How I’m Having a Hot Girl Summer!
Summer is finally here! And I’m determined to make it the best one yet. I’ve worked so hard over the years to improve my confidence, body image, mental health, and fashion - and now I am putting plans in place to have the best summer ever.
So no more summers flying by without making the most of them! Here’s everything I’m doing to have a real hot girl summer this year, and how you can too.
Step 1: Spend More Time in the Sun
As a very pale girl who looks sick if she’s pale, my goal this summer is to actually get some sun. I’ve been making time to lay out by the pool at my gym for 30 minutes on each side (yes, sometimes even without sunscreen for a quick base tan - dermatologists, don’t come for me).
Not only does it give me a little color, but I swear it's helped clear up my skin too. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to go to the gym, even when I don’t feel like working out.
If you need extra motivation to go to the gym, think about what you can reward yourself with after - like lounging by the pool with a podcast or a book. Or in my case, sometimes my work laptop.
Step 2: Plan for Confidence, Not Perfection
I realized that every year I expect summer to be amazing, but I don’t actually plan anything fun. I don’t prep outfits I feel good in, I don’t make plans in advance, and suddenly it's the end of September and I feel like I missed it all.
This summer, I’m being more intentional:
Planning outfits ahead of time that make me feel good
Scheduling events and trips early so weekends don’t slip away
Being kind to myself in photos aka no more nitpicking every detail
The biggest mindset shift? A hot girl summer isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about feeling hot, being confident, and living your life fully.
Step 3: Find Your Summer Uniform
I’m not a shorts girl. I’m not even a big fan of summer clothes in general (I love some layers and boots), but I found a formula that works for me:
Linen pants or lightweight dress pants (comfortable, breathable, and still cute)
Tank tops (Abercrombie, Hollister, and Aritzia are my go-tos)
Light linen button-ups for layering
Sandals like my Aloha’s Harllow sandals
Sunglasses and a cute beach tote for extra summer vibes
Bonus: I’ve accepted that "modest but cute" fits my style better than "barely there." I feel best when I’m dressed like Chessy from The Parent Trap - QUEEN!
Step 4: Practice Confidence (Even If It’s Awkward)
I’m working on:
Getting comfortable in photos (no more only taking selfies)
Talking to guys I find attractive (terrifying but necessary bc boyfriend)
Rejection therapy - reminding myself that rejection isn’t a punishment and is simply part of life
Confidence doesn’t magically appear overnight. It’s a muscle you build by doing the scary thing again and again.
Step 5: Be Intentional with Your Time
Summer goes by fast, even in Barcelona. So I’m making a point to:
Pre-plan activities (beach days, day trips, events)
Stick to a gym and sleep routine (good energy starts with good habits)
Say yes to fun when opportunities pop up
Explore new places, even if it’s just short train rides down the coast or finally spending more than 24 hours in Madrid
Every plan doesn’t have to be huge, even a simple drink at a tapas bar or beach afternoon counts.
My Hot Girl Summer Essentials
Because no summer would be complete without a few favorites:
Portable electric fan: Life-saving for those blazing Barcelona days
OneSize On Til Dawn Setting Spray: Waterproof, mattifying, amazing
Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen: The perfect lightweight, non-irritating SPF
Aquaphor SPF Lip Balm: Not tasty, but effective!
Australian Gold SPF 15 Spray Gel: Smells heavenly and adds a subtle glow
Oversized sunglasses: Giving effortless, old-money beach vibes
Aloha’s Harllow sandals: Cute and comfy
Liquid IV: Essential for real hydration after a sweaty day out
Beach blanket: Way better than a regular towel (trust me)
Portable charger: Non-negotiable for long days out
Film camera: Capturing memories with a little more magic
Final Thoughts
A hot girl summer isn’t about looking like a model or hitting unrealistic standards. It’s about taking care of yourself, being intentional, and making memories that you’ll actually be proud of.
This summer, I’m choosing to feel good, look good, and live fully - and I hope you do too. ✨
Let’s make it the best one yet!!
