How to Have a Slim Aarons Summer
A guide to using Slim Aarons as your blueprint for summer, no matter where you are
In his own words, Slim Aarons spent his career photographing “attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places.” With his photos published across magazines all throughout the ‘40s to the ‘90s, Aarons offered an exclusive glimpse into the everyday life lived by members of high society.
The documentary-style photos were often set at extravagant parties, sun-drenched pools, and luxury resorts around the world. But what made him a truly great photographer was his on-the-spot spontaneity and attention to detail when he was working. By including small touches, such as a pillow tossed on a sun lounger or a pink-and-white pool float bobbing in the background, Aarons added texture and a sense of place to his photos.
His work continues to have a prominent influence on the worlds of luxury, leisure, and fashion. So, to honor his legacy, here’s my Slim Aarons summer recipe!
Not fashion, just great clothes
Slim Aarons was adamant about not being labeled a fashion photographer. As he once famously said, “I don't do fashion. I take photos of people in their own clothes, and that becomes fashion.” And while he regularly shot for fashion magazines like Vanity Fair and Harper’s Bazaar, his career was rooted in his work with the travel magazine Town & Country.
That said, Aarons did have a clear vision for how his subjects should appear. He insisted on photographing people in their own clothes, but would ask them to change out of jeans, t-shirts, and running shoes.
While Slim Aarons didn’t like t-shirts, I’ve allowed myself to feature two vintage t-shirts below. We live in a different era, and I can’t deny the practicality of wearing a t-shirt in the summer heat.
I also have to mention Comme Si’s recent collaboration with Le Sirenuse. The two have created a chic collection of vacation wear consisting of silk pieces in seafoam green and ivory with a red piping trim. The collaboration was inspired by “understated opulence and the rich tradition of Italian artisanship” which aligns beautifully with Slim Aarons’ spirit. Moreover, Le Sirenuse was one of the many hotels that Aarons visited for his photography assignments.
Swimwear with a hint of nostalgia
Slim Aarons was known for his vibrant use of color, especially in his shots of sun-kissed subjects in their swimwear. These images often featured low-cut bikini bottoms paired with either balconette or mini triangle tops in bright, saturated colors. These bikini styles were quintessential to ‘60s and ‘70s.
I also have to mention the ISSIMO x Lido swimwear collaboration. ISSIMO is the online extension of Pellicano Hotels Group, which owns the iconic Hotel Il Pellicano—another resort Aarons’ frequently used as a backdrop. Their collaboration is a celebration of the Slim Aarons resort universe, and as ISSIMO notes on their website, “captures all the colour, timeless elegance and nostalgic glamour of Slim Aarons’ photography.”
The art of gathering
You don’t need to plan an ostentatious Mediterranean getaway or have a personal photographer to take inspiration from Slim Aarons’ world. If anything, his work offers a peek into a world where socializing is the driving force.
In that spirit, invite your best friends for a couple of garden parties, bring out your most eccentric tableware, and start documenting it all on film. If you’re new to film photography, I would recommend starting out with the Olympus MJU I or MJU II. Both are point-and-shoot cameras, which means you won’t have to adjust any settings. For film, I love Kodak Portra 800 and Gold 200. The latter is more affordable, but they both give a warm, glowing tone that makes shooting on film so captivating.
If you live in a city apartment and don’t have direct access to a garden, you could take the party to the beach or the local park. In my early to mid-twenties, I loved celebrating my birthday with my friends at our nearby park. It was nothing fancy—just a picnic blanket, a couple of drinks, and some appetizers. But to me, there’s something undeniably charming about making the most of what you have.
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this is so fun and good
Glorious! 🌊