In my opinion, you can tell who Belly is truly meant to end up with just by paying attention to what she wears. Her outfits subtly reflect her emotional state and the nature of her relationships.
When she’s with Jeremiah, Belly is often seen in sleeveless sundresses and heels — outfits that closely resemble what Susannah used to wear in Season 1. It feels almost symbolic, like Belly is stepping into a role: the caretaker, the ideal partner, someone who is trying to fulfill a version of love that’s expected rather than instinctive. There’s a polished, performative edge to the way she dresses around him, as if she’s presenting a version of herself that fits into someone else's idea of romance.
In contrast, when she’s with Conrad, her style shifts completely. She wears comfortable, natural-fiber clothing — linen shirts, jeans, sweatshirts, or cozy pajamas. Sometimes, she’s even in red. (Hint, hint) This version of Belly is relaxed, at ease, and most importantly, herself. Her outfits in these moments are more in line with how she dressed in Season 1 — the way she looks at home, with her mom, or around close friends. It’s not curated; it’s authentic.
... Read moreI know, I know, we all have our favorite team – Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah! But what if I told you the answer to Belly's true feelings was literally hanging in her closet? After rewatching The Summer I Turned Pretty (for the tenth time!), I started noticing something super subtle but incredibly revealing about Belly's fashion choices, and honestly, it changed my whole perspective on her love triangle.
When Belly is spending time with Jeremiah, her outfits always seem a little... put-together, don't they? Think about it: she’s often seen in those sweet, polka-dotted sundresses and heels, or other perfectly coordinated pieces. It's almost as if she’s consciously trying to project an image – a 'girlfriend' image. It reminds me so much of Susannah's elegant style, and it makes you wonder if Belly is trying to fulfill a certain expectation, or perhaps even a fantasy. She looks lovely, of course, but there’s a certain formality, a slight distance in her style that hints she might not be entirely at ease. It's like she's playing a role, trying to be the 'ideal' partner, rather than just *being*. The colors seem a bit brighter, the fabrics a bit more delicate – perhaps reflecting a desire to be seen as perfect, to fit into a mold she perceives for Jeremiah’s significant other.
But then, when she's with Conrad, it's a completely different story. Suddenly, Belly is in her element. We see her in those wonderfully soft, comfortable light tops and denim shorts, or maybe even just a cozy sweatshirt. Her hair might be a little messier, her movements a bit more free. It’s the kind of clothing you wear when you’re truly comfortable, truly *home*. There’s no pretense, no effort to impress; just pure, unadulterated Belly. And let's not forget the red sleeveless top and matching skirt she wears in certain key moments with Conrad – red, the color of passion, love, and being seen. It's not just about comfort; it’s about authenticity. These are the outfits she wears when she feels completely accepted, when she doesn't have to try, when she can just *be*. It’s a powerful visual cue that she feels safe and deeply connected to Conrad, allowing her true self to shine through without any filters. She's not trying to be anyone else's vision of perfect; she's just Belly.
This isn't just about fashion; it's a deep dive into Belly's character development. Her wardrobe becomes a silent narrator, telling us a story about her internal struggle to find her place and her true feelings. It highlights that universal experience of trying to present a certain version of yourself versus embracing your most authentic self. We all do it, right? Dress up for a first date, then revert to our comfiest pajamas with our closest friends. Belly's journey, reflected in her clothes, shows us the difference between a love that makes you feel like you need to perform, and a love that lets you simply exist, messy bun and all.
So next time you're rewatching, pay attention to her wardrobe. It's more than just pretty clothes; it's a profound insight into who Belly truly is, and who she's destined to be with. What do your clothes say about your relationships? It's a fun thought experiment!