The phrase “hot girl summer” originated from Megan Thee Stallion who defined it as “just being you, just having fun. It’s turning up, driving the boat and not giving a damn about what nobody’s saying.” The phrase is supposed to symbolize feeling confident in who you are, having fun, and looking good while doing it. But lately, I’ve noticed that “hot girl summer” has been used to imply that women must be a certain size or shape in order to be considered a “hot” girl. This belief takes away from the original meaning and creates a culture of exclusivity and othering.
To reclaim what “hot girl summer” should be about and bring it back to its origins, I challenged some of the women in my life that I believe truly embodies beauty, grace, empowerment, and badassery, to send me a photo in an outfit that make them feel authentically themselves. I’ve also asked them to define what “hot girl summer” means. For that, I want to first and foremost, thank all of the uplifting women that agreed to take part in this challenge. It means a lot to me knowing they’ve taken the time and energy to support my blog and mission. Now, let’s get started!
Hamy Huỳnh
What does “hot girl summer” mean to you?
“Hot Girl Summer” means being kind, authentic, and happy. It’s about being on your journey toward healing and growth while not letting anyone else define your self worth.
What are you wearing? My matching floral pants and halter set are from Shein, black kitten heels are from Depop. sunglasses are from Target, and confidence is from my mama.
Instagram handle: @iamhamyhuynh
Photo credits: Allison Pham
Tiffany Nguyễn
What does “hot girl summer” mean to you?
Being the most confident ‘you’ you can be. Essentially working on yourself for no one else but you.
What are you wearing? The white linen blazer is from H&M, the black mock neck crop is from H&M, the skirt is from Quince, my purse is Coach, and my shoes are from Nordstrom.
Instagram handle: @tea.fny
Photo credits: Leena Yang
Jayda Hill
What does “hot girl summer” mean to you?
“Hot Girl Summer” is for everybody no matter your relationship status. It’s about embracing who you are and living your best authentic life.
What are you wearing? My pants are from Dillard’s, top is H&M, purse is from Target, and shoes are Steve Madden.
Instagram handle: @jaydalauryn, @theadhustler
Photo credits: N/A
Cindy Tran
What does “hot girl summer” mean to you?
To me, “Hot Girl Summer” means dressing in a way that represents your style and how you feel! I embody it by feeling confident in outfits that define me!
What are you wearing? Top: Shein Skirt: Pacsun Bag: Tom and Deen
Instagram handle: @itmecindyt
Photo credits: Hong An Nguyen @ngynxhngn
Hong An Nguyễn
What does “hot girl summer” mean to you?
Doing whatever you want as long as you feel and look confident and not giving a shit about what others think. I embody it by dressing up for myself and not for others. A “Hong An fit” always has to include some sort of bra/bralette, a blazer and a leather piece. I love looking good for myself.
What are you wearing? Blazer is from Zara, bra is from Target, shorts are from Aritzia and boots are from Macy’s.
Instagram handle: @ngynxhngn
Photo credits: N/A
Myka Khang
What does “hot girl summer” mean to you?
“Hot Girl Summer” is about being unapologetically me, not giving a damn what anyone thinks. Embracing every part of me and not being afraid to break “norms”. A movement in which lets us girls embrace our sexuality. For too long have we been put into this bubble in which we are shamed/judged for the way we look, speak, present ourselves, etc. Time to fuck it up (hehe).
What are you wearing? Two-piece blue skirt and halter top from Shein. Earrings, bracelets, from Shein. Black block heels & rings from Forever21.
Instagram handle: @mykaalter
Photo credits: Just me and my iPhone
Vivian Tran
What does “hot girl summer” mean to you?
To me, “Hot Girl Summer” means being unapologetically yourself and knowing you are the Baddest B around. I embody this by doing what I want, wearing what I want, and eating what I want, without a care for others’ negative opinions!
What are you wearing? Empyre Miller Red Rimless Sunglasses from Zumiez, Out From Under Mesh Bustier from Urban Outfitters. Checked Short Skirt from H&M, Ema High Block Heel Pumps from A New Day™ (Target), and Fendi Brown Zucca Canvas Baguette (Mom’s Closet) but can be found here
Instagram handle: Main: @vivian_tran, Photography: @vivsualz
Photo credits: Peng Yang, @py_portraits
Fowzi Abdulle
What does “hot girl summer” mean to you?
“Hot Girl Summer” is a mood to me! The way I embody it is through laughter/smiles and enjoying new experiences with my people. It’s also all about colorful dresses/outfits and sunglasses for the outer piece of this mood!
What are you wearing? A blue dress and multi-color lightweight cardigan, both from Lane Bryant. Head scarf is from the Somalia mall. Jewelry and black flats from Target.
Instagram handle: @fowziabdulle
Photo credits: N/A
Brenda Khang
What does “hot girl summer” mean to you?
This phrase comes with a set of stereotypical connotations that pressures women to fit into the standard of beauty that society has created. But to me, it means being unapologetically yourself & the bad bihh that you really are! Every woman should be able to feel beautiful during the summer regardless of her size, skin tone, sexual preference, etc! If she’s happy doing what she’s doing and wearing what she’s wearing, then that’s a “HOT GIRL SUMMER” right there ✨
What are you wearing? Red front-tie blouse is from Shein and jeans are from Boohoo
Instagram handle: @brendaakhang
Photo credits: N/A
Choua Lee
What does “hot girl summer” mean to you?
“Hot Girl Summer” is living your best life & feeling confident in who you are! It’s not pressuring yourself to keep up with fashion trends or someone’s definition of body goals. It’s loving every part of you and truly embracing it even more during the hot summers ☀️ I’m no fashionista, but I know what works for my body and what makes me feel gooood! I hope my definition reminds you all that you can still feel hot this summer in simple casual wear 😊
What are you wearing? My blue lightweight button up is from Charlotte Russe, the black dress is from H&M, my sandals are from Target, and the smartwatch is from Samsung.
Instagram handle: @chhheeewwwa
Photo credits: N/A
Anchisa Pipatpinyopong
What does “hot girl summer” mean to you?
“Hot Girl Summer” personally means doing what I enjoy and having fun with people I love! I enjoy spending a lot of time outside walking/running/biking/playing tennis/etc. and I feel more empowered to wear whatever I want to wear to feel good over the years. People will judge or be creepy whatever I do/wear anyway, so might as well just be myself.
What are you wearing? I’m wearing the Align Top from Lululemon, a Nike tennis skirt, Adidas shoes, Apolla compression socks, Gucci sunglasses, and a Lululemon belt bag.
Instagram Handle: @anchisa15
Photo credits: N/A
Jacqueline Nguyễn
What does “hot girl summer” mean to you?
For me, “Hot Girl Summer” is about being outdoors and looking hot while enjoy the sun. I embody it by being myself and being active outside.
What are you wearing? My top is from Target, shorts are from Cotton On, and shoes are Nike AF1’s.
Instagram Handle: @jacque1623 is personal and @jadedmpls is business
Photo credits: Derek Madderom @derekmadderom21
Emma Traun
What does “hot girl summer” mean to you?
“Hot Girl Summer” is about being whoever the f*ck you want to be, regardless of who’s watching. I embody this by wearing outfits out of my comfort zone to encourage radical self-love.
What are you wearing? This Hermès scarf was passed down to me, the jean shorts are from Goodwill, and the purse is Fashion Nova. Hair credits to @madystyles_ and eyebrows done by @joatjett.
Instagram Handle: @emmatraun
Photo credits: N/A
Kim Chungong
What does “hot girl summer” mean to you?
Having confidence in yourself and having the best time with your friends!
What are you wearing? I got this sundress from Ross Dress for Less and the jewelry I’m wearing I got from a family trip to Cameroon in West Africa
Instagram Handle: @kimbo1222 is personal and @chungongcreations is my art account
Photo credits: N/A
Mai-Linh Nguyễn
What does “hot girl summer” mean to you?
Being present with yourself. Knowing that you can glow with the flow. My fit is pretty simple. I want people to know that “hot girl summer” doesn’t always mean it needs to be out there. As long as you feel good, that’s all that matters.
What are you wearing? My top is from Forever 21, the cardigan and bag and both hand-me-downs from my mom, my bottoms were thrifted, and shoes are from Reebok.
Instagram Handle: @mmaaii_lliinnhh
Photo credits: N/A
Allison Pham
What does “hot girl summer” mean to you?
“Hot Girl Summer” means you are confident, unapologetically you, and really, the baddest B to ever exist. I embody it by doing me and knowing what I want!
What are you wearing? Everything I’m wearing is thrifted. The white lacy top is from Yesstyle.
Instagram Handle: @Allison.Pham
Photo credits: Hamy for being my hype-woman and taking this picture for me ❤️
Tina Nguyễn
What does “hot girl summer” mean to you?
“Hot Girl Summer” means owning ALL of you: your curves, your imperfections, EVERYTHING. This fearlessness is the very idea of Hot Girl Summer—because feeling good is looking good.
What are you wearing? Jewelry is from H&M, top is thrifted, bottoms are from Nasty Gal, shoes are Steve Madden, and purse is from Marshall’s
Instagram Handle: @nguyen.tina
Photo credits: Ryan Nguyen @ryan.sang.nguyen
June Yang
What does “hot girl summer” mean to you?
“Hot Girl Summer” means living your truth and having fun. Life’s too short to take yourself too seriously! When you embrace who you are and who you’re meant to be, good things will follow ✨
What are you wearing? My beach outfit consists of a Wild Fable oversized denim jacket, Summersalt swimsuit, Hippie Laundry overalls, and Steve Madden sandals.
Instagram Handle: @june_and_chris
Photo credits: Chris V.
Jem Akhimien
What does “hot girl summer” mean to you?
A fun-filled summer where I feel unapologetically myself.
What are you wearing? Jeans are from PrettyLittleThing and top is custom made by @house_of_josephine_couture
Instagram Handle: @Jaaymie_paul
Photo credits: @gramley.photography
I really hope most of you were able to gain something positive from reading this blog post. It’s truly intended to challenge the belief that women need to look and act a certain way to fit society’s unrealistic standards. We’re women of all different shapes, sizes, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and backgrounds, but we’re ALL fucking hot as hell. As many of the women featured said, live and dress for yourself, be unapologetic, and don’t give a damn about what anyone else says.
The Clothing Statement 