Yellowstone's Summer Higgins Is So Pretty In Real Life

Summer Higgins may not be a central mainstay of the "Yellowstone" universe, but her recurring role as an environmental activist drives critical plot points and adds an extra layer of complexity to the show's dramatic landscape. Played by actor Piper Perabo, Summer is principled, uncompromising, and down to earth, creating a natural foil to the equally hard-headed Duttons.

As it turns out, Perabo has more than a little in common with her on-screen persona. For one thing, Perabo — much like Summer — considers herself an activist. "Over the last five years, I've marched and participated in organizing in defense of civil rights, like the freedom to vote, a fair judiciary, environmental justice, choice. This is the first time I've ever played a character who was an activist of any kind, and I was curious to see what it would be like to knit together two things I care about so much: acting and activism," Perabo explained to Schön! Magazine in 2022.

Funnily enough, the actor's style also meshes well with Summer's practical sensibility. Like Summer, Perabo often opts for casual tees and button-ups in her day-to-day life. And even when she's taking a high-profile turn on the red carpet, Perabo seems to favor easy, understated fashions that do more with less.

If there's one thing we can see from Piper Perabo's career on the red carpet, it's that the "Covert Affairs" actor truly understands how to put together a perfect monochromatic outfit. For instance, at the New York City premiere of "Yellowstone" Season 5 in 2024, Perabo perfectly threaded the needle between chic, sexy, and breezy with simple, black-on-black separates. Her sheer button-up — with its strategically opaque breast pockets — was effortlessly flirty and intriguing, and Perabo wisely held back on her accessories to let the look speak for itself.

Meanwhile, her outfit at the 2021 Critics' Choice Documentary Awards offered an edgier but still oh-so-wearable take on the all-black aesthetic. Perabo's blocky crop top and high-waisted maxi skirt were a masterclass in restraint, and the chunky fabric at her forearms — arm warmers, perhaps, or maybe a super-slouchy cardigan? — added visual interest to the understated 'fit.

Styling-wise, both of these ensembles also reveal Perabo's Summer-like preference for a barely there beauty look — as she should. After all, the ladies of the "Yellowstone" universe look incredible without makeup. Summer Higgins didn't need heavy cosmetics to attract John Dutton's attention, and Perabo doesn't need them to look naturally stunning in real life.

From her social media and official appearances, we can surmise that Piper Perabo prefers sartorial simplicity — not to mention, a lot of black. However, she's no one-trick pony. When the occasion calls for it, Perabo isn't afraid to push her own boundaries with outfits that take risks and show off her softer side.

For example, Perabo put a stunning twist on a classic silhouette with her Bazza Alzouman gown at the 2022 SAG Awards. Building upon the timeless foundation of a white sheath dress, the garment added gentle movement and texture with what appears to be an asymmetrical waterfall of nude tulle or organza. Perabo looked extremely elegant in the piece, offering up a taste of couture that we wouldn't usually expect from Summer Higgins.

Sometimes, Perabo even takes an experimental approach to fashion. At the 2021 Emmy Awards, Perabo showed up in a unique powder-pink ensemble that seemed to pull feminine inspiration from both ballerinas and baby rompers. The gown's mix of fabrics and unusual neckline — somehow combining a turtleneck, a convex bust line, and a peekaboo sternum keyhole — gave turn-of-the-millennium Björk vibes. To wit, quirky. Honestly, this wasn't our favorite look from the "Coyote Ugly" star, as it could have benefitted from a more tailored fit through the torso. However, we appreciated its outside-of-the-box point of view. Love it or hate it, we'd argue that Perabo's curious gown outranked some other red carpet outfits that celebs admit they regret — and, as always, Perabo herself looked undeniably beautiful.

Now, for more about Perabo, check out the "Yellowstone" leading ladies' real-life partners.