How to have a Slim Aarons Summer
A summer of luxury and leisure.
If there were ever a photograph I wished I could step into, it would be one by Slim Aarons. Slim was known for photographing the most gorgeous, high-class people of his time - particularly when they were on vacation or in their homes (which were usually mansions).
In a post-war world, the upper class craved leisure, and no one made it look quite as luxurious as they did. Vacation homes, European getaways, and afternoons spent on a yacht were the norm - and Slim was there to capture it all.
His images gave us a rare look behind the scenes at how the wealthy lived, a world otherwise closed off to the public.
He photographed movie stars, models, royalty, and socialites. Some of his most well-known muses include Jackie Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Princess Grace of Monaco, and CZ Guest. There’s actually a scene in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans that shows CZ’s house being repossessed, and she saves a portrait of herself by the pool that Slim gave her.
While we may not be Slim Aarons muses, we can still summer like one. It’s all about having the right mindset, a great outfit, and a perfect playlist.
The Outfits
A classic Slim Aarons summer wouldn’t be complete without the perfect outfit for an afternoon on a yacht or a secluded beach in Italy.
Then, of course, there is lunch with the girls. If there is one thing about having a Slim Aaron’s summer - it’s going to include lots of socializing.
And finally, an easy everyday outfit perfect for lounging by the pool, sipping cocktails, and gossiping about latest episode of Love Island.
The Mindset
For a Slim Aarons summer, the mood is luxury & leisure. It’s not about expensive brands or international vacations—luxury and leisure is a mindset. It’s a luxury to not care what people think of you, it’s a luxury to surround yourself with people who make you happy, and it’s a luxury to be able to relax at all, quite honestly.
Here are some things I’m doing to have a luxury & leisure mindset:
Taking time to enjoy my coffee in the morning. I LOVE sipping my morning coffee while I scroll substack notes at my desk. It’s my favorite part of my morning routine.
Taking advantage of the warm weather and sitting in the sun every day. Most of us are chronically low on vitamin D, so take this as a sign to go sit outside.
Buying more easy pieces for my closet—basic tops, linen sets, lounge sets. Easy, leisurely, comfortable, and I’m saving all that time getting ready? That’s a luxury.
Being more intentional with what I consume and not doom-scrolling all day. Like actually reading the books I’ve bought and watching Doris Day movies that have been on my list. Luxury is curating what you consume instead of letting an algorithm pick for you.
Finally, nothing says luxury and leisure like ditching your phone for the afternoon. Leave it in a drawer, throw it in a lake—forget that the internet and social media exist for a couple hours.
The Playlist
I might not have a pool in my backyard but I do have this playlist that I’m sure would set the scene perfectly.
Mentally, I’m by a pool in Palm Beach in a really cute swimsuit with a great book. In reality, I’m sitting at my desk staring at my never ending to-do list. Hopefully this will bring me closer to the Slim Aaron’s summer I’m manifesting for myself. We can only hope.
Till next time!
LOVE. YOU.
This was an adorable idea for a newsletter!! So fun! Also I loooooove that Gucci perfume. It's my all time fave!! Can't wait to give the playlist a listen!!!
This is truly inspiring me to not just go home and doom scroll after work.