Yes, Hot Girl Summer Is for You, Too

Whether you’re a Megan Thee Stallion superfan or just anywhere on the internet, you’ve probably heard the phrase "hot girl summer" floating around. While the origins of this phrase date to a 2019 song of the same name, there’s been a resurgence in its popularity as summer 2021 gets into full swing, and rightfully so; we’ve all been inside for more than a year, and it only seems fair to head outside with a bang.

But what exactly does "hot girl summer" mean?

Essentially, it’s a movement encouraging people to live their best life boldly and without fear. How you wish to apply the sentiment to your life is your decision and could mean playing the field all summer as Megan says ("Got a whole lot of options 'cause you know a bitch poppin") or it could mean going after a bucket list of fun activities with your friends or on your own. The point is to live confidently.

Being hot is a state of mind

You may be thinking, "What if I’m not hot?" and recounting your every insecurity: don't. Having a fit body or a perfect complexion are not requirements for participation. It’s the opposite of flawlessness—it’s taking ownership of what you’ve been taught to recognize as imperfections and instead championing them.

Confidence is sexy. In a 2013 study published in Evolutionary Psychology, researchers found that our own perceived attractiveness predicts romantic self-confidence. If you believe you’re hot, regardless of societal standards, you’re likely to express this confidence in dating, potentially attracting exactly who you want to attract.

While having confidence can be an uphill battle against years of social conditioning, it can be done. For example, if you find yourself looking in a mirror, for every one negative thing that voice in your head says, make yourself say three positive things. This, of course, isn’t a magic quick fix, but orienting your mind to be your biggest advocate can help.

New style, new you

Another tool to help you feel like your best self is to find outfits or accessories that make you feel great. If your style has shifted largely to leggings and loungewear this past year, you now have the perfect excuse to press purchase on your long-awaited online shopping cart.

However, you don’t have to spend a fortune to look and feel good—go through all those clothes that have been sitting in the back of your closet and put together new looks. Thrift stores, clothing swaps with your friends or bargain bin hunting are sustainable and economical options as well.

When you piece these new outfits together, choose options on the edge of your comfort zone. Whatever you want, put it on. Get the edgy haircut you’ve been thinking about during the pandemic. If it makes you feel good, do it. If not now, to celebrate and commemorate the end of a traumatic period of our collective lives, then when?

Put it all together and play the field

If you’re following the gospel of Megan Thee Stallion to the letter, then you’re likely interested in getting back to or starting your dating life this summer—and why shouldn’t you? We’ve all been isolated for the past year, so if you crave new experiences with new people, you’re not alone. Download the dating apps, swipe to your heart’s content and find your summer fling(s).

You don’t have to restrict your pool of potential matches to just online. Take that newfound boldness and talk to that cutie in the grocery store or have your friends set you up with someone new. Dating can allow you to frequent those places in town you’ve missed or you’ve been itching to try.

Stay safe and be positive

Though warmer temperatures and widespread vaccination help us gather without a heightened chance of COVID-19 exposure, of course, still heed CDC guidelines and advice from your health professionals.

While you may be vaccinated against COVID-19, if you’re dating around, make sure you’re following safe sex practices to prevent the spread of STIs. Use protection correctly and get screened for STIs every time you have sex with a new partner.

Having a hot girl summer is in your reach, so celebrate yourself, have fun and uplift others to do the same.