The Summer Struggle

Tips to stay confident and comfortable all summer long.

Let's be honest. I think most of us can admit that there's an unspoken pressure to look our best when summer comes around. For some, this feeling begins as early January 1st, when we sit down to write our New Year's resolutions. The goal reading something like, "Get in shape before having to wear a bathing suit out in public." It may sound vain, but it's valid. As the weather heats up, our wardrobe obviously changes. The shorts, tank tops, and bikinis come out, leaving us feeling more exposed. Suddenly we begin to worry if our legs are shaved.

Personally, I have very irish skin. Unlike others, I don't have the luxury of accumulating a natural bronzed tan. Growing up I always envied the girls who didn't have to use self tanner all year round, or had to constantly worry about applying sunscreen like I did. However, I've come to realize that you don't need to have perfectly tanned, sunkissed, glowy skin to feel confident.

Confidence in the summer doesn’t have to come from having the “perfect” look—it can come from small, intentional choices that make you feel good. Whether it’s what you wear, how you care for your skin, or how you show up in social situations, little changes can make a big difference. There are simple, small steps you can take to just give you that little extra boost.

1. Wear What Feels Good, Not Just What's Trending This Season

Summer fashion usually entails showing quite a lot of skin. The skimpy bikinis, mini skirts, sheer cover-ups, and tini crop tops can certainly feel intimidating. But here's one thing i've learned: if you don't feel good in it, it's not worth it. There’s nothing worse than spending a whole day at the beach fixing your swimsuit or over analyzing how you look from every angle. My advice? Take the time to figure out what types of clothes make you feel the best. You'll soon realize that you'll naturally become more comfortable and confident as you cater to your body type. There’s nothing wrong with opting for an outfit that gives you more coverage instead of trying to cater to the “hot girl” look on TikTok. Really take the time to figure out what types and fits of clothes look the most flattering on you, and in turn you'll feel more confident inside and out.

2. Your Day Doesn’t Need a Highlight Reel

There is something about summer that makes it feel like everything needs to be documented. It's this unspoken pressure of using every free moment you have to soak up the nice weather. How dare you skip out on a beach day! So when you do spend a day out in the sun whether its by the pool, on a boat, whatever it may be, you have to take a picture and make sure everyone knows right? The answer is no. If you’re not feeling your best that day, don’t add extra pressure to get pics just for the sake of posting. Social media can wait. Remember: you don't owe Instagram a bikini pic.

3. Embrace The Sweat

As we all know, summer outdoor activities brings more sweat than usual. But there's no point in stressing over it. For one, it's your body's natural way of cooling off. And two, it happens to everyone. However, it isn't necessarily the glistening that we are hoping for. Not to worry, because there are little things you can do to help manage it. Start by wearing light, breathable clothing. Fabrics such as linen and cotton will become your best friend. They tend to feel comfortable, airy, and light against your skin. I personally love a white linen pant because it's so versatile that it can be dressed up for dinner, or used as a bathing suit cover up. Anything loose fitting is going to limit and hide the sweat coming through.

On the skincare side, having the right products can reduce the appearance of sweat. Find a sunscreen that has a non-greasy formula, and is non comedogenic. Sweating certainly contributes to clogging our pores, so finding skincare that caters to that is important. If you are willing to invest in a pricier sunscreen on the market, I recommend the EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 . It's lightweight, oil free, and perfect for the summer.

At the end of the day, summer isn’t about looking perfect—it’s about feeling comfortable, doing what makes you happy, and not overthinking every little detail. Whether it’s choosing clothes that make you feel confident, skipping the bikini pic, or simply staying cool and comfortable, the smallest changes can shift your whole mindset. Remember to always give yourself grace, and do what feels right for you.