour—honestly, both are winning.
And can we talk about the color of this H&M bikini? Isn't it the prettiest shade of lilac? It's a different lilac than the Zimmermann bikini from the original post, but the two are kindred spirits for sure.
I was especially delighted to find these Levi's 501 shorts. They're a pleasing stand-in for the Aje Georgini shorts, with a similarly sun-washed, beachy feel that fits right into the Malibu aesthetic.
El Matador Beach
Kelly Wearstler's Malibu Look for Less
No. 4
This may be the easiest look in the entire series to recreate because the original outfit was already built around a few casual staples. In the original post the Adidas x Wales Bonner track pants had the high-end sporty-meets-coastal vibe on lock. The classic Adidas Firebird track pants deliver a very similar feel at a fraction of the price.
The same goes for the jacket. While the Balenciaga distressed denim jacket certainly brings designer credibility, I think this Carhartt jacket captures the relaxed, practical spirit of the look just as well. It's the kind of piece that feels right for a breezy sunset walk at El Matador Beach.
And there you have it—four ensembles inspired by Kelly Wearstler's Malibu Beach Weekend, only for much less.
It's true that style isn't about how much money you spend. It's about the story you choose to tell, the pieces you bring together, and whether you achieve a little bit of magic in the process.
My hope is that these looks inspire you to experiment, reinterpret, and create your own alchemy. After all, the goal of WWXW4LESS isn't to recreate an outfit piece for piece—it's to capture the feeling.
Curious how these affordable looks compare to the originals? Explore the complete Kelly Wearstler Malibu Beach Weekend feature.
Stay tuned for the next WWXW adventure. The coastal summer vibes aren't going anywhere... they'll just be spoken with a different accent.
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