‘People We Meet on Vacation’ Costume Designer Breaks Down the Film’s Most Iconic Fashion Moments

Published 01/18/2026, 8:30 AM EST

Some films flirt softly while others walk in wearing intention. This one understands that romance does not begin with dialogue but with silhouettes and mood. People We Meet on Vacation promises longing and distance dressed as sunshine. Somewhere between airports and emotional avoidance sits a story that knows clothes speak first. What follows is proof that style sometimes confesses feelings long before characters ever do.

While some romances rely on grand speeches, this one lets fabric breathe emotion, hinting that love stories often begin where wardrobes quietly take control.

How People We Meet on Vacation turns fashion into emotional timestamps

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In People We Meet on Vacation, costume designer Colin Wilkes explains to What’s On Netflix how the film’s most iconic fashion moments function as emotional timestamps rather than decorative styling. Each outfit reflects where Poppy and Alex exist within their shared timeline.

The beach looks precisely like Emily Henry’s book cover, while the chartreuse silk gown evolves under rain and light like emotional exposure made visible. Clothing becomes narrative memory, allowing vulnerability and romance to surface without dialogue.

Speaking further with What’s On Netflix, Wilkes describes grounding Poppy’s wardrobe in lived experience rather than curated perfection. As a travel writer, Poppy dresses through accumulation and memory.

Inspiration came from New York street aesthetics, digital creators, flea-market discoveries, and handmade accessories. Fabric choices were designed to respond to movement and lighting. Soft whites signal openness while romantic greens echo emotional risk, ensuring each fashion moment carries narrative weight.

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As clothes quietly carry emotional weight, the camera listens closely, proving that when visual language is trusted, directors can let atmosphere speak louder than plot mechanics.

Why People We Meet on Vacation plays to Brett Haley’s strength in modern romance

Director Brett Haley continues his commitment to sincerity through visual restraint and emotional realism. Known for Hearts Beat Loud and All the Bright Places, his work consistently favors character intimacy over spectacle.

This film strengthens that pattern. Haley frames romance as a lived experience rather than a fantasy. Costume, performance, and atmosphere align seamlessly, reinforcing his reputation for crafting contemporary love stories that feel grounded yet deeply intentional.

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The reception surrounding People We Meet on Vacation signals strong demand for romance rooted in emotional intelligence. Haley stands positioned to lead future adaptations and original projects that balance nostalgia with modern awareness.

Emily Henry's properties continue expanding across film and episodic formats. Studios increasingly seek directors who understand tone alongside structure. Haley’s future work will likely continue elevating visual detail as emotional architecture.

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What are your thoughts on fashion shaping modern romance storytelling, and do these costume choices redefine how love stories should look today? Let us know in the comments below.

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Shraddha Priyadarshi

1418 articles

Shraddha is a content chameleon with 3 years of experience, expertly juggling entertainment and non-entertainment writing, from scriptwriting to reporting. Having a portfolio of over 2,000 articles, she has covered everything from Hollywood’s glitzy drama to the latest pop culture trends. With a knack for telling stories that keep readers hooked, Shraddha thrives on dissecting celebrity scandals and cultural moments.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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