Kelly Wearstler–Inspired Malibu Lookbook
Updated: Jul 2
What Would X Wear?
Few designers embody California style quite like Kelly Wearstler. Her work is known for its fearless mix of texture, form, and contrast, blending laid-back coastal influences with sophisticated luxury. Whether designing a room or getting dressed, Kelly embraces individuality, layering unexpected elements to create something memorable and distinctly her own.
Inspired by her iconic Malibu retreat—affectionately known as "the shack"—this series imagines what Kelly might wear for a quintessential weekend by the coast.
Before we dive into the details of the weekend, I wanted to give you a glimpse of the mood for the series. This mini outfit collage series—the first half of the blog is a taste of California ease, curated luxury, and effortless glamour—the very essence of a Malibu escape. And from here, each look will be a chapter—beginning with a sunset dinner at Nobu Malibu.
This article is inspired by Kelly Wearstler's signature aesthetic and personal style. WWXW is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Kelly Wearstler or any of the brands featured. All opinions and styling selections are our own.
The Kelly Wearstler Style Inspired Moments:
A Malibu Weekend
Nobu Malibu Dinner
As the sun begins to dip over the Pacific, Nobu's oceanfront terrace offers unparalleled views. The collage captures the golden glow of the coastline, the palm-lined horizon, and that unmistakable Malibu magic—setting the stage for an unforgettable evening of flavor, fashion, and pure California bliss.
The Getty Villa
The Getty Villa evokes a Mediterranean escape tucked along the Malibu coastline. Inspired by ancient Roman architecture, sun-washed stone courtyards, and tranquil gardens, it offers a setting where history, art, and California beauty converge in a sublime way. This collage captures the villa's timeless elegance, blending warm neutrals, sculptural details, and relaxed sophistication.
Beach Shack Ocean Views
Weathered textures, natural light, and sweeping ocean vistas create a setting that feels both luxurious and completely unpretentious. This collage beautifully translates Kelly’s iconic interplay of raw, organic materials and ultra-sleek surfaces—where striking color notes are tuned into perfect harmony with soothing neutrals.
Breakfast at Malibu Farm
Capture the essence of a slow Pacific morning at Malibu Farm. This pier-side destination offers panoramic ocean views where fresh food meets sunlit waves.
Styled with a detailed, hand-crafted top and a striking mini skirt, this ensemble is perfect for long espresso dates, ocean gazing, and soaking up a slower, sun-drenched pace.
Golden Hour at the Shack
As the afternoon light softens and the ocean takes on its golden glow, cocktail hour at the Beach Shack becomes a celebration of Malibu's effortless elegance. This collage captures the relaxed luxury of gathering with friends, enjoying ocean breezes, and watching the sun drift toward the horizon. Natural textures, sculptural accessories, and polished coastal pieces reflect Kelly Wearstler's signature balance of sophistication and ease. It's a look designed for lingering conversations, beautiful views, and the simple pleasure of a sunset by the sea.
A Stroll at Country Mart
The Malibu Country Mart embodies coastal charm and elevated California style. A favorite destination for locals and visitors alike, it's where laid-back luxury meets everyday living—think boutique shopping, fresh flowers, artisanal coffee, and sun-drenched walkways lined with palms. This collage captures the spirit of a leisurely afternoon spent exploring the heart of Malibu, with polished yet relaxed pieces that are well suited for browsing shops, meeting friends, and embracing the easy sophistication of the coast.
El Matador Sunset
As the day draws to a close, El Matador Beach offers one of Malibu's most breathtaking sunset experiences. Dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and golden light create a setting that feels both wild and romantic. This look is inspired by barefoot walks along the shore, ocean breezes, and the quiet magic of watching the sun disappear into the Pacific.
The Kelly Wearstler Style Inspired Pieces:
Each Piece in Detail
Each piece Kelly wears is more than just an outfit; it’s a sensory reset that transports us beyond the everyday. Like a pause button on the daily rush, each look draws us into the present moment, inviting us to savor the textures, shapes, and colors. As we explore these individual outfits, we step away from the ordinary and into a world of calm, artful presence.
Nobu Malibu Dinner
The Andrés Pajón Aire Fringe Maxi Dress embodies a sculptural, serene elegance that echoes Kelly Wearstler’s signature style. The cascading fringe suggests the gentle motion of waves, while the minimalist silhouette keeps it refined and intentional. Each step in this dress feels like a pause from the everyday, inviting you into the present moment.
The Zara Embossed Organza Kimono blends flow with precision, capturing a sculptural calm similar to Kelly Wearstler’s style. Made from 100 percent viscose, it features an engraved organza texture, tonal detailing, and a luxe contrast lining.
The Givenchy Tape Raffia Mules embody the balance of organic texture and impeccable craftsmanship that often defines Kelly Wearstler's aesthetic. Crafted with raffia-inspired detailing, a modern square toe, and a distinctive sculptural heel, they feel both relaxed and architectural. The natural materials evoke the laid-back spirit of the California coast, while the gold-toned hardware adds a touch of curated luxury. It's a shoe that transforms a simple outfit into something intentional, artistic, and unmistakably elevated.
The Getty Villa
The Andrés Otálora Seam-Details Top combines a woven mix of 50 percent linen and 50 percent raffia, creating a balance of organic texture and structure. The top features a sweetheart neckline and a cropped silhouette, giving it a sculptural presence. It fits well within the Malibu series, echoing the layered, sophisticated style you’re curating.
These Christopher John Rogers metallic wide-leg pants are a study in avant-garde design. With their inside-out aesthetic—gleaming metallic fabric contrasted by pinstriped poplin pockets tied at the waist—they exude a sculptural, elevated energy. Though this exact piece is sold out, its singular design echoes a mood of rare artistry—stay tuned as I share similar statement pieces that evoke the same sculptural spirit.
The Golden Goose Slide sneakers blend casual edge with a touch of glamour. They feature a laminated leather and glitter upper, with a suede toe and bold star and wave accents, all handmade in Italy.
Beach Shack Ocean Views
The Prada pearl-embroidered mesh cropped top combines delicate transparency with luminous detail, creating a refined and sculptural elegance. The sheer mesh is adorned with pearlescent beading, and the cropped silhouette is balanced by clean, architectural lines. This piece evokes understated glamour and seamlessly fits into a sculptural, beach-inspired aesthetic.
The Aje Georgini Cotton Denim Shorts elevate a warm-weather staple through thoughtful simplicity. Crafted from 100% cotton denim with a low-rise silhouette and a distinctive sand-washed finish. The understated design allows texture, proportion, and styling to take center stage—an approach that aligns beautifully with Kelly Wearstler's blend of luxury and everyday wearability.
The Zimmermann Indra Bikini captures understated elegance through its beautiful lilac hue and classic silhouette. The soft color feels both fresh and serene, reminiscent of coastal sunsets and blooming seaside landscapes. Feminine and quietly luxurious—ideal for long days spent by the water and moments of complete escape.
The Christian Louboutin Just Arch Sandals capture the playful confidence that often defines Kelly Wearstler's approach to color. The vibrant pink patent leather introduces a bold yet joyful energy, while the transparent detailing keeps the silhouette feeling light and modern. Equal parts sculptural and expressive, these sandals demonstrate how a single unexpected color choice can transform an entire look. They bring a sense of optimism and individuality to the Malibu Beach Shack series, proving that color can be every bit as impactful as texture or form.
Breakfast at Malibu Farm
The Balmain Crochet Cotton Crop Top transforms a simple silhouette into a work of wearable artistry. Hand-crocheted in France from natural cotton, its intricate texture and warm beige hue create a look that feels one with the coastal landscape. The side-tie detailing adds a sense of relaxed ease, while the structured shape keeps the piece feeling intentional and refined. Like many of Kelly Wearstler's interiors, it celebrates the beauty of craftsmanship, natural materials, and thoughtful design, proving that texture can be just as impactful as color.
The Versace Striped Denim Mini Skirt brings an artistic energy to an everyday staple. Vibrant stripes and contrasting tones create visual movement, while the structured denim silhouette keeps the look grounded and wearable. The result is a piece that feels expressive without sacrificing sophistication. Much like Kelly Wearstler's approach to design, it embraces the unexpected—using color, pattern, and proportion to create something memorable. It's a reminder that personal style is often at its most compelling when it feels a little fearless.
The Zara Tied Flat Sandals embody the understated elegance that often anchors a more expressive wardrobe. Crafted with a minimalist silhouette, toe-loop detail, and delicate ankle ties. Their uncomplicated design allows texture, color, and craftsmanship elsewhere in the outfit to take center stage. Much like Kelly Wearstler's approach to layering a room, these sandals provide a quiet foundation—proof that the most impactful pieces are sometimes the ones that don't demand attention.
Golden Hour at the Shack
The Versace Printed Silk Twill Shirt is a study in expressive color and fluid movement. Designed as a classic button-down, its lightweight silk and bold purple-and-white pattern create a striking contrast. Paired with the rich chocolate metallic bikini beneath, it becomes an elevated cover-up for golden hour at the Shack. Like Kelly Wearstler’s designs, this piece uses unexpected pairings—color, texture, and confidence—to transform a simple piece into a signature summer look.
The Zara Metallic Effect Underwire Bikini Top captures the essence of golden hour through its luminous chocolate-bronze finish. The subtle metallic sheen catches the light beautifully, creating dimension and warmth without feeling overly dramatic. Structured underwire detailing adds polish to the silhouette, while the rich earthy tone evokes the colors of sunlit sand, driftwood, and the fading Malibu sky. Proof that sometimes the most memorable statement comes from color and light rather than embellishment.
The Attico Mochi Leopard-Print Platform Sandals prove that a statement piece can be both playful and sophisticated. The dramatic platform silhouette commands attention, while the leopard print introduces movement, texture, and personality. Rather than blending into the look, these sandals become part of the conversation—an approach that echoes Kelly Wearstler's fearless use of contrast and visual interest. Like a striking piece of art in an otherwise serene room, they create excitement, energy, and an unforgettable focal point.
A Stroll at Country Mart
The Johanna Ortiz Muraya T-Shirt elevates an everyday staple through thoughtful proportion and understated design. Its minimalist silhouette, soft ecru hue, and subtle shaping details create a look that is ideal for a leisurely afternoon at the Malibu Country Mart. Like many of Kelly Wearstler's most successful interiors, the beauty lies not in excess but in restraint—allowing texture, proportion, and styling to tell the story.
The ssstein Distressed Denim Shorts embrace the beauty of imperfection through their relaxed silhouette and worn-in finish. Rather than relying on embellishment or trend-driven details, they make an impression through proportion, texture, and attitude. Like many of Kelly Wearstler's most compelling spaces, the appeal lies in the interplay between refinement and imperfection—creating a look that feels personal, collected, and entirely its own.
Style Note: Kelly often incorporates Air Jordans into her wardrobe, often pairing them with pieces that might seem unexpected—from tailored separates to more elevated looks. That willingness to mix comfort, luxury, and individuality is part of what makes her style so distinctive.
The FixieBLAST Polarized Shield Sunglasses bring a contemporary energy to the Country Mart look. Their oversized silhouette and mirrored lenses make an immediate statement, while the streamlined design keeps them feeling modern and wearable. Rather than leaning into traditional luxury, they embrace a more active, confident approach to style—one that feels authentic to Kelly Wearstler's ability to mix fashion, function, and individuality. Paired with denim, Air Jordans, and elevated basics, they create a look that feels collected, artistic, and just a little unexpected.
El Matador Sunset
The Surfing Cowboys Rodeo T-Shirt is a modern classic, offering that perfect blend of nostalgia and laid-back ease. Crafted from soft cream cotton with a vintage-inspired surfing cowboy graphic, it evokes the spirit of coastal adventures and carefree California afternoons. As the breeze picks up at El Matador, this tee offers just the right balance of comfort and personality—like a favorite piece you’ve worn time and time again, but still feels fresh with each wear.
The Adidas by Wales Bonner Side Stripe Track Pants are the perfect choice for a cool evening along the coast.. These track pants bring a relaxed elegance—comfort and ease wrapped in a modern, elevated silhouette. Bonus: You can find similar styles from Adidas with a more accessible price tag.
The Balenciaga Cropped Distressed Denim Jacket reimagines classic workwear through a modern, artistic lens. Its faded finish, distressed detailing, and relaxed silhouette give it the feeling of a well-loved favorite, while the cropped proportions keep it fresh and intentional. Perfect for a cool evening at El Matador, it adds warmth without sacrificing style, layering easily over relaxed separates and beach-ready pieces.
The Golden Goose Slide Sneakers embody the alchemy of ease and individuality that makes Kelly Wearstler's personal style so compelling. With their signature glitter detailing, suede accents, and perfectly imperfect finish, they feel collected rather than curated—like a favorite pair worn on countless adventures.
Final Thoughts
What makes Kelly Wearstler's style so compelling isn't any single piece, but the way she brings together color, texture, craftsmanship, and individuality to create something entirely her own. It isn't about following trends or adhering to rules—it's about creating a life rich in beauty, curiosity, and self-expression. From quiet moments by the water to golden-hour gatherings and sunset walks along the coast, each look in this collection celebrates the art of living thoughtfully and dressing intentionally. Collected, artistic, and a little unexpected, these pieces invite us to see style not as something we wear, but as a reflection of how we move through the world.
Want to bring this Malibu-inspired style into your own wardrobe? Stay tuned for our upcoming ‘Get the Look’ guide, where I’ll share accessible alternatives and curated pieces so you can recreate these looks with ease. From statement outfits to everyday touches, you’ll find the perfect pieces to channel your inner Kelly Wearstler. Keep an eye out!
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