How to Achieve Your Most Stylish and Rewarding Summer Ever

      I'm writing this from my desk in my South London bedroom on a humid day, allowing a few gentle breezes to slip through my barely open windows. Even though my deadlines are still looming, everything else seems to have slowed down. My dog is sprawled comfortably at my feet, the drone of a fly provides an afternoon soundtrack, and my hair becomes frizzier as time passes. All indications suggest that summer is finally here. I'm not sure about you, but I'm resolved to make this my best summer ever. My calendar is already packed with activities, but I find myself pondering the quieter days and ultimately how to fully embrace them. It’s all too simple to feel out of sync when the ideal summer day arrives and your schedule is empty. Eager to truly maximize the season and emerge feeling satisfied, I reached out to some of my stylish friends to discover how they plan to spend their summers, hoping that their aspirations, plans, and, of course, capsule wardrobes, will motivate me. Keep reading for their thoughts on how to turn this into your most enjoyable and stylish summer yet.

      **How Instagram's Stylish Individuals Are Enjoying Their Summers**

      **Images: @amaka.hamelijnck**

      Content creator Amaka Hamelijnck from Amsterdam enjoys her favorite season hopping around European cities with friends and family.

      What does your ideal summer day look like?

      I thrive in summer—it’s my favorite season. I just returned from Mallorca with my boyfriend, where we indulged in blissful lazy summer days. We woke up early, had breakfast outside in the sun, then headed to the beach for a day of reading, sunbathing, and swimming, concluding with my favorite summer meal, paella, in the evening. I typically wear something light like a linen maxi skirt, a blouse over my bikini, and a hat to shield from the sun.

      What dishes do you like to cook when the weather heats up?

      I'm obsessed with açaí bowls—they're refreshing, healthy, and cold, perfect for warm summer days. The best I've had was in Brazil, but I love making them at home topped with strawberries, blueberries, bananas, granola, and almond paste.

      Where will you be this summer?

      I always enjoy visiting the Spanish Islands like Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza. There’s something unique about driving around and discovering hidden, beautiful beaches, and there's no place like an island to watch the sunset.

      What’s on your summer reading agenda?

      I'm currently engrossed in *Citroeninkt*, a beautiful autobiography by Maral Noshad Sharifi, which tells the story of Talar, who escapes Iran with her mother to Moerkapelle. Also, I want to read *Intermezzo* by Sally Rooney.

      What movies, TV shows or cultural moments evoke summer for you?

      My favorite summer film is *Vicky Cristina Barcelona*, about two friends on a summer trip to Barcelona who become involved with an artist named Juan Antonio, who is drawn to both of them while being unable to let go of his unstable ex-wife, Maria Elena. I highly recommend it!

      Are there any summer memories that you cherish and revisit each year?

      Last summer was special as we celebrated my best friend Benthe’s bachelorette party on Ibiza. It was cliché, but we laughed and cried, and experienced summer like never before.

      Do you have any yearly summer traditions to welcome the season?

      The first warm day that’s suitable for a BBQ in the park, I always have one with my sister and our boyfriends. Another must-do for me is a boat day with my best friends on the Amsterdam canals.

      What scent do you most associate with summer?

      Any floral scent.

      Is there a song that encapsulates summer for you?

      "Kids" by MGMT.

      Is there something you’d like to try this summer for the first time?

      I would love to go on a road trip now that I finally have my driving license!

      **Shop Amaka Hamelijnck's Summer Wishlist**:

      - Sézane Justine Basket Bag

      - Reina Olga Hammond Bikini Top

      **Images: @oliviamarcus**

      Olivia Marcus, a content creator and writer in fashion and lifestyle based in New York, plans to spend her summer traveling through Italy with a reading list I fully endorse.

      What does your ideal summer day look like?

      A perfect beach day (any beach will do!) with the sun on my skin. I’d have J.Crew linen trousers, a Skims bikini, a captivating book, and a turkey sandwich on sourdough for a beach meal. Those are the ingredients for my ideal summer day.

      What meals do you prepare when it warms up?

      I enjoy anything grilled and use summer as an opportunity to explore different marinades. My current favorite combines ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and maple syrup on grilled chicken and vegetables.

      Where will you spend your summer?

      I'm having an Italian summer! I have three trips scheduled to Italy for work