Forget hot girl summer, this year it’s all about soft girl summer. What’s that I hear you ask? A soft girl summer is the antidote to pool parties by day and wild nights out until 4am in Ibiza. It’s about slowing down, re-connecting with nature, and unapologetically spending time doing the things you love.
Soft girls are frequently found sipping rosé in a meadow of daisies or having afternoon tea in ornately decorated ballrooms. They ride bikes with pastel-coloured baskets, read books and aren’t afraid to put their own self-care first. After all, as great as 4am nights out can be, sometimes we need time to re-charge too and that’s what soft girl summer is all about. Sounds pretty great, right?
So, what is soft girl summer?
Soft girls don’t just live a more relaxed lifestyle, they dress the part, too. Looking like they’ve just left a Bridgerton ballroom, the soft girl aesthetic is all about bringing back pretty. Think cottagecore with an added dose of girl-next-door and just a hint of princess-style sass. The type of outfits that would feel totally at home on the pages of a Jane Austen novel where the heroine wafts between grand houses and manicured gardens. Yep, it’s sounding even better, isn’t it?
So, if you’re ready to live your best ladylike life this summer then read on for our guide to finding your soft girl style wherever the occasion takes you…
The picnic look
Picnics in the park are a soft girl’s bread and butter (excuse the pun) so get your outfit ready early to ensure you can spend more time selecting the perfect snacks, than stressing over what to wear.
A ditsy floral print dress will effortlessly channel your surroundings while pastel tones will give an ultra-feminine feel. And of course, no soft girl picnic is complete without a wicker basket – this one features a liberty print lining which is very on-brand.
Shop the edit
*Eliza may earn commission on sales from these product links
The date look
Unlike in the novels, in 2022 soft girls don’t need to settle down, but they sure will have fun looking for their prince or princess charming. Bring the fairy tale to life with a vintage inspired corset top and satin slip skirt. In a soft girl world, this look will feel risqué without the need to show too much skin.
Finish with bow detail heels, or, if your date involves a lot of walking, try a pair of pointed ballet pumps.
Shop the edit
*Eliza may earn commission on sales from these product links
The dressed up look
While the soft girl aesthetic may be all about the laid-back lifestyle, that’s not to say getting glammed up is totally off the cards. This broderie lace corset dress is giving girl-next-door with added attitude. Forget dainty shoes and wear with a power platform: these floral beauties stick to the aesthetic but with a fun, modern twist.
Shop the edit
*Eliza may earn commission on sales from these product links
The holiday look
For a lesson in soft girl style beach-chic, opt for a gingham swimsuit and lacey cover up. This pastel pink suit is made from recycled plastic meaning you’ll be helping clean up nature while basking in it.
Finish your look with a wide-brimmed hat, it’ll not only keep you protected from the sun, but it’s the perfect accessory for people watching without raising suspicion. Not that soft girls do that, of course.
Shop the edit
*Eliza may earn commission on sales from these product links
The lounge look
Any summer with relaxing at its forefront needs to have a chic lounging-appropriate look. Enter this gingham pyjama set; featuring an elasticated waistband and lightweight cotton fabric, its comfort meets cuteness.
Add a cosy white dressing gown and fluffy slippers and you’ve got the perfect look for journaling on your bed into the early hours of the morning.
Shop the edit
*Eliza may earn commission on sales from these product links
;
