Latest Style: Dress as your drink
Cocktail-inspired fashion for fall
Photography by Lisa Staff
You are what you drink, and your go-to cocktail says a lot about your personality and style. In the name of mixology and psychology, we have paired popular cocktails with stylish outfits to match your personality. Should you be making a Mojito or a Whiskey Sour? Take a look at this fun list to find which cocktail mixes well with your personality and wardrobe. A special thanks to Hilton Head Distillery for allowing LOCAL Life to use its incredibly inspiring spaces while sampling a few locally crafted cocktails.
Whiskey Sour
Dating back to the 1800s, a whiskey sour is about as classic a cocktail as you can get. If you’re a Whiskey Sour sipper, you are likely very complex; you tend to have many different and sometimes opposing personality traits and are highly adaptable in social situations. While whiskey is said to be the drink of a confident person, if you prefer whiskey in this cocktail form, you might have hidden depths to your personality. Showcase your confidence in your clothing. A monochromatic palette shows you are put together, while boots and a dress show that daring side.
Available at The Back Door (left) and Spartina 449 (right)
Mojito
True unconventional artist and a humanitarian soul, you are always ready for new adventures. You live in a colorful, sensual world, truly enjoying connecting to people while also needing a minute alone from time to time. Mojito is your cocktail: Exciting, refreshing and a little sweet. You should wear cozy and comfortable clothing that’s stylish and ready for adventure.
Available at Outside Hilton Head
Old Fashioned
An experimental cocktail made by muddling sugar with bitters, adding whiskey and garnishing with a twist of citrus rind, Old Fashioned drinkers were traditionally thought to be risk takers. Dating back to the 1800s, the Old Fashioned was a popular drink served at gentlemen’s clubs and is often associated with an aristocratic and more mature drinker. Those who pick an Old Fashioned today are said to enjoy a more traditional way of life but still have an air of risk and challenge to their personality. Neutrals with a pop of color work best with your personality. Add a fun flask to show your edge.
Available at John Bayley Clothier
Margarita
A complex combination of sweet, salty and sour notes makes for a bold flavor, reflected by the personality of a margarita drinker. If you choose this vibrant cocktail, you’re typically very energetic, outgoing and comfortable being the center of attention. You’re also a thrill-seeker who lives life at a fast pace, never slowing down for fear of missing out. Classic and sleek suit you best, but be sure to opt for performance wear because you know the next thrill is just around the corner.
Available at Southern Tide
Martini
You have a magnetic aura that makes people curious about you. Unique and interesting are words that describe you and the Martini cocktail to perfection. You’re a classic, an O.G. and should wear classic colors (hello neutrals) but show off your mysterious side with a fun print and a sexy heel. You’ll be as irresistible as the cocktail you sip.
Available at Palmettoes
Manhattan
Traditionally served in a cocktail glass and garnished with a maraschino cherry, the Manhattan represents a strong, sensible individual with a soft side. Just like the cocktail itself, a Manhattan drinker has an underlying sweetness, a softer side to its sturdy exterior. Try a bold vest with light colors underneath to show the complexities of your personality.
Available at Knickers
Shirley Temple
Shirley Temple lovers are young at heart–and perhaps just young! Fun to be around and full of life, if you prefer a Shirley Temple, you need a twirly dress to match your sweet personality. A matching bag and sparkly shoes represent your shining spirit.
Available at Island Child
Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is a glamorous drink that carries a certain level of aspiration. Those who pick a Cosmopolitan as their cocktail enjoy their freedom and independence and like to make a bold statement. Sipping a Cosmopolitan says to the world that you’re a trendsetter, the life and soul of the party and a natural leader too. Wear a classic silhouette in a statement color to stand out from the crowd.
White Russian
You have the rarest personality type of all — passionate, complex, versatile, soft-spoken and understanding when listening to others. You love analyzing everyone around you but are still trying to understand yourself. Your mixed drink of choice is as contradictory as your personality. Sweet, creamy, yet incredibly intoxicating. Wear bold patterns and contrasting colors in a soft, flowing silhouette to intensify that contradiction.
Daiquiri
A daiquiri drinker is adventurous with a bold soul who loves a challenge. You’re headstrong but warm, friendly and vibrant. Rum-based drink fans reveal a young personality at heart, someone who loves life and lives it to the fullest. Bold patterns and colors in a top show off that youthful spirit, while a solid pant shows how grounded you can be.
Available at Cocoon (left), Kelly Caron Curated (center) and L + B Boutique (right)
Meet The Models
Roxy Fenten – Local since 2021
Why you love being local: The beach and the laid-back atmosphere. Hobbies: Baking and crafting. Why you love working at Hilton Head Distillery: I love the craft-beverage industry and just exposing people to the variety of spirits. A lot of people see that spirits can be more versatile than your mainstream products. Favorite cocktail: That’s a tough one. I’m an equal opportunist when it comes to cocktails. It’s seasonal and depends on what kind of mood I’m in. So I love everything from an Old Fashioned to a Mai Tai to a traditional Rum Daquiri. Fun fact: I’m married to my high school sweetheart.
Diane Carter – Local since 2020
Why you love being local: I love the beach, riding my bike, nature, seafood and spending time with my retired husband. Hobbies: I do community theater and have sung in choirs here. I love to play Mario Kart with my husband – we have nightly Mario Kart tournaments. I like to play Catan with my sons, and I like to ride my bike. Why you love working at Hilton Head Distillery: I love meeting new people and being social. I’m a tour guide, so I feel like I’m on the stage on a daily basis. I love the owners and the atmosphere here. And I love sharing these fabulous spirits. Favorite cocktail: An Old Fashioned with an extra bar spoon of simple syrup. Fun fact: I used to be a television director for NBC.
Kate Goodall – Local since 2015
Why you love being local: The coastal atmosphere. Everybody’s very tight-knit; you can’t go anywhere without seeing someone you know. I like seeing all of the different tourists and families that come in. And the coastal areas are just some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. Hobbies: Photography, travel, reading and cooking. Why you love working at Hilton Head Distillery: The atmosphere is very chill and relaxed. We have a lot of fun. We’re kind of like a little family. Learning about craft spirits and doing the social media aspect of it and getting to do my photography for it is a lot of fun. Favorite cocktail: Painkiller. Fun fact: I’m adopted.
Fashion Credits
Photography: Lisa Staff
Fashion coordinator: Bailey Gilliam
Location: Hilton Head Distillery
