How Kharlla Turned Havaianas Into an Everyday Wardrobe Staple
Some people save their "beach day" for a vacation. Kharlla just lives in one, all year-round.
The Filipina-American singer-songwriter is always on the move, from studio rehearsals and city life to spontaneous flights, so her wardrobe has one rule: comfort comes first.
"If I'm not comfy, I'm not a happy camper," she says. And honestly? Same.
Two Cultures, One Style
Born in Cavite City and raised in Texas, Kharlla is now back in the Philippines, where she’s reconnecting with her roots. Growing up in the States gave her an independent, no-excuses work ethic. Coming home helped her reconnect with a softer, warmer side of herself.
“Coming home wasn’t just about pursuing a career,” she says. “It was about discovering the parts of myself that had never fully had the chance to bloom.”
Her aesthetic? Feminine, comfortable, sensual. What ties it all together is freedom.
"Breathability and movability are so important because I'm bouncing between dance, studio, vocal lessons, beaches, or different countries," she explains.
She doesn’t chase trends, either. She’d rather rewear the pieces she truly loves than constantly reinvent her wardrobe.
Her Actual Morning Routine (No, Really)
Kharlla's version of "getting ready" starts long before an outfit is involved. Mornings are slow on purpose: warm bone broth, water, vitamins, and, if her schedule allows, 20 to 30 minutes of just sitting in silence, letting the sunlight wake her up.
From there it's breakfast, skincare (she's been deep in her Korean skincare era for years), music or a podcast, hair, and finally, something comfortable to throw on. By 11am she's usually locked into her creative flow state.
For her, a “beauty routine” is less about looking perfect and more about feeling good.
havaianas, On and Off the Sand
havaianas has Brazilian beach roots, but Kharlla doesn't save them just for the beach. They've basically become her everyday footwear.
"I will wear havaianas with anything and everything,". she says, with oversized shorts, sweatpants, even a dress or skirt. Comfort over everything, always.
She loves the colors, styles, and durability. “If you know me, I will wear something until it’s absolutely falling apart,” she says, “and it just hasn’t happened with any of my havaianas.”
Her go-tos:
- Slim / Slim Square: for easy, no-fuss days
- Slim Point: her most-worn, for a feminine, elevated feel
Her signature color is yellow, because, no surprise, it just puts her in a good mood.
The Closet Staples She Never Retires
Kharlla is an unapologetic outfit-repeater. Her essentials? Athleisure, oversized jackets and pants, cropped tops, midi skirts, and, of course, havaianas.
Her studio uniform is just as effortless: a cozy sweat set and her havaianas. Anything too restrictive is a creativity downer.
Style-wise, she doesn’t follow a particular icon or era. She dresses for whatever the day calls for. If she had to name one person whose style resonates with her, it’d be Luisa Villafañe.
The Song Behind the Style: "Girls' Getaway"
Kharlla’s debut single, Girls’ Getaway, is all about spontaneous trips, chasing sunsets, and making memories with friends. It also captures how she approaches getting dressed.
"I gravitate towards timeless, feminine pieces that feel effortless rather than overly styled," she says. "It's polished enough for wherever the day takes me, but relaxed enough that I'm always ready for the next adventure."
Her dream beach escape is Coron, Palawan. For a spontaneous girls’ trip, she’d choose between Camiguin and Romblon.
But her packing list? A cute swimsuit, jorts, havaianas, and sunscreen.
Why "Beach Day" Isn't Just a Season in the Philippines
Living somewhere tropical year-round means Kharlla doesn't have to wait for summer to tap into beach-day energy. To her, it's less about the location and more about a feeling, slowing down, being present, and letting the small stuff go.
"I feel incredibly grateful that I get to experience that year-round here," she says.
How to Steal Kharlla's Effortless Beach Look
You don’t need a plane ticket. Just follow her quick “Beach Day” formula:
- Let your skin do the talking, skip the heavy makeup
- Sea-salt texture in your hair
- A cute hat and loose, breathable clothing pieces that actually move
- A little boy blush and clear gloss for that "just came from the beach" glow
- Tan lines and your havaianas count as accessories, no other notes
