38 Feminine Ways To Romanticize Summer
Summer is nostalgia’s favorite season. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, it’s hard to avoid falling into the “school’s out” mentality. The sun is shining, the beach is calling, and everyone is suddenly much more concerned with relaxing and making memories than they are with hitting quarterly KPIs.
If you’re like me, you can’t go on social media without seeing an onslaught of “'90’s-inspired summer” content. It’s a noticeable, rising lifestyle trend with one clear takeaway: Many of us are longing for the screen-free, community-oriented, don’t-come-inside-until-the-streetlights-are-on summer experience of generations past. While time travel is still, sadly, not an available option, I believe romanticizing can help us reclaim that '90s experience by helping us make the most of everyday routines. It encourages us to prioritize simplicity and authenticity, and helps us create glimmers.
As the long days and warm weather beckon us to relive the glory days of our youth, use these ideas to romanticize summer and create memories that will stay rooted in your mind long after the autumn winds begin to blow.
38 Ways to Romanticize Summer
Take a Walk on the Beach
If you’re lucky enough to touch sand this summer, maximize the experience with a seaside stroll. Breathe deeply and keep your eyes on the waves. Look for wildlife, chase sunsets, be present.
Read a Beach Book (or Ten)
It’s officially beach (book) season! Some of my personal favorites include “The Hotel Nantucket” by Elin Hilderbrand and “Every Summer After” by Carley Fortune. If modern literature isn’t your thing though, the classics also make excellent beach reads.
Try a New Cold Coffee
It’s easy to fall into a beverage routine. Change up your typical coffee shop order by sipping a seasonal offering or trying something you wouldn’t typically reach for. ‘Tis the season for fresh cold brews, inspired cold foams, and flavorful iced lattes.
Swap Your Jeans For Dresses, Shorts, and Linen Pants
Free yourself from sweltering denim jeans. Reach instead for breezy sundresses, soft shorts, or—if you really require full leg coverage—linen pants.
Abercrombie & Fitch Short-Sleeve Collared Mini Dress, $100
Host or Attend a BBQ
Summer is the best time of year to enjoy an outdoor shindig. Fire up the grill, make a summer playlist, and dust off the yard games sitting in your garage. Keep it simple. Aesthetic decor is cute and can prove to be a fun crafting activity, but don’t put pressure on yourself to make everything Pinterest-worthy. Not everyone will remember what centerpiece you put on your patio table, but they will remember if they had a good time.
Make a Summer Bucket List
If you have kids, you can make this a family activity. Just be sure to treat the list as a source of inspiration, not a personal assignment. It’s okay if you don’t get to everything on the list—the fun is in dreaming about the summer months ahead and cherry-picking activities as you have the time to do them.
Wear Jewelry Inspired by the Sea
There’s a really fun contrast that comes with combining casual, pared-down outfits with whimsical jewelry. Think pearls and mermaid-esque charms. Perfect for a seaside state of mind, even when the sea is nowhere in sight.
Baublebar Kara Shell Charm Necklace, $58
Madewell Semiprecious Beaded Carabiner Charm Necklace, $65
Eat Fresh Food
Ditch freezer meals and fast food and opt for simple, fresh meals instead. Salads with lean protein, grilled seasonal vegetables, or light pasta dishes. Keeping it light and in-season can help you feel your best (i.e., ready to don a bathing suit) and also help you avoid racking up unnecessary grocery bills.
Watch Fireworks
You’re never too old to enjoy the simple wonder of fireworks. Just be sure to put the phone down; your Instagram followers don’t need another blurry firework photo on their feed. It’s much more rewarding to live in the moment.
Swap Sneakers for Boat Shoes
Embrace your inner coastal grandma and trade sneakers for boat shoes. They’re comfortable, go with almost everything, and make every outfit feel like the epitome of peak summer.
Sperry Authentic Original™ 2 Eye Boat Shoe, $100
Sperry Authentic Original™ 1 Eye Boat Shoe, $115
Take It a Step Further and Become a Full-Fledged Coastal Grandma
Why stop at boat shoes? Adopt the coastal grandma lifestyle for an East Coast-coded summer. Think casual elevated outfits, afternoons in the garden, and evenings spent enjoying Pinot Grigio and a good book.
Roller Rabbit x Hill House Scarlett Midi Nap Dress, $228
Girl Dangerous Nantucket Sweatshirt, $88
Pick Lavender
My in-laws own a lavender farm. As a frequent visitor, I can attest you haven’t truly lived until you’ve walked through a blossoming field on a peak-season July day. Visit a field if you have the opportunity, and pick stems to add a lovely natural aroma to your home. Bonus: Dried buds can be reused in romantic craft activities (think sugar scrubs and sachets).
Go Swimming
And don’t for one second worry if your hair gets wet.
Leave Your Phone Inside and Stargaze
When was the last time you really looked up and enjoyed the night sky? Make it a summertime habit for a routine that will leave you feeling grounded and wonder-filled before hitting the sheets.
Invest in an Everyday Pair of Sandals
Summer fashion doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it’s more enjoyable when it’s not. Treat yourself to one stellar pair of comfortable, match-with-everything sandals and reach for them daily.
Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle, $130
Archies Tan Arch Support Flip Flops, $40
Eat Meals Outside
Dining al fresco can elevate an everyday meal. Whether it’s enjoying your egg sandwich on a coffee shop patio, a picnic lunch in the park, or a luxurious dinner out, make a point to enjoy a few meals outdoors every week.
Visit a Farmers’ Market
If you’re in the mood for a casual outing that will leave you feeling one with the local community, there’s nothing better than a sunny stroll through the farmers' market. Pick a seasonally inspired recipe before you head out and enjoy shopping fresh, local products. Wearing a cute sundress is optional, but encouraged.
Take Photos With an Actual Camera
Digital, Polaroid, screen-free. Whatever you do, just opt for a device that isn’t your phone. Phone-less photography is more intentional, inspiring, and doesn’t come with the risk of a 20-minute doomscroll session.
35mm Co. The Reloader Reusable Film Camera, $129
Work Outside, If You Can
If you work from home, take advantage and bring your laptop outside for an hour or two. If you work in an office, follow a similar suit and make use of outdoor workspaces.
Prioritize Your Skincare
Encourage your natural summer glow by making skincare a priority. Keep it simple with quality sunscreen and a nightly swath of moisturizer.
Mama Sol FACEBRELLA™ 100% Mineral Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30, $48
Summer Fridays Rich Cushion Cream Ultra Plumping Moisturizer, $45
Wear Cowboy Boots
Lean into Americana with a pair of feminine cowgirl boots. Style them with dresses, denim skirts, or a cute pair of gingham shorts.
Tecovas The Annie Eyelet, $445
Ivy City Co. Rosemary Cowgirl Boots, $248
Skip The Hair Dryer
Give yourself permission to adopt a low-maintenance beauty routine. Natural hair pairs well with effortless sundresses and beach day fits. Spritz with sea salt spray for a little extra texture and volume.
Attend an Outdoor Play or Musical
Even if you’re not a big theatergoer, you may be surprised by how much you enjoy watching a show outdoors. It’s fun and instills a sense of community. Elevate the experience with a cute picnic blanket and charcuterie.
Trade Your Tote Bag for a Basket
I love a good suede or leather tote more than your average gal. But during the summer months, there’s just something so romantic and right about swapping your typical carry-all with a chic basket. They’re feminine, romantic, and versatile. I own several Sézane baskets, and they are some of my most-loved accessories.
Sézane June Basket Raffia with Embroidered Flowers, $215
Sézane Justine Maxi Basket Bag Raffia, $390
Tour a Lighthouse
If you find yourself on the coast, fully optimize the experience with a lighthouse visit. Read up on the monument’s history and climb to the top if you’re able.
Arrange a Cut Flower Bouquet
Take a stroll down the flower aisle at the grocery store, pick up blooms at the farmers’ market, or even cut your own stems at a flower farm. Have fun arranging your selects in the prettiest vessel you own.
Go Out for Ice Cream
And order all the toppings.
Simplify Your Makeup Routine
Leave your foundation on spring’s doorstep. Scale back and challenge yourself to use only a handful of products to highlight your summer glow. Swipe on some mascara and hydrating lipstick and call it a day.
Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash™ Volumizer Mascara, $26
Violette FR Sheer Lip Shine Bisou Jelly, $30
Make a Homemade Sugar Scrub
Low-cost, minimal time commitment. A craft for even the least crafty among us. Try this recipe.
Block Social Media Apps
Stop making empty promises to yourself about using your phone less. Radically reduce your screen time by blocking social media apps or—if you’re really feeling the need to untether—remove them from your phone entirely.
Keep a Travel Journal
If you have a trip planned this summer, don’t forget to pack a notebook. Set time aside each day to document your adventures. Note your favorite experiences, shops, and eats. And don’t forget to leave helpful tips for your future self, should you return to the destination again.
Duncan & Stone Paper Co. Travel Journal Book, $26
Papier Coral Reef Travel Journal, $38
Wear Gingham
Gingham will always be summer’s favorite print. Fully embrace it with printed boxer shorts or a seasonal dress. You can also accent your favorite neutrals with gingham accessories, such as a baseball cap or hair bow.
Ivy City Co. Rayna Dress in Red Gingham, $148
Catch Fireflies (Or Just Enjoy Watching Them)
Stop doomscrolling and take in your surroundings. You may not have the opportunity to see fireflies this summer, but be sure you don’t miss them because you were staring at your phone.
Set One Big Goal
As a kid, I remember feeling like the summer was endless. I was often quick to give myself a goal. “This will be the summer I learn how to do a cartwheel,” or “This summer I will be in a musical.” Adopt that endless possibility mindset and try something new. While this might sound like work, it can give you a sense of hope and inspiration as you have something to aspire to. Read classic novels. Try that hobby you’ve been putting on the back burner. You never know what you might accomplish in just a few short months.
Make Lemonade
And I’m not talking about the powdered stuff. An ice-cold glass of homemade lemonade is about as nostalgic as it gets. I personally love this recipe.
Run Through a Sprinkler
If there’s one activity that can help you get out of your own head and take yourself less seriously, it’s running through a sprinkler or mister. Kick off your flip-flops and let loose.
Have a Bonfire
Grab a cozy lounge set and don’t forget the s’more supplies.
Etsy Custom Wooden Smores Caddy, $42
Hudson Valley Vanilla Bean Marshmallows, $6
Elevate Your Hydration
If you have to hydrate (and you should), make it more fun with a favorite summer water bottle, electrolytes, or by infusing your water with fresh fruit.
Summer has a habit of disappearing in the blink of an eye. Being more intentional with your daily routine and leaning into nostalgic, feminine activities along the way can help it feel a little bit longer.