Ways to Enjoy Your Most Stylish and Rewarding Summer Ever

      I'm writing this from my desk in a bedroom in South London on a humid day, feeling the occasional breeze through my slightly open windows. Even though my deadlines are still looming, everything else seems to have come to a halt. My dog is lazily curled up at my feet, the constant buzzing of a fly fills my afternoon, and my hair is frizzing as the hours pass. All indicators suggest that summer is here. I don't know about you, but I'm resolute that this will be my best summer so far. My calendar is already packed with events, but I'm starting to contemplate the quieter days and how to fully appreciate them. It’s all too simple to feel out of rhythm when a perfect summer day arrives and you have nothing scheduled. To truly enjoy the season and emerge from it feeling satisfied, I decided to consult some of my stylish friends to see how they're planning to spend their summers, hoping their aspirations, goals, and yes, capsule wardrobes, will inspire my own. Keep reading for their tips on making this your most enjoyable and stylish summer yet.

      How the Chicest on Instagram Are Spending Their Summers

      Images: @amaka.hamelijnck

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

      What does your ideal summer day look like?

      I’m definitely a summer person; it’s my favorite season. I just returned from Mallorca with my boyfriend, where we enjoyed the perfect lazy summer days. We woke up early, had breakfast outside in the sunlight, and drove to the beach for a day of reading, sunbathing, and swimming, finishing off with my favorite summer meal, paella, in the evening. Ideally, I’d wear something airy like a linen maxi skirt over my bikini and a hat to shield me from the sun.

      What dishes do you enjoy when the weather gets warmer?

      I’m really into açaí bowls. They are fresh, healthy, and cold—just right for warm summer days. The best one I ever had was in Brazil, but I like to make them at home, topped with strawberries, blueberries, bananas, granola, and almond paste.

      Where will you be spending your summer?

      I always love visiting Spanish islands like Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza. There’s something magical about driving around and discovering small, beautiful beaches, and there's no better place to watch the sunset than on an island.

      What’s on your reading list for summer?

      I’m currently reading Citroeninkt, a beautiful autobiography by Maral Noshad Sharifi, which follows Talar as she flees Iran with her mother. Also, I have Intermezzo by Sally Rooney on my list.

      Which films, shows, or cultural moments represent summer for you?

      My favorite summer movie is Vicky Cristina Barcelona. It’s about two best friends on a summer getaway in Barcelona who meet an artist, Juan Antonio, who is drawn to both of them but struggles with his emotionally unstable ex-wife, Maria Elena. I highly recommend it!

      Are there any summer memories that you revisit each year?

      Last summer was particularly special because we celebrated my best friend Benthe’s bachelorette party with all our friends in Ibiza. It sounds cliché, but we laughed, cried, and experienced summer in a way we never had before.

      Do you have any summer traditions you carry out annually to signal the start of the season?

      The first day it’s warm enough for a BBQ in the park, I always make sure to have one with my sister and our boyfriends. I also traditionally enjoy a boat day with my close friends on the Amsterdam canals.

      What scent do you most associate with summer?

      Any floral fragrance reminds me of summer.

      Is there a song that encapsulates summer for you?

      "Kids" by MGMT.

      Is there something you’d like to try or do this summer that you haven't done before?

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

      Next up is Olivia Marcus, a content creator and fashion writer based in New York, who plans to spend her summer exploring Italy alongside a reading list I personally endorse.

      How does your perfect summer day look?

      A day at the beach (any beach works for me!) with the sun warming my skin. I’d wear J.Crew linen trousers with a Skims bikini, bring a new book, and pack a turkey sandwich on sourdough to enjoy on the beach. Those are the key ingredients for a perfect summer day.

      What meals do you turn to in warmer weather?

      I love grilling in summer and make the most of different marinades. My current favorite is a mix of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and maple syrup on grilled chicken and vegetables.

      What summer destinations do you have lined up?

      I’m on for an