Styled in blue: A blueprint for monochromatic fashion
Photography by Lisa Staff + Styled by Bailey Gilliam
Blue just fits in the Lowcountry. It mirrors the open sky over the marsh, the hush of morning tides and the cool shadows cast by live oaks and water. Whether soft and airy like sea glass or rich and moody like deep indigo, it speaks the language of this place.
At the Culinary Institute of the South in Bluffton, blue is more than a backdrop; it’s part of the story. This modern campus of the Technical College of the Lowcountry was designed for creativity to thrive. Throughout the building you’ll spot touches of blue in tile work, lighting and especially in the large-scale artwork of Bluffton native Amiri Farris. His mural, a striking celebration of Gullah-Geechee food ways, brings the space to life with movement, memory and his signature indigo paint drips.
Painted in blue
Amiri Farris doesn’t just pose for this shoot, he brings a story. Seated casually in front of his mural, he wears a pale blue patterned button-down shirt and navy shorts from Southern Tide, striking that perfect Lowcountry balance between comfort and polish. The soft blues in his shirt reflect the tones of his artwork behind him, where blue crabs, herons and coastal crops swirl together in layered brushstrokes. Every detail connects; his style, his art and the sense of place he carries with him. In Farris’s world blue isn’t just a color. It’s history. It’s heritage. And it looks good, too.
Blue magic
Carrie Hirsch, continuing education and FOODseum coordinator at the Technical College of the Lowcountry, shows how to wear blue with personality and polish. Her outfit from Spartina 449 pairs printed pants with a sleek sleeveless top, finished with a bold gold zipper. Gold jewelry with blue gemstones adds just the right amount of shine. It’s a look that’s relaxed, pulled together and unmistakably Lowcountry.
Stylist: Breezy blues for summer days
Blue always fits. It’s classic, coastal and quietly bold. These three looks, pulled from local boutiques, show how blue can shape-shift to suit your mood. From breezy and casual to buttoned-up and statement-making, here’s how to wear the color of the season your way.
Floral pop
Start with a lacy white top, and add a punch of color with bright blue shorts. A crossbody bag with a bold blue flower brings the whole look together. It’s fresh, fun and perfect for brunch or a day out shopping.
Available at Currents
Bold blues
Go all in with a tailored blue dress, and mix in more shades for a rich, layered feel. A cobalt handbag, playful earrings and even a blue water bottle add a little personality without going over the top.
Available at Jean Pierre-Kliffa
Easy stripes
For a relaxed but polished look, try a matching striped top and pants in a lightweight fabric. Add a soft blue purse, and you’ve got an outfit that’s ready for anything, from a backyard dinner to a breezy boat ride.
Available at Palmettoes
Fashion finds: Blues you can use
From soft skies to deep indigos, blue belongs in the Lowcountry. It echoes the tide lines and twilight skies. This collection
from local shops captures its many moods: cool, classic and coastal. However you wear it, blue feels just right.
Brim with a bite
This navy felt hat from Brims on the Bluff isn’t your average accessory. With its rich color and a hand-painted alligator along the band, it nods to the wild side of the Lowcountry while keeping things classic. It’s bold, a little playful and makes a strong first impression.
Shades of blue
Island Girl offers a range of dresses that show off every side of blue. A navy number with white trim is polished and timeless, while the light blue dress is easygoing and breezy; the kind of thing you throw on for a porch swing and sweet-tea kind of day.
Blue brilliance
Gifted’s silver necklace with a glowing blue gemstone catches the light just right. It’s simple but striking; cool, calm and perfect for dressing up a white T-shirt or adding a touch of elegance to your evening look.
Denim days
Blue jeans are always in, but in the summer heat, sometimes they’re just too much. Enter the denim overall dress from Maggie & Me. It keeps the spirit of denim alive without weighing you down and works with everything from sandals to sneakers.
Make waves
Island Child keeps things fun with a trio of one-piece swimsuits for girls. From starry blues to cobalt skies filled with seagulls, these suits bring summer joy to the beach or pool. They’re made for cartwheels in the sand and cannonballs off the dock.
Tropical twist
The Haven Boutique brings an unexpected pop of print with this blue palm maxi dress. It’s light, airy and easy to wear, perfect for a dinner out after a long day on the water or a casual stroll through town.
Get the look: Blue looks good on you
There’s just something about blue that works. Artist Amiri Farris wears it well, pulling together a laid-back yet polished look that proves blue is anything but basic. From his bold frames to those classic navy pants, this outfit blends personal flair with coastal cool. Want to echo the vibe? Stick to one color family, play with texture, and don’t be afraid of a little boldness. These pieces are a good place to start:
Frame game
Swap your standard specs for bold blue glasses that stand out without stealing the show. They brighten your face and add personality in one easy step.
Available at Eyeland Optique
Classic stance
These navy pants do all the work without making a fuss. Clean lines, solid color and easy to pair with everything. Think of them as the anchor of your outfit.
Available at John Bayley Clothier
Color story
A short-sleeved button-down with a fun pop of pink keeps things light, not loud. It’s a breezy twist on the classic blue shirt that’s right at home on a dock or a patio.
Available at Outside Hilton Head
Suede swagger
Step it up with blue suede shoes, not the Elvis kind, but close. They bring a little texture, a lot of style and just enough attitude.
Available at Palmettoes
Mermazing deals ahead: This year’s Spartina 449 Warehouse Sale is bigger, better and in a brand-new location.
If you’ve ever braved the early morning lines for the Spartina 449 Warehouse Sale, you know it’s more than a shopping spree. It’s a Lowcountry rite of passage: part treasure hunt, part fashion frenzy and all kinds of fun. And this year it’s getting a fabulous makeover.
Circle the dates: July 11-13. The sale is moving to Bluffton High School, bringing with it more parking, more elbow room and a smoother check-in experience. Translation? Less shuffling, more shopping.
New to the madness? Here’s the scoop: Spartina 449 started in 2009 with a line of linen and leather handbags inspired by Daufuskie Island. Today the brand has blossomed into a coastal-chic empire with 20 locations and a full lineup of apparel, beachwear, jewelry, accessories and sporty essentials. During this sale, select items are up to 80 percent off.
Founder Kay Stanley says the new venue helps enhance the experience while giving back to the community. “It also reinforces our commitment to giving back locally,” she said.
Every cent from ticket sales goes straight to area nonprofits. Last year’s sale raised more than $51,000 for organizations like Bluffton Self Help, Memory Matters, Volunteers in Medicine and the Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation. This year’s haul will do more of the same and make you feel even better about that overflowing shopping bag.
Tickets tend to vanish faster than a tide rolling out, so don’t wait. Head to spartina449.com to snag yours and get ready for a weekend of mermazing finds and feel-good vibes.
Founded in 2009 by Kay Stanley on Daufuskie Island, Spartina 449 launched with linen and leather handbags inspired by the beauty of the Lowcountry. Today the brand has grown to include apparel, beachwear, accessories and more, each piece infused with coastal charm. By the end of the year, Spartina will operate 20 stores across the eastern U.S.
