Everything I Want to Wear For The Remainder Of "Hot Girl Summer"
Hi! It’s me, Ashley, the founder and primary contributor for Clever. I’ll be periodically popping in to give my personal and largely unsolicited advice in terms of seasonal style recommendations. Sometimes my selections are based on current trends, and other times I’m speaking to things I’ve learned over time just work (or don’t work, as the case may be) for me. That said, I’d never tell you what to wear — but — if you, too, are looking to live your own version of “hot girl summer” and in need of suggestions, well I’ve got a few.
Obviously the expression “hot girl summer,” as coined by rapper Megan Thee Stallion, is subjective. Being a girl from Wisconsin, I try never to complain about the heat (I try okay? I don’t always succeed). So instead of fighting it too hard, I embrace it with my consistently desired summer vibe of a lot of nude colors, shapes that barely skim the body, slicked back hair, and super glossy skin. And because it’s also fun to play with a bit of what’s current, this season I’m adding to that some big barrettes and other hair accessories, minimal-yet-chunky jewelry, and tons of fruit and floral motifs.
If you love to live your best summer life in cutoffs and bikini tops, I’m totally here for it — but we’ve all got things we like showing off and things we like to keep covered. So, you’ll also notice I love to go for a maxi length dress — instead showing a lot of arm, neck, and shoulder — which means keeping fabrics super light and flowy. Add some barely-there sandals, a top knot (because I just can’t with anything beyond that these days), and select dewy face products (a little Brow Flick, RMS Un Cover-Up where I need it, and a touch of coconut oil based lip and cheek stain) and I’m good to go.
Read on to see what’s on my summer must-haves list right now — all of which come from LA-based brands — and let us know how you feel your hottest this season, or what you’re in search of before it comes to a close. And don’t forget to hydrate.
Lykke Wullf x Banana Papaya large ‘Cali’ barrette, $54
To be completely honest, I’m not normally one to wear a ton of accessories — especially in the summer when the less things touching me the better. But I cannot resist these juicy resin clips by Banana Papaya for Lykke Wullf. They’ll make my everyday bun look a whole lot more exciting.
Botanica Workshop ‘Vera’ dress in Black, $128
This vegan “silk” dress is the epitome of what I want to wear when it’s hot — it’s lightweight and barely skims the body, yet looks totally pulled together and chic. I’d throw on some flat sandals and a cocktail ring and call it a day.
Bliss and Mischief ‘Art and Flowers’ distressed tee, $108
I personally take pride in hunting for the perfect vintage tee, but if that’s just too much work for you, you can always rely on BAM for a ton of options that not only look, but feel perfectly distressed. Something about this floral design just speaks to me.
Tigre et Tigre ‘Aeva’ dress in black/white gingham, $220
Tigre et Tigre is a new and super exciting LA-based brand, and while I’m not normally someone who wears a lot of oversized things, this slightly deconstructed shirtdress is just too cool to pass up. And it’s definitely a unique take on the classic summer gingham.
Charlotte Stone ‘Belle’ sandal, $178
I already practically live in my Charlotte Stone Gloria sandals, which are like a more stylish version of Birks, but the designer made such a brilliant move with these Belle heels that I know they’ll be my new faves. You see, they’re offered in a variety of skin tones, so everyone can have their version of a nude strappy sandal. And since I am currently loving a naked foot look (bare toes included!) this is right in line with my summer vibe.
Ciao Lucia ‘Marguerita’ dress, $450
I will absolutely make an exception to my maxi-length-only policy on summer dresses for this friggin perfect dress by Ciao Lucia, who does vacation vibes better than literally anyone else. I literally don’t own anything hot pink or leopard and yet I need to have this on my body ASAP to wear everywhere from a Trader Joe’s run to any upcoming wedding receptions.
J. Hannah ‘Duet’ cocktail ring in peach moonstone, $340
I don’t wear a ton of jewelry, but I am a sucker for a cocktail ring. This J. Hannah one is simple in its design and the peach moonstone gives me that nude feel I’m after, and I’d wear it on my pinky because that’s what the model did and she looked super cool. I’m just being honest.
Monogram Studio ‘Cloud Tie Dye’ cap sleeve dress, $98
Personally, I’ve always been into tie dye, so I’m enjoying the fact that it’s everywhere these days. If I had to pick just one piece, I’m going with this maxi-length t-shirt dress by Monogram Studio, which I think I could dress up or down.
DONNI silk ‘Poppy’ in Camel, $64
Again, I’m living in buns right now so anything to kind of jazz it up is fun. Currently I’ve been tying on this silky Donni scarf, which makes a perfect headband. I knot it at the top with the ends sticking out for a little I Love Lucy vibe.
If I’m gonna lay around in my underwear all, they should at least be cute. Enter these cotton modal intimates. The Electric Violet color feels like a fresher version of Millennial Pink.
Technically this perfect cotton gingham set won’t be available for another few weeks (you can pre-order now) — which takes us into fall,, technically. But with LA weather, I can still foresee myself having plenty of time to sport them, together or separate.
*Lead image courtesy of Lykke Wullf
