How to Enjoy Your Most Stylish and Satisfying Summer Ever

      I’m composing this from my desk in my South London bedroom on a humid day, feeling the occasional breeze through my slightly open windows. Even though my deadlines remain, everything else feels paused. My dog is sprawled lazily at my feet, a fly buzzes as the soundtrack to my afternoon, and my hair frizzes as the hours drag on. It’s clear that summer is on its way. I’m unsure about others, but I'm resolved that this summer will be my best one yet. My schedule is already filled with plans, but my thoughts are shifting to the quieter days ahead and how I can fully savor them. It’s all too easy to feel out of rhythm when a perfect summer day arrives and you lack any plans. To truly embrace the season and feel fulfilled, I’ve decided to reach out to some stylish friends to learn how they're planning to spend their summers, hoping their aspirations and capsule wardrobes will inspire me as well. Read on for their advice on how to create your most enjoyable and fashionable summer yet.

      **How Instagram's Chicest People Are Spending Their Summers**

      Images: @amaka.hamelijnck

      Amaka Hamelijnck, a content creator based in Amsterdam, enjoys her favorite season by traveling between various European cities with friends and family.

      **What does your ideal summer day look like?**

      I’m truly a summer enthusiast—it's my favorite season. I just returned from Mallorca with my boyfriend, where we experienced the ultimate slow summer days. We woke up early, enjoyed breakfast outside in the sun, and spent our days at the beach reading, tanning, and swimming, wrapping up with my favorite summer meal, paella, in the evening. Ideally, I’d be wearing something airy like a linen maxi skirt, with a top over my bikini and a hat for sun protection.

      **What recipes do you enjoy when the weather is warm?**

      I’m really into açaí bowls. They’re refreshing, healthy, and cold—perfect for warm summer days. The best ones I've had were in Brazil, but I like making them at home, topped with strawberries, blueberries, bananas, granola, and almond paste.

      **Where do you plan to spend your summer?**

      I always love heading to Spanish islands like Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza. There’s something magical about exploring tiny, beautiful beaches, and there’s no better spot to watch the sunset than on an island.

      **What’s on your summer reading list?**

      Currently, I’m reading "Citroeninkt," a beautiful autobiography by Maral Noshad Sharifi. It tells the story of Talar, who escapes from Iran to Moerkapelle with her mother. I also want to dive into "Intermezzo" by Sally Rooney.

      **Which films, TV shows, or cultural moments resonate with summer for you?**

      My favorite summer movie is "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," focusing on two friends vacationing in Barcelona, where they encounter an artist, Juan Antonio, who is drawn to both but can’t let go of his unstable ex-wife, Maria Elena. I highly recommend it!

      **Are there any summer memories you revisit each year?**

      Last summer was special as we celebrated my best friend Benthe's bachelorette party with all our friends in Ibiza. It’s cliché, but we laughed, cried, and truly enjoyed summer like never before.

      **Do you have any annual summer traditions?**

      The first warm day perfect for a BBQ in the park, I always have one with my sister and our partners. Another tradition is having a boat day with my best friends on the Amsterdam canals.

      **Which scent reminds you of summer?**

      Any floral fragrance.

      **What song epitomizes summer for you?**

      "Kids" by MGMT.

      **Is there something new you want to try this summer?**

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

      **Shop Amaka Hamelijnck's Summer Wish List:**

      - Sézane Justine Basket Bag

      - Reina Olga Hammond Bikini Top

      Images: @oliviamarcus

      Olivia Marcus, a content creator and fashion writer in New York, is exploring Italy this summer, following a reading list I personally endorse.

      **What does your perfect summer day look like?**

      A day at any beach with the sun warming my skin. I’d wear J.Crew linen trousers, a Skims bikini, have a new book, and enjoy a turkey sandwich on sourdough while relaxing on the sand. That’s the recipe for my perfect summer day.

      **What recipes do you turn to once the weather warms?**

      I enjoy grilling anything and experimenting with different marinades. Currently, my favorite is a mixture of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and maple syrup on grilled chicken and vegetables.

      **Where will you spend your summer?**

      I’m having an Italian summer