It’s getting hot in here, but according to my human resources department and most public establishments’ no-shoes-no-shirt-no-service dress code, I’m not able to take off all my clothes. So what in the world are we supposed to wear when the humidity percentage is higher than my phone battery? It’s like, on the one hand, I want to be comfortable enough to move about the cabin without breaking out into a full sweat. But on the other far more important hand I need to remind everyone I’m super stylish and hot. Baby didn’t hit the gym all winter (narrator reliability is not guaranteed) just to let the summer-centric lewk opportunities pass by.
With that in mind, I’ve been craving a little textile inspiration to find my happy place between technically being clothed and literally wearing as little fabric as possible. So I dug deep into the recesses of my pop culture-riddled brain to drum up these iconic fits from your favorite celebrities, singers, and fictional characters to make “hot girl summer” cool again. Say yes to those weekend plans, because we have all the celeb-inspired looks you need to survive the summer heat waves.
The Princess Diana Aesthetic
You know how you’re riding the subway and it’s so hot it feels like the final destination must be hell, but the moment you step inside a building with AC blasting you’re freezing cold? The trademark Princess Diana biker shorts baggy pullover combo is the perfect solution. You can tie that bad boy around your waist when you’re in transit outside (a great opportunity to casually flex in a sports bra/bike short set, because rushing to make happy hour is, in fact, a sport) and throw the sweatshirt on at your convenience if/when you enter indoor Siberia.
Beyoncé’s “Crazy In Love” Fit
Truly so many pieces from Yoncé’s Dangerously In Love era fit the brief but maybe you’re not extra enough to sport a thousand Swarovski crystals strung into a crop top on a random Tuesday? Her simple undershirt x booty short pairing with the red slingbacks are the perfect super sexy summer selection to recreate next heat wave.
Bella Hadid’s Big Shorts Little Top Combo
I know copying this quintessential Bella street style guide runs the risk of skewing less off-duty supermodel and more Adam Sandler, but I believe in you betch!! Search your closest Goodwill for some baggy Bermuda-length shorts, slap a teeny tiny little crop top on upstairs, and voila. Victoria’s Secret-adjacent chic.
Carole’s Tattoo Body Suit
Stick with me here. I know it seems like a bonkers suggestion, but Carole’s nude illusion tattoo bodysuit is the perfect piece to pull out of the back of your summer closet when you want to turn heads but don’t feel like actually showing off skin. It’s colorful, it’s breathable, and it’s bound to be a conversation starter at the bar. (But if you don’t want to pay designer prices, this mesh bodysuit does the trick!)
Hannah Horvath’s Mesh Top
I said iconic, didn’t I? Hannah trading her own shirt for a mesh yellow tank while raving in the club was a cultural reset. And if you haven’t done your nostalgic Girls rewatch yet, what in the world are you waiting for?
Anything Maya Jama Wears on Love Island
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Who says a bikini can’t be an outfit? On this season of Love Island UK, Maya has given us look after look that is skimpy enough to stand out at the beach but slay enough to pull off for dinner and drinks. If you can’t afford a flight to Majorca, might as well dress like you’re there anyway. Mentally, I’m in The Villa.
Paris Hilton’s 21st Birthday Dress
Paris Hilton’s bedazzled mico dress is an oldie but a goodie. It’s shiny, it’s short AF with a slit, and it’s made of that type of fabric that reflects heat: win, win, win. There are a million dupes of the sparkly GNO-approved masterpiece on the internet to choose from so stop being poor and find one you like.
Jessica Simpson’s “Boots Are Made For Walkin'”
There is simply no one hotter than Jessica Simpson in the early 2000s, prove me wrong. Her music video was very much effortless hoedown energy and incredibly easy to assemble. All you need to do is take a pair of scissors to one of your boyfriend’s muscle tanks and that pair of denim cutoffs that were too small anyway. Slap on a chunky Western belt with cowboy boots to pull it all together.
Nia Long in Friday
90s girls are the coolest fashion-wise, and sometimes temperature wise too. Debbie’s black running set with just a hint of print makes sporty look stylish and most importantly gives you an opportunity to show off your assets. And don’t forget a pair of tiny sunglasses to avoid all the thirsty stares.
Cartoon Lizzie McGuire
Lizzie McGuire became a pop star in Italy, but her cartoon counterpart made being an outfit repeater look good first. Chunky platform flip-flops are forever in style and pink is literally everyone’s color.
