Yes, the “Hot Girl” Summer Style Aesthetic Is a Thing (Here’s What It Means)

Fashion is frequently informed by the arts and the artists of the moment; no trend or collection exists within a silo. How we dress is inspired by what’s happening not only in our lives but also within cultural movements of the moment (i.e., men in jewelry or the call to support AAPI-owned brands). And while there are several summer trends living in my mind rent-free, none are as particularly poignant as hot girl style. ICYMI, the colloquial term “hot girl,” was re-defined from its former negative connotation to something positive by rapper Meg Thee Stallion with her album, Tina Snow. It started as a lyric, but the phrase “hot girl” has since become a lifestyle. It’s not just about living your most bougie life but embodying self-love, a positive body image, healthy boundaries and relationships, self-actualization, and of course, sultry style choices. This movement toward more risqué outfits by celebrity style icons has inspired some of the most sizzling fashion trends. But you don’t have to take my word for it; we’ve rounded up 11 trends that we’re championed by celebrities before they became a thing. Your class syllabus for crafting a hot girl summer (at least through clothing) lies ahead.

Whether you love it or hate it, the hot girl summer style aesthetic is incomplete without some risqué style choices, and if we’re talking racy, it doesn’t get spicier than the exposed g-string. Of course, there’s a long history of this “indecent” trend being in the spotlight— Jennifer Lopez has single-handedly started and re-bought back the trend on multiple occasions—but what makes the whale-tail more wearable than ever is its embrace into high fashion over the past few years. From Hailey Bieber’s 2019 Met Gala look to designers like Dion Lee and Sandy Liang incorporating the G-string into their SS21 collections, flaunting it all is back in fashion.

Shop the trend:

Dion Lee Hosiery Teardrop Skirt in Ivory ($490)

Subsurface Hostess Pant ($205)

I.Am.Gia Valera Dress ($122)

Revice Denim Avalon / Roses ($67)

Zara Cut Out Mini Skirt ($36)

Missguided Black Faux Leather Thong Detail Slim Leg Pants ($33)

Let’s be honest: low-rise pants would never have become a thing without initially being worn by celebrities in the late ‘00s. It’s one of the most significant trends of that period and one of the most controversial, to say the least. But no matter your feelings about low-rise pants, they’ve been embraced by everyone from Normani to both Hadid sisters—frankly, we’re not mad about it. Sure, low-rise pants are racy, but since we’ve all been so cooped up, who wouldn’t want to let it all out?

Saks Potts Christina Lace-Up Leather Pants ($525)

Grlfrnd Bella Low Rise Boyfriend ($225)

Free People Marina Low Rise Stripe Pants ($128)

ASOS Low Rise Utility Flare in Stone ($40)

Nasty Gal Cloud Low Rise Straight Leg Jeans ($33)

Jordache Low Rise Skinny Jean ($17)

Nothing exudes “hot girl” energy like a corset—it gives, Angela Basset burning her cheating ex’s car in Waiting to Exhale energy or Madonna performing at her 1990 Blond Ambition tour. Of course, the garment has a long history of falling in and out of fashion. Invented in the 1500s, the undergarment was commonplace up until the beginning of the 20th century which coincided with the women’s emancipation movement. The creativity of designers like Vivienne Westwood, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Thierry Mugler reinvented the garment by making it a statement-making piece, rather than a restrictive item that physically molded the wearer to patriarchal beauty standards. The result is a staple piece in practically every modern-day icon’s wardrobe.

Laquan Smith Corset Bodysuit in Hot Orange ($515)

Miaou X Revolve Peri Corset in Dalmatian ($225)

Danielle Guizio Classic Fitted Corset in Blue ($218)

Shelter La Peek-A-Boo Top ($155)

Tobi Daizy Satin Ruched Bust Corset Top in Ivory ($35)

Missguided Olive Tie Strap Corset Top ($18)

IYKYK that Who What Wear editors live for emerging trends, and we can not stop thinking about all the various iterations of ties. From the lace-up or mid-drift flossing trend that has been on our radar for a hot minute to the more over-the-top mesh-tie pieces that make you look like you’re strapped in and drippin’, we’re all here for consensual clothing bondage. Clearly, we aren’t the only ones: everyone from Cardi B to Bella Hadid has been spotted wearing this trend, thereby making it one of the hottest looks of the summer. Strap yourselves in hotties; this is a look you can(knot) skip.

Jacquemus La Chemise Laurier ($435)

Orseund Iris Le Club cropped satin top ($330)

Musier Paris Shirt Sol (€135)

Erys Studios Tie Rope Top ($90)

Zara Tied Cropped Shirt ($40)

Cider Brown Tie Waist Trousers ($26)

Before cutouts took over the runway or our Instagram feeds, they were all over the red carpet. Who can forget when Ciara donned a sequin, cut-out Peter Dundas gown to the 2019 Met Gala? Or the jaw-breaking Valentino Haute Couture cutout gown that Zendaya wore to the 2021 Oscars? Basically, cutouts have been out here doing the work; they serve body every single time. And while we can’t all be Ciara or Zendaya, we can take a note from these daring fashion divas and be unafraid to go bold with some cutout pieces this summer.

Christopher Esber Hiero Long-Sleeve Ribbed Dress ($668)

Mirae Maggy Brodée ($455)

Cult Gaia Serita Dress Amber ($458)

Farai London Gaia Long Dress in Purple ($129)

Pretty Little Thing Plus Cream Striped Ruched Skirt Cut Out Dress ($31)

Mango Ribbed Cut-Out T-Shirt ($26)

One trend that’s been bubbling up in the Who What Wear editors’ chat and on celebrities like Dua Lipa is keyholes. Not to be confused with cut-outs, keyholes are like that Auntie that’s always doing the most, making this perfect to adopt for summer. While traditional key-hole pieces feature an open neckline or circular metal fixtures, the newest version of keyholes are these peepshow-like holes that give a whole new meaning to holding on by a thread.

Marcia Wear Tchikiboum Cocktail Dress Black Snake ($459)

Rui Official Aqua Cut-Out Tank ($372)

Kim Shui Blue Swirl Print Pant ($295)

With Jéan Lena Dress Juicy ($229)

Musier Paris Telma Top in Blue ($142)

Topshop Ribbed Keyhole Body-Conscious Dress in Black ($18)

If you’ve made it this far, then it’s clear: you’re either embracing the hot girl summer style aesthetic or sitting this one out entirely. But before you make any rash decisions, I’m here to remind you that embracing this seasonal look is all about taking what trends work for you, and how it makes you feel. Should low-rise pants or cutouts be too much for your taste, adopting something as simple as see-through fabrics this summer is a great way to embrace your inner hot girl without running wild. Of course, you can go for full sheer dresses or skirts that resemble some of the most iconic naked dress moments, or you can opt for mesh and sheer separates to add a little spice to your s
ummer wardrobe, too.

Sami Miro Vintage Asymmetric Mesh Mini Dress in Nude ($310)

Marine Serre Crescent Moon Sheer Top ($230)

Kai Collective Gaia Dress Red ($155)

Inamorata Beachwood Pant ($85)

Only Hearts Mesh Cardigan in Black ($66)

Forever 21 Sheer Floral Embroidered Dress ($24)

Although the concept of hot girl summer may be new, the trends that encapsulate the vibe are not. Take, for example, belly chains. While body jewelry in-and-of-itself is like a time machine (think back to Brittney Spe
ars’s ‘00s looks), this formerly dated trend has reclaimed the spotlight. Luxury labels like Chanel and Fendi have created stunning body and belly pieces, and celebrities like Hailey Bieber have been spotted wearing a Jacquie Aiche chain for a day by the pool is proof of the rise of belly and heck body chains of all kinds. And frankly, we can’t think of a better way to accentuate your gorgeous body by having in drip in jewels.

Fendi Lettering Logo Pendant Body Chain ($690)

Paco Rabanne Eight Chain Belt ($790)

Jordan Road Jewelry Bora Bora Body Chain ($135)

8 Other Reasons Butterfly Belly Chain in Gold ($46)

Urban Outfitters Circle Chain Belt ($14)

ASOS Layered Belly Chain With Crystal and Dot Dash in Gold Tone ($12)

Is it even summertime without a few celebrity swimsuit selfies? For real though, season after season, celebrities always champion the best swimwear trends, and this season is no different. So far we’ve seen everything from brightly hued suits (hello bubblegum pink) to metallic and embellished suits, to swimsuits with cutout details or retro prints. If that weren’t bold enough, everyone from Tracee Ellis Ross to Shay Mitchell has been spotted taking their swimwear to the next level by opting for matching separates, throwing a dramatic coat over, or even donning a belly chain. Basically, when it comes to swimwear this summer, the bolder you can go under the sun, the better.

Nana Jacqueline Eden Diamond Strap Bikini ($258)

Cin Cin ‘Oasis’ Pants Azur ($255)

Frankies Bikinis Cove Terry Top in Flowerchild ($90)

Mai Mia Cut Out String Kini Top Leopard ($89)

Good American Swirl Mesh Flare Pant ($79)

Elise x Elisia Mona One-Piece ($85)

After a year of sweatpants and house slippers, there was bound to be a resurgence of raunchy trends—it’s inevitable. But no matter who you are or how you feel about hot-girl summer, the one trend almost everyone can get behind is revenge heels. While the idea of revenge heels (meaning heels that are doing the most, in the best possible way) is new, this is a trend that’s long been championed by everyone from Rihanna to Megan Fox. It is this embrace of heels in fun neon hues, with platforms, PVC materials, sparkly details, or lace-up straps that make the idea of slipping into a pair of heels a little less painful.

Les Petits Joueurs Taya Crystal ($590)

Chelsea Paris Ace Sandals ($325)

Larroude Chiara Sandal in Multicolor Metallic Leather ($350)

Jeffrey Campbell Primadonna Platform Sandal in Black ($140)

Steve Madden Uplift Pink ($110)

Aldo Gianina Bright Green Block Heel ($90)

Call it cliché, but you can’t nail the hot girl summer style aesthetic without injecting a little pink into the mix (bonus points if it’s sparkly). While bubblegum pink dominated the SS21 runways and has become both an editor and crowd favorite, it’s also a hue that takes up space on the red carpet and on-screen—think of our favorite film protagonists (Elle Woods of Legally Blonde of Regina George of Mean Girls) entire style aesthetic centers this color. It is the original hot girl color in a way. And while pink in all its hues plays a role in shaping this signature style aesthetic, it’s far more than that. This color and really all about having the individual reclaim the meaning behind these trends are all about reclaiming the meaning behind clothing to empower ourselves—much like the hot girl style aesthetic itself.


From OG hot girl icons (hello ‘Lil Kim and J.LO) to rising stars (looking at you Saweetie and Lizzo), women of all ages, shapes, and sizes have discovered what it means to be a “hot girl.” Sure, wearing cutouts and pink is part of it, but it’s also all about not letting anyone tell you how you should feel about yourself, how to dress, or how to live your best life. Doing the most and enjoying who you are in this moment is what hot girl summer (and style) is all about.

Amina Muaddi Rosie Crystal-Buckle Lenticular-Acetate Pumps ($1115)

Moschino Metallic Triangle Bikini Top ($120)

Cheyenne Kimora 2a Maroon You Are Adorned Durag ($195)

Ciriaco Hot ‘ashley Minimalist’ Baguette ($165)

Ray-Ban Metal Aviator Sunglasses With Evolve Lenses ($159)

The Reformation Brant Dress ($148)

Next: The Summer 2021 Starter Pack: Every Cool Trend, Period

This article originally appeared on Who What Wear

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