Summer Vibes for Summer Books
By Elana Katz
‘Tis the season to go outside, breathe in the fresh air, and stick your head in a book. There’s nothing quite like reading in the summer, especially when there are so many more options for places to read. No matter what activity is calling your name this summer, there is a new book release to bring with you. As you’re reading these books, we’re here to get you ready with how to bring the perfect vibes to your look. It’s a given that you’ll look hot no matter what (duh), but we want to help make sure you feel your hottest too.
Choose an activity below and we’ll give you the summer book to read there, the bag to bring it in, and what you should wear.
On a Tropical Beach Vacation
What to Read: Not Safe for Work by Nisha J. Tuli for an exceptionally hot enemies to lovers romance about two co-workers forced to share a hotel room during a tropical work retreat.
What bag to carry it in: A classic straw beach bag is a must, and extra points if it’s a worthwhile splurge on a waterproof bag like this Mark & Graham one.
What to Wear: Pair a bold print swimsuit with a wide brim hat or visor and oversized sunglasses. For makeup, a tinted moisturizer will do the job for a little bit of coverage and a natural look.
Getting an Iced Coffee on an Outdoor Patio
What to Read: Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang to look extra smart at your table while reading a compelling mix of literary fiction and science fiction about friendship and technology’s effect on art.
What Bag to Carry it in: The obvious answer is the best answer; no cool person sitting in a coffee shop is going to be there without an even cooler Baggu crescent bag.
What to Wear: A jumpsuit and sneakers will make for an effortlessly put together look. Add a bold lip color if you’re trying to catch a barista’s eye.
Sitting by the Pool
What to Read: Plus Size Player by Danielle Allen will have you blushing and giggling in your lounge chair as you read about a protagonist who wants to date around until she meets the right guy…who happens to be her new boss.
What Bag to Carry it in: A very fun Ban.do cooler bag to keep your seltzer water and snacks cool.
What to Wear: A stretchy bikini under an oversized button down as a cover-up. As for beauty, it’s all about the sunscreen!
On a Picnic
What to read: Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab because sitting outside reading about sapphic vampires in a story that spans years is what dreams are made of.
What Bag to Carry it in: A Quirky Cup Collective plants tote bag that couldn’t be more appropriate for a day at the park.
What to Wear: The perfect sundress paired with a baseball cap. Throw on a citrus-y perfume so you still smell great even when you inevitably start sweating in the heat!
Traveling to Your Next Destination
What to read: Square Waves by Alexandra Romanoff because it’s a slim book that will easily fit in your carry-on, plus a juicy romance (formal rivals-to-lovers and a one night stand turned more) is truly a perfect plane read.
What Bag to Carry it in: A practical carry-on backpack, but one that’s in a cute pastel color like this Calpak bag so there’s no sacrificing style for practicality.
What to Wear: A matching sweat suit and an eye mask for the ultimate comfortable ensemble. No need for heavy makeup, but pack extra moisturizer.
There’s a reason summer reading lists are so popular, and it’s because this time of year is ripe with possibilities for places to bring a book. Depending on your setting of choice, there’s no doubt these books and the vibes we’ve recommended won’t have you set up for your hottest summer yet.