By Carly Cantor
With school ending in just a couple weeks and for some already, summer is here. Students are antsy in their classrooms, just waiting until their bus is called so they can cool off the summer heat with a popsicle. The anticipation is dreadful, and I’m feeling it too, everyday. Even now, as I am writing this, I’m simply waiting for school to end, both in general and where I am right now, class.
In school, summer is all I can think about. It’s on my mind 24/7, and that’s why I’ve decided to write this article now of all times.
In this article, I’ll be covering all things summer.
I’ll start with one of my favorite aspects of summer: Fashion. When summer fashion comes to mind, most just think of bikinis and jean shorts. And, though that is accurate, it doesn’t fully embody the word fashion. What about nighttime? What about when going out to a fancy restaurant? People don’t usually think about these scenarios, but I’m here to help. The following will consist of specific outfits for specific events, summer staples, and of course, a bikini with shorts.
1. An outfit for going out. Summer fantasies usually consist of beach days, swimming under the sun, and eating your ice cream before it melts from the heat. However, all of these can only be possible if it is daytime. The night is a large portion of the 24 hours we have in a day, and we must utilize it. When going out at night, whether it’s downtown or you already live in the city, it’s important to be dressed for the occasion. Although outfits differ from place to place, it’s important to have essentials. Some of my favorites would probably be black halter dresses, or really any LBD (little black dress) for that matter, plain white or black sneakers if you’re walking around (Converse preferably). Dresses are probably one of my favorite aspects of the whole summertime-night-out aesthetic, so having a few simple mini dresses are perfect.
2. An outfit for family outings. Going out with family is an obvious obligation for summer, but I’m afraid some just won’t be wearing their LBDs to First Watch for brunch. Instead, here’s what I would recommend: A ruffled floral dress. It can be blue, white orange, whatever color you would like, but having one on hand can be quite helpful. I have a blue one myself. Any sort of flower, fruit, or summer-type dress can be great for family events.
3. An outfit for a classy restaurant. Listen, as much as I love feeling free in my clothing, especially in the summer heat, sometimes I love to dress up just as much. Classy restaurants may be an option in the summertime since there is so much freetime you’re utilizing. It never hurts to be prepared, so here’s what I think: Any satin bodycon dress is perfect. It can be short or long, it doesn’t really matter. Personally, I have a teal one that I adore and I think would be perfect for such an occasion.
4. An outfit for a beach day. Here’s where jeans and a bikini come in. I love jean shorts, they’re cute, comfortable, and great for the heat. They’re a perfect cover up for bikini bottoms without blocking a tan. However, let’s talk tops. Personally, I’ve really been into the microtrend of crochet tops. I love greens, browns, and beiges for these. I think a pairing of jean shorts and a crochet top would be the absolute cutest thing, and I’m hoping to try the combo the next time I visit the beach. Next, I’ll simply talk about staples and essentials. This summer I would recommend buying the following items: A cap, black sunglasses, a plain, white, loose, button-up top, jean shorts, multiple cute bikinis, one LBD, one floral dress, a plain pair of sneakers, one crochet top, a stretchy, colored crop top, a plain tote bag, and a beach bag.
Fashion isn’t the only aspect of summer I’m fond of, however. The food is one of the best parts. I will now talk about my favorite summer foods and why they’re perfect for the season.
1. Watermelon. I’m sure summer in a fruit would be a watermelon. It’s refreshing, sweet, and conveniently easy to eat.
2. Strawberries. Any friend of mine knows that I’m obsessed with strawberries. They’re so versatile in how they can be eaten and there is so much you can do with them. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they taste amazing plain, too.
3. Pizza. I love hanging out with my friends during the summer, and our go-to food is almost always pizza. It’s simple and everybody loves it, so even when the heat is unbearable, pizza can never go wrong.
4. Bagels. I’m not sure if bagels can be considered a summer food, but honestly I eat them year-round, so I do. They’re such a simple yet delicious breakfast food, and let’s be honest, a bagel with a side of fruit sounds amazing at any time of day.
While eating, I have a tendency to binge my favorite shows. Entertainment with a mixture of food is the absolute best feeling. Here are my top summer favorites: show edition.
1. Stranger Things. This show is one of my favorites of all time. It has the perfect mix of action, drama, comedy, and romance while still being youthful and entertaining. Season four comes out this month right after my school ends, so I’ll most definitely be binging it.
2. The OC. I just started watching this 2000s masterpiece, but I’m loving it a lot. It’s all around summertime vibe is perfect while incorporating drama and action. I’ll be finishing it this summer for sure.
3. Gilmore Girls. Sometimes it’s important to just wind down on the couch with some ice cream and a blanket, this is the perfect show for that. It is absolutely charming and not to mention addictive. I’ve loved every episode so far and will continue to do so in the future, I’m sure.
Now, I’ve covered enough to get the point across that I’m super excited for summer, and I hope you are too. With May 26th right around the corner of next week, I’m more antsy than I have been all year. I’ve been wishing over and over again for school to end so I can get to experience the wonders of summertime: my favorite season. I hope that this article has given you some ideas on what to wear, eat, or watch this upcoming summer, and I hope you’re excited as I am.
Sincerely, your local teen talk writer, Carly Cantor