‘Hot Divorcée Summer’ Trend: What Is It And How To Embrace It
By
Sarah Rodrigues
on
4th June 2026
If you’re looking for this summer’s defining attitude, look no further: it’s all about the 'Hot Divorcée'. And it is an attitude. You don’t even have to be divorced. Or contemplating divorce. Or have ever been married, for that matter.
Well, we’ve had Hot Girl Summer and Brat Summer - and while attitude has no age limit, both carried a distinctly youthful energy. Even without the idea that ‘brat girl’ was a delightfully hot mess of smudged eyeliner and all-nighters, the words ‘girl’ and ‘brat’ are loaded with younger meaning. Divorcée? Not so much.
If the mindset needs defining, comedian Tatty Macleod summed it up perfectly on Instagram (@tatty_macleod).
“I want it to look like I belong on a yacht. I’ve got a couple of houses, various dead husbands, and a toy boy in the bathroom,” she said. “I just travel and spend.”
Think Jennifer Coolidge in White Lotus… well, with a bit more nous, perhaps - and without the Season 2 finale. Now, as many of us know, getting divorced isn’t necessarily glamorous. It can be cruelly taxing - emotionally, mentally, socially and financially.
That’s why this version of the divorcée is taking only what’s fabulous about the concept - the worldliness, the freedom and the ability to operate solo. No discussions about what to have for dinner, or where to go on holiday. And as for caring what people think? Honey, that went out the window along with the piece of paper with his mother’s phone number written on it - as you were driving full speed down the motorway. It’s sophisticated, nonchalant and rarely without a glass of perfectly chilled rosé in hand.
No thick-stemmed wineglasses, please. [shudder]
Are you in? Here’s how to get the look, and channel the energy. Your (current) husband is welcome to tag along.
A Long Slip Dress
Not for the HD is a faffy wardrobe. Even a capsule wardrobe sometimes feels like more trouble than it’s worth, with all of its “this with this, or with this?” palaver. No, the HD is an avid proponent of the ‘one and done’ outfit - something that’s on (and off) in a flash and that looks effortlessly gorgeous. A piece that, variously, wafts and shimmies; that travels from yacht deck to beach club.
With its sweeping length, falling in folds of heavy fabric to the ankles, Jaki’s Nyra Slip Satin dress is HD's best friend. Available in Raspberry, Sunshine Yellow, Deep Red, Taupe and Black, you can make the look as breezy, or as sophisticated, as you want.
The HD is always perfectly accessorised and gold hoops are a fail-safe option - endlessly elegant and appropriate, yet also with enough bohemian spirit to capture that carefree outlook.
As with any staple item, however, the HD takes the elevated option. Enter gold hoops inspired by natural rhythms, waves breaking on mysterious beaches and the texture of starfish. Designed in Iceland, these earrings have an ineffable quality - much like the HD herself.
Let’s be clear about the HD - her vibe is that she’s shucked off the husband and with it, the need to negotiate with another person. She’s answerable to nobody. Her glamour is understated and enviable, while also demonstrating that she doesn’t give a damn. The vertiginous heels might have a place in the walk-in wardrobe of an HD, but never in her mindset. That is to say, a Hot Divorcée Summer is not about teetering, and it’s certainly not about discomfort. Still less bunions. And anyway, you’re hardly ever allowed to wear heels on a yacht.
These crochet mules tick boxes of style and comfort, exposing the pretty pedicure while upping the flatform game with their delicate floral uppers - but if something daintier is called for, try these leather Gladiator sandals. They have just a touch of Rockstud about them, and lashings of mythical goddess.
Living well is undoubtedly the best revenge, but looking great in a swimsuit is right up there, too - something that a Melissa Odabash piece makes easy. For 27 years, the brand has been crafting swimwear that’s not only sexy, but also elegant and enduring. Remind you of anyone?
Whether your bikini tendencies lean towards bandeau or triangle, and whether you like your bottoms to offer leg-lengthening, full coverage or tie sides, the 2026 collections have options in block colours such as raspberry, olive and ocean, as well as patterns spanning geometrics and animal prints. The same goes for the one-pieces - some plunging, some demure, and others one-shouldered or halterneck. If nothing else, living a 'Hot Divorcée Summer' is about having choices.
And let’s not forget the cover-ups, with kaftans so beautiful they won’t be out of place at dinner - and again, different styles helping you choose the level of coverage with which you’re most comfortable.
Sunglasses can be armour. They can hide dark circles, smudged eyeliner, puffy bags and spidery threads of red, veined on white, and born of tears.
The HD doesn’t wear them for these reasons, though, pah! Sunglasses, for her, are preventative - not only guarding against sun-inducing squinting, but also the threat of crow’s feet. They’re also rather fabulous for masking disdainful looks - and all the more powerful when removed to reveal said expression.
They don’t need to be all-concealing though... no, the perfect size is embodied by this Seasalt Garden View pair, which come in two shades - Sailboats and Champagne. Need we say more?
The wider the better: that’s key when it comes to choosing a Hot Divorcée Summer hat. Something that channels the Riviera, old-school glamour and the Golden Era of Hollywood. Such hats not only carry an air of allure and mystery, but their size also makes them better at providing extra protection to the décolleté and shoulders. As we’ve said, the HD is experienced and savvy enough to take preventative, not restorative, measures.
This piece from Katie Loxton has just the right amount of insouciance, with its appealingly floppy brim and subtle gold beading - and its natural colourway means it will pair with anything. Pair it with the magnetic hat clip to secure it to your bag when the sun goes down.
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