HOT GIRL SUMMER GUIDE

HOT GIRL SUMMER GUIDE

words by Amiyah Golden

And while, I could gatekeep and soak up all the fun for myself, I’ll share my guide to a great summer (a hot girl summer) and if you’re reading this and you’re extremely confused why I, a Floridian would want to have a summer that’s even hotter than the one we’re currently experiencing, don’t fret as it’s just a phrase.

The phrase “hot girl summer” was coined by rapper Megan thee Stallion and has been used for the past couple summers to declare an epic season for the “hotties.”

Dictionary.com’s meme dictionary defines it as “feeling confident in who you are and having fun and looking good while doing it.”

And Megan thee Stallion defines it as “women — and men — just being unapologetically them.”

The culture defines it in numerous ways but I definitely associate it with having a fun, impenitent summer.

So here’s my guide — morning to night — to having a Hot Girl Summer in Jacksonville (and to make this clear this is for the guy’s too if you wish to indulge.)

I start by playing my song of choice for the day — “Tik Tok” by Kesha has unironically been on repeat (I don’t know what that’s about) — curate a playlist, find an anthem or continue to replay the song you’re obsessed with; whatever is going to put you in the mood to have a great day.

I believe in balance and being a hot girl comes with partying and fun, but it should also emphasize wellness.

I practice my exercise of choice which has been yoga or dance to recenter myself and become in tune with my mind and my body — and to regulate my emotions.

After, I finish my work out of the day, I prepare for one of the best parts: the outfit! Unfortunately, we live under a restaurant heat lamp – so someday’s options are few but I still make sure to wear something that I love.

You should always dress for YOU — what makes you look in the mirror and smile from ear to ear. Being a hot girl (or guy) means being confident in what you wear and whether that is 10-inch heels, jorts or your favorite two-piece set, you’d better rock it. Looking your best attributes to feeling your best and we all need all that this summer. Summer is the best time to experiment with your look or your aesthetic, but you have more flexibility in styling for the most part.

Now it’s matcha time! All hot girls have an unnecessary drink that they spend a crap ton of money on. My poison of choice is an iced matcha usually from Bold Bean but I frequent a bunch of local shops here, and truly once you’ve had locally-sourced coffee you won’t want to go back to mediocre Starbucks coffee (sorry to anyone I’ve just offended).

After my iced matcha latte with honey and vanilla I move on to my next activity since the day’s still young.

I’m an outdoor girl through and through so I usually find myself at the beach (the secluded parts that I must gatekeep) with a book, film camera and my friends. Most days I like to be alone, but I make sure that I cherish the remaining time I have with my friends before post-grad life hits. A speaker to follow the morning vibes is a must as it serves as the soundtrack to the day. My friends often take control as they don’t like my alternative music but that’s ok because we find a happy medium between us all.

After a much need roast in the sun (with sunscreen of course), we make way to the house for a nap.

OK, I know this sounds boring but trust me to keep the night going your body needs rest. Take a quick hour nap … then it’s time to get ready for the night festivities.

My friends and I share the mirror and tiny sink, swapping stories about our last outing or the fear of discovery from feral individuals. We laugh knowing it will just serve as another tale to tell the future delinquents (aka future kids.)

Choice of location is always the hardest task. For me, the beach bars have never failed me, yet with ADHD and anxiety, the allure of bar hopping captures me each time.

But if this isn’t your vibe, I have some other options for you.

My go-to used to be 1904 Music Hall for a good show, but they are a still a great location to frequent as they transformed into Ocean Street Tequila, where they host various events. I also love the Walrus in Murray Hill or 5 Points in general.

I feel my most unapologetic at the beach though where I can dance freely without judgment.

Hot Girl Summers are great with vodka Red Bulls but they’re also great sober. With the right people the freedom to explore yourself, your community and the people around you will also be unrequited.

I finish the night off at Waffle House to get my All-Star Special, where I chat with the staff, always friendly and tired.

My group of friends and I debrief about the night and share a laugh.