Why Women Are Embracing a “Hot Divorcée Summer”

The Trend: Maybe you remember the social media trends “hot girl summer” and “brat summer” from a few years ago. But have you heard about “hot divorcee summer“? Newly single women are now posting about their split as an opportunity for self-reinvention and maybe even a glow-up (complete with big hats and bold lipstick) instead of a tragedy. Writer Samantha Leach coined the phrase in 2021 after noticing divorced celebrities thriving in public, but it resurfaced this year after comedian Tatty Macleod posted a video about it.

What People Are Saying: Supporters say the trend helps women going through divorce feel less alone while simultaneously dismantling the stigma that has traditionally been associated with it. Plus, it aligns with changing societal attitudes, as new data shows over a third of people actually feel relief after divorce. That said, critics are quick to point out that a wide-brimmed hat won’t fix the emotional and financial strain that often comes with starting over.

What to Know: This trend isn’t exactly brand new, as post-divorce reinvention has always been a thing. However, many women are now narrating it publicly, and turning what used to be a private transition into something communal and even aspirational.