Brooks Nader On Walking The Sports Illustrated Runway With Her Sisters & Body Confidence

After posing for Sports Illustrated at just 18 years old, then working her way up to one of the publication’s leading cover stars in 2023, Brooks Nader has just walked Sports Illustrated first-ever Hulu-streamed runway show in Miami.

The model and TV personality spoke to Refinery29’s Social Lead Taylor Loren on the big day, explaining: “Sports Illustrated has seen me through every phase of life. I’m 29 now, so they’ve seen me through boyfriends, divorce, breakups, and moves. They’ve cried with me, they’ve laughed with me.”

And after handing out free bikinis alongside her sisters Mary Holland, Grace Ann, and Sarah Jane at their Agua Bendita pop-up truck at Paraiso Miami Swim Week, Brooks actually got to walk the SI runway alongside her sisters. “Just to be here today in year eight and have my whole family who’s watched me on the runway now be walking in the show with me is the biggest pinch me moment. I feel like a proud parent,” she says.

MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – MAY 30: Sarah Jane Nader, Mary Holland Nader, Brooks Nader, Grace Ann Nader attend Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show During Swim Week At W South Beach – Red Carpet/Backstage on May 30, 2026 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated)

Known for her ultra-glam looks and unfiltered personality, Nader has become an internet sensation, from her SI shoots to being a contestant on Dancing with The Stars and her Love Thy Nader family reality Hulu series. So, she understands a thing or two about being in the spotlight and having all eyes on her.

“I have to be totally honest with you. I think with the culture of everyone filming everything and being on their phones and paparazzi pics, you can’t really get away with cheating it for a good angle or lighting. People are going to get the shot regardless. So, I’ve mostly given up hope on curated photos, and I just kind of clip the ones I like online,” Nader shares.

However, she’s still game to get a good shot (especially when her sister Sarah Jane is behind the camera) with the help of her Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra phone. “I think it’s all about the lighting and the angles. I love a good mirror selfie,” the Team Galaxy member says, adding: “Confidence is for sure most important. I mean, the Samsung does take amazing photos and that always helps, but confidence is number one. If you feel good, you look good.”

Nader also called out the Galaxy’s AI features. “I love the circle-to search feature because if you see something you love, you just take a photo, you circle it, and everything pops up online,” she explains, adding: “It’s the most dangerous thing that I have access to right now because I’ll just be like: ‘Oh, love that purse,’ and then it’s in the cart.” (A feature we may just want to use when watching the Sports Illustrated show stream on June 9.)

Speaking on her SI photoshoots and runway walks (during a time when body diversity has severely decreased), Nader says the publication’s editor in chief MJ Day has always championed real bodies. “I’ve gone in for the fitting and then showed up for the shoot and been 20 pounds lighter after crazy dieting. And MJ’s like: ‘Where’d you go? This isn’t who we booked. We want you for you. We don’t want you to change or morph into someone you’re not.’ I think that’s so special.”

For the runway itself, Nader adds: “It’s obviously nerve wracking. Everyone’s watching. They’re getting every little angle of your body, but I would say Sports Illustrated is a brand that embraces all women, and they always have. They were so ahead of the curve, and they did that before any other brand or magazine did that. And that’s why it’s so special to be a part of it because everyone is celebrated with this brand. I feel zero pressure when I’m working with Sports Illustrated.”

On the big night, Nader showed up and showed out in three swimwear looks, but the most notable was perhaps her striking red one-piece — fitting, because she was casted and shot a Baywatch reboot, which is set to release in 2027. When Loren asked Nader if she practiced her slow-mo Baywatch run, the model-turned-actress quickly said: “I’ve been practicing that since I was 10 years old. So when this call came through, I was ready. I’ve been benched and waiting for my entire life.”

In addition to her features on the SI Hulu stream and upcoming Baywatch Fox series, we can probably expect to see Nader back at the Dancing with The Stars stages… this time in the audience. That’s because her truest friend and fellow SI runway model Maura Higgins was announced as one of the first contestants for Season 35.

“I think she’s an ultimate girls’ girl and she’s not afraid to say exactly what she’s thinking or what everyone else is thinking,” Nader says about Higgins. “And she has been so kind and humble along the way. I don’t even think she needs advice. She’s so gorgeous and stunning and I can’t wait to see her crush it.”

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I Love Elevated Basics That Aren’t Boring—This Is How I’m Building The Perfect Summer Capsule Wardrobe

If you're like me, and tired of chasing the ever-evolving cycle of trends, this summer is the perfect time to turn to the reliability of a capsule wardrobe. Think pieces that you can wear over and over again without getting tired of them. And just because they'll be in heavy rotation, doesn't mean they have to be boring. The best elevated wardrobe essentials offer just enough character to keep you looking effortlessly sharp.

When I'm thinking about the brands that have honed in on the art of timeless dressing, three little letters always come to mind: GAP. From the Americana denim to the exacting tailoring on those perfect white T-shirts, it's a constant go-to in the closets of the most stylish women I know.

With so many options to chose from, shopping can quickly become overwhelming. In an effort to narrow things down (and make getting dressed this summer easier than ever), I've used my editor's eye to curate a collection of never-fail pieces. Join me. Our summer glow up is just a few clicks away.

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

The Breezy Pant

I'm always impressed by pieces that look effortlessly cool. Like these slouchy trousers. They offer just the right amount of volume without being obnoxiously baggy and they hug the hips in just the right spot. Plus, that butter yellow captures the spirit of summer perfectly.

Gap Linen-Blend Easy Wide-Leg Pant, $, available at Gap

The Easy-To-Throw-On Set

One of the longest-running conundrums of getting dressed is finding the right top to go with those bottoms. Well, a matching set instantly solves that problem. The breezy linen fabric is a must for sweltering weather. This one comes in multiple colors, but the pink version makes us feel extra happy.

Gap 100% Linen Oversized Shirt, $, available at Gap

The Summer Bag

Is it really summer if you don't pull out a crochet bag? Nope. Sure, you could go for a safe neutral or bring all of your outfits to life with a coastal chic red stripe that's undeniably chic.

Gap Crochet Stripe Mini Bag, $, available at Gap

The Perfect White Tee

When it comes to flawless white shirts, GAP dominates. The beauty is in the details—like the firm stretch cotton that hugs your body without losing its shape. It's the only shirt I constantly buy over and over again. Plus, it comes in more colors if you're looking for a way to make a splashy statement this summer.

Gap Modern Crewneck T-Shirt, $, available at Gap

The Wear-Everywhere Dress

Whether it's brunches, picnics, or barbecues, this is a dress you can keep in rotation. It looks just as great with sneakers as it does with sandals, which is a must for versatile dressing.

Gap Linen-Blend Drop-Waist Dress, $, available at Gap

The Lightweight Knit

Even with warmer weather on the horizon, you still need a lightweight sweater on deck, especially since summer means blasting air conditioners. This one is perfect for layering over a T-shirt or your bikini. Feeling sultry? Wear it alone as a top, too.

Gap Linen-Blend Tie-Front Cardigan, $, available at Gap

The Wide-Leg Jeans

Don't completely ditch your jeans this summer. You just need an option that feels lightweight and breezy. This pair is made with an ultra-soft tencel-blend fabric that isn't stiff or heavy.

Gap UltraSoft Baggy Jeans, $, available at Gap

The Must-Have Hat

In addition to sunscreen, a bucket hat is a non-negotiable for long days at the beach. This one comes with a fringed trim that makes it feel just as special as the warm-weather season.

Gap Frayed Bucket Hat, $, available at Gap

The Versatile Scarf

Wear it as a top, bandana, or a belt ... the options are endless with a silky, summer scarf. This one earns bonus points thanks to its stripe print, which is a seasonal staple.

Gap 100% Silk Bandana, $, available at Gap

The Cool Shorts

When it comes to investing in shorts in 2026, the Bermuda style is a clear winner. The longer length gives modest coverage while the loose silhouette offers that easy-going edge that feels so modern.

Gap 11" Mid Rise Longline Denim Shorts, $, available at Gap

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Concert Outfit Inspo For Every Type of Festival

Concert Outfit Inspo For Every Festival, From Gov Ball To Essence Fest

Festival season is in full swing, with Barcelona’s Primavera Sound, Toronto’s All Things Go, and NYC’s Governors Ball kicking off this week. That means it’s time to plan your music festival outfits. Each event has its own flair — from the music and performers to the venues, and, of course, the crowd’s fashion.

So if you want to dress on theme for this summer’s hottest music marathons, we curated mini style guides for every kind of vibe. Whether you’re after a leather jacket for a desert fest, durable boots for a camping weekend, an all-denim fit for a big city lineup, or a breezy dress for a seaside show, we’ve got all the essentials you could possibly need (and want).

And just as music taste has no boundaries, neither should your fashion sense. Mix and match pieces from reader-favorite retailers and re-sale sites (and from the different guides below) to concoct the perfect look for every pop, indie, hip-hop, EDM, or country concert on the calendar. (And if you don’t have any festivals lined up, don’t sweat it — there’s plenty of outfit inspo here for Olivia Rodrigo’s Unraveled tour or Bad Bunny’s world tour, too.)

Scroll on for the clothing, shoes, and accessories (including trending summer styles and anti-festival trends) that deserve a spot in your concert outfit lineup.

Desert Music Festival Outfits

Whether you’ve secured a coveted ticket to Burning Man (August 30 to September 7) or have another desert festival on the horizon, you’ll need outfits that can handle sunny days and chilly nights. These festivals — and their scenic backdrops — are synonymous with effortless, breezy, boho style. Just take inspiration from Coachella-coded outfits. Think bikini tops, wide-brim hats, and turquoise jewelry by day. And be sure to wear cowboy boots, sheer blouses, and fringe pants that can take you into the windy nights.

Grass & Camping Music Festival Outfits

Camping out at Bonnaroo (June 11 to 14) or Outside Lands (August 7 to 9)? Or maybe you’re heading abroad for Glastonbury (June 23 to 27) or Tomorrowland (July 17 to 26)? Perhaps, you’re hoping to frolick in the park at Shaky Knees (September 18 to 20). No matter what, you’ll want to be strategic about your festival outfits — bring versatile, comfortable, and packable pieces that can go from stage to stage and last all day (and night). For grass-field festivals, balance your indie sleaze ‘fits with bandanas to cover your face and rugged biker boots that can handle muddy terrain.

City Music Festival Outfits

In big cities, pretty much any aesthetic goes. For East Coast festivals like Governors Ball (June 5 to 7) and All Things Go in both NYC and DC (September 25 to 27), the weather should still be mild — perfect for a denim-on-denim moment. In the Midwest, events like Summerfest (June 16 to July 4) and Lollapalooza (July 30 to August 2) bring the heat, so lean into easy shorts and light fabrics. And for Essence Festival (July 3 to 5) in New Orleans — which spans both indoor and outdoor venues —  go for something casual and cute, like soccer jerseys and statement sneakers.

Beach & Boardwalk Music Festival Outfits

Whether your toes are literally in the sand at Point Break Festival at Virginia Beach (June 20 to 21) or you’re catching a boardwalk breeze at Sea.Hear.Now on the Jersey Shore (September 19 to 20), keep things effortless and cool with styles you’ll want to rewear all summer long. Vibe out seaside in a comfy ‘fit like a linen dress, a patterned matching set, or a swim short look. Don’t forget a baseball cap or straw hat for extra sun protection — and for shoes, go with chunky slides, jelly shoes, or fisherman sandals that won’t fly off mid-dance sesh.

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8 Miami Swim Week Trends That Will Take Over This Summer

The past week in Miami was a whirlwind of swimwear runways, presentations, activations, and parties that proved just how major the category is in the fashion industry. Among the many shows, I attended a majority of the runways presented by Paraiso Miami Swim Week… for the third year in a row! I always love coming back to Miami to experience swimwear in its neutral (hot and wet) habitat.

And this year was no exception. From some of my returning favorites like Oceanus, Sigal, and Megan Thee Stallion’s Hot Girl Summer to new-to-me brands like Fae and Vogue Mexico’s presentation of Gengi, there was a wide range of swimwear styles on display. However, there were some core swim trends that I noticed stretch across many of them.

From trending shades and patterns like midnight blue and chevron, unexpected silhouettes like longline swim tops and ponchos, to styling details like statement belts and matching headbands, read on for the top swimwear trends expected to blow up next summer (and that, yes, you can and should start wearing this summer).

Midnight Blue

While statement shades from last year like Baywatch red and butter yellow returned to the runways, more shades like orange sherbet and whimsical periwinkle entered the chat. But the color that truly made an impact across many collections was midnight blue. The deep, dramatic shade found its way onto swimwear (including blinged-out styles), sheer coverups, and resort dresses for elegant and evening-appropriate styles.

From Eight Swimwear and Oséree’s navy bikinis and mini dresses to Monday Swimwear and Melissa Odabash’s head-to-toe navy blue coverup outfits, midnight blue is swimwear’s latest trending color.

Statement Belts

Yes, chain belts and body chains are still going strong, but I was struck by all the detachable fabric belts that made one-pieces and even bikinis stand out from the sea of swimwear. Whether they cinched the models’ waists over coverups or hung low on their hips, like Halle Berry’s iconic James Bond swim look, they were a standout decorative detail (more so than being functional).

Brands like Luli Fama, Monday, and Oh Polly notably opted for the low-slung look via thick fabric bands and flowing fringe belts. So whether you find a matching swim belt or add one of your existing favorite styles, you can easily elevate your swim looks with this simple accessory.

Jungle Fever

Even more than last year’s under-the-sea creature and shell appliques, wild animals overwhelmingly strutted down this year’s runways. From actual animal designs like giraffes and snakes to animal prints, the jungle took over Miami. Even more surprisingly, many of the prints were in super colorful iterations, like purples, pinks, and greens, rather than neutrals.

Oceanus is perhaps the most famous for its intricate beaded animal designs across swimsuits and mini dresses, but more brands stepped into the jungle, like Bikini Beach with its slithering snake designs. Plus, brands like Fae, Gengi, Luli Fama, and Oséree gave us abstract zebra prints and super-colorful leopard and cheetah prints.

Swim Tops

Retro-inspired swim skirts and shorts were still as prominent as they were at last year’s runways, but the new unexpected silhouette came in the form of swim tops. Specifically, more elevated versions of tankinis à la halter tops were big and made a case for easily being styled as everyday tops paired with denim shorts or maxi skirts too.

Shan especially had several blouse-like swim tops grace the runway, while Hot Girl Summer had some cropped tee swim tops and Sinesia Karol presented a silk scarf halter worn with bikini bottoms.

Stripes & Chevron Print

Taking over from last year’s polka dot and Pucci craze, prints like thin stripes and colorful chevron made a splash, offering sailor and Missoni vibes this time around instead. Aside from several animal prints, stripes and chevron truly proved that they are the prints of summer 2026.

From slightly more playful and junior-feeling (aka super colorful) designs from brands like Gengi, Kulani Kinis, and Oh Polly to more refined, elegant designs from Etnia, Melissa Odabash, and Oséree, these prints come in several varieties and vibes.

Ponchos & Capes

Beyond swimsuits, coverups and resortwear are huge parts of Miami Swim Week’s collections. And this year, I noticed an increase in ponchos as popular coverup top options and capes attached to swim tops. (We also can’t ignore the many skinny scarves attached to or styled with swimwear, surprisingly proving that many winter silhouettes have found their way into the summertime.)

Cupshe debuted a few billowing capes attached to bikini tops, while brands like Sinesia Karol and Monday had their knit and sheer ponchos styled as resortwear make dramatic statements on the runways.

In The Nude

While there were many vibrant colors to pull inspiration from, there were also many shades of nude that complemented many of the models’ skin tones. And designers didn’t shy away from styling models in shades that nearly blended into their skin — perhaps borrowing from Skims’ signature color palette — and creating many double-take moments for me.

More than half of Monday’s collection featured a range of nude swimwear and coverups, from pale peach to deep brown. Brands like Fae, Luli Fama, Melissa Odabash, and Oséree also spotlit the neutral shade range.

Matching Headbands & Headscarves 

Aside from many floppy straw hats (which seemingly never go out of style), thick fabric headbands and silk headscarves that perfectly matched the swimsuits were a major hair accessory trend this time around. The ‘60s-inspired, Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn-esque styling added a retro flair that still felt modern (à la Sabrina Carpenter’s current style).

Monday Swimwear was perhaps the most apparent example of implementing both the headbands and headscarves. Sigal and Oceanus also opted for matching headscarf styling that became the cherry on top of already-stunning swimwear.

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