The Real Hot Girl Summer Is Being Every Version Of Yourself

One of the things I love the most about being a Cosmo Girl is knowing you don't have to choose what "kind of girl" you are. Because you can be all of them.

Just a month ago, we were at the Women of Influence Recognition Dinner—polished, glammed up, me in the highest stilettos I own. Thirty days later, we were in La Union, lathering on our nth layer of SPF50, shielding our eyes from the sun, walking on scorching sand in flip-flops. Less floor-length gowns, more two-pieces. Fewer acceptance speeches, more "Wait, has anyone seen where the rest of the group went?"

And yet, it all clicked. If March honored the milestones we've reached, April honored the women we are when we're just...being.

We're often told we have to choose a persona. Are you the Serious Professional or the Life of the Party? The Ambitious Builder or the Carefree Soul? As if these things don't live in the same heart.

Years ago, I used to tell anyone who'd listen that my ultimate dream was to work on my laptop in a bikini on the beach. Turns out I'm just as happy checking off my to-do list as I am getting a tan with a buko shake in hand. I didn't know it then, but I was basically manifesting my Teams calendar. Seeing that dream actually collide with my "Executive Editor" reality this month was the ultimate proof that you don't have to choose.

You can be the woman being recognized for her hustle on Monday. You can be the woman (attempting) to dance on a beach in La Union by Saturday. One does not cancel out the other.

That's why the La Union vibe felt so right—a 41-degree heat index leaves zero room for performing. You just show up, sweat, and let your hair make its own executive decisions. It's the beauty of being a woman who can handle a five-course formal dinner and Kaya toast by the shore with the same amount of heart (and different amounts of frizz). Honoring ourselves isn't just about the highlight reel; it's about the everyday versions of us—the one figuring it out, the one taking a break, and the one choosing joy simply because she can.

But it's not really about the beachfront location. It's the mindset of letting yourself exist fully in whatever season you're in. Right now, that season might be loud, social, and a little indulgent. I'm a Taurus during Taurus season right now and so I'm in the best position to tell you: that's okay. Another season will ask for your focus and grit, and you'll show up for that, too.

So here's to not choosing. Here's to the gowns and the bikinis, the city lights and the stars by the beach. We had body shimmer on for all of it. 😉

But it's not really about the beachfront location. It's the mindset of letting yourself exist fully in whatever season you're in. Right now, that season might be loud, social, and a little indulgent. I'm a Taurus during Taurus season right now and so I'm in the best position to tell you: that's okay. Another season will ask for your focus and grit, and you'll show up for that, too.

So here's to not choosing. Here's to the gowns and the bikinis, the city lights and the stars by the beach. We had body shimmer on for all of it. 😉