If you’ve ever heard that, regardless of what your favorite season may be, there is good in all of them, there is so much wisdom in that. For instance, although I am a huge fan of fall, that doesn’t mean that I don’t get that the other three seasons don’t have their perks as well…even sexually.
What exactly do I mean by that? Well, believe it or not, although fall and winter are reportedly the best times of year for coitus (check out “Did You Know Fall & Winter Are The Best Times To Have Sex?”), that absolutely does not mean that summer doesn’t have a ton of sexual perks that come with it too.
Yeah, I did some digging and discovered 10 solid science-based reasons why these next couple of months maybe when you find yourself creating some of the best sex-related memories you’ve had in a hot minute, chile.
Let’s check ‘em out.
1. Sunlight Elevates Your Serotonin Levels
There are a lot of benefits that come from spending time in the sun. One of them is the fact that sunlight helps to increase the levels of serotonin in your system. This is dope because serotonin is a chemical in your body that is significant when it comes to things like keeping you in a good mood and making sure that your libido remains high. Another cool thing about serotonin is it can reduce anxiety and bring about a feeling of calm — which is always a big plus since there is plenty of research to support the fact that anxiety can make it difficult for both men and women to climax.
2. Sunlight Also Decreases Melatonin Levels
If you’ve ever wondered if it’s all in your head that you tend to have more energy during the summer months while feeling sleepier during the late fall and winter ones, it’s not. Something else that science reveals is sunlight has a way of decreasing melatonin levels in your system. Since melatonin is a hormone/compound that literally regulates your sleep patterns, being that days are longer in the summer, that can also give you more energy to get busy. No joke.
3. More Vitamin D Means an Estrogen and Testosterone Boost
Something that you probably learned in elementary school is you can get a good amount of the vitamin D that your body needs from the sun. Since it’s a nutrient that helps to boost your immunity, fight off depression, and keep your weight in check, this is certainly good to know.
However, were you also aware that vitamin D is able to increase the amount of estrogen and testosterone that’s in your system as well? This is good to know since both of those are sex hormones that can help you to have a more satisfying sex life.
As a bonus, vitamin D can also help to activate the genes that help your body produce more serotonin (which we’ve already discussed) and dopamine (a neurotransmitter and chemical that helps you to feel more pleasure). Hey, if all of this won’t make you want to spend more time in the sun, what will?
4. More Exercise Means a Heightened Libido
If there’s any time of year when people are super physically active, the summer season would be it. Whether it’s getting (and/or staying) fit for swimsuit season, playing outdoor games, or enjoying things like hiking and swimming, summer is when folks tend to spend less time in front of the tube and more time moving about. And you know what? Your libido adores everything about that because exercise helps to get you into better shape (which boosts your sexual confidence), gives you more energy, improves your stamina, intensifies your orgasms (by giving you a stronger core and pelvic floor), and increases your blood circulation (which is also great for orgasms) too.
5. Heat Increases Blood Circulation
Speaking of blood circulation, although you may have never thought of it before, it probably makes all of the sense in the world that your blood circulation would increase during the summertime. That’s because heat and humidity increase blood flow (especially to your skin) and cause your heart rate to go up as well. And since, again, more blood flow directly contributes to orgasms, well…you already know that this is a good thing to keep in mind.
6. More Sweat Equals More Pheromones
Probably the easiest way to explain pheromones is they are chemicals that can trigger certain reactions in people when they come into some level of contact with them. For instance, one way that pheromones are excreted is through sweat, and, science says, whenever women come into contact with a man who is sweating/sweaty, it can actually make her hornier and even release certain hormones that are associated with ovulation. Believe it or not, what’s especially stimulating is a man’s underarm sweat (wild, right?).
7. Heat Leads to Less Clothes Which Means More Skin
I don’t know about where y’all live but Nashville has been showing all the way out over these past few weeks with the heat index being in the triple digits. And when there’s more heat, there tend to be fewer clothes…and when you’ve got a partner, that can result in more skin-to-skin contact. While, when it comes to adults and babies, it’s oftentimes known as “kangaroo care,” when adults participate in this practice, the oxytocin that’s released makes it easier to bond with your partner. Not only that but skin-to-skin contact makes it easier to feel calm and relaxed and it can give you a sounder night’s rest too— you know…afterwards (check out “6 Fascinating Ways Sex And Sleep Definitely Go Hand In Hand”). #wink
8. You Tend to Be Around More People in the Summer Season
Another semi-random reason why a ton of sex happens during the summertime is that more people lean into socializing during this time of the year — and so, even if you’re not currently seeing someone, the chances that you will run into an individual who has some serious potential increases when it’s hot outside. That’s actually why some intel says that casual sex happens the most in the early part of summer (June) too (wrap it up!).
9. Vacations Happen Most During the Summer
With the summer season continuing to be the most popular time to go on vacation (to the point where one in three people are even willing to go into debt in order to make it happen), this is a peak reason why individuals tend to have a lot of sex —especially adventurous sex — during the summertime. Vacations (hopefully) de-stress you, give you the chance to spend quality time with the people you love, and help you to be in the moment — all of which help to play a significant role in a satisfying sex life. So, if you don’t have a vacation — even if it’s just a long weekend — planned this summer, put a sexcation on the books.
10. Online “Sex Searches” Increase in the Summertime
Now here’s one that I found to be pretty damn interesting. It would appear that summer is the time of year when sex-related online searches tend to spike. Although researchers are still trying to connect all of the dots on this one since online dating also peaks during this time of the year (because folks are typically happier, are feeling sexier, and tend to be more open and creative when it comes to dating), that could play a major role.
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There you have it. Whether or not this is your favorite time of year or not, research has given you 10 impressive reasons to enjoy the season you’re in — on a few levels, chile. Have fun! #wink
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So, we handpicked one hundred It Girls who embody that palpable It Factor moving through us as young Black women, the kind of motion lighting up the world both IRL and across the internet.
It Girl 100 became xoNecole’s most successful program, with the hashtag organically reaching more than forty million impressions on Instagram in just twenty-four hours. Yes, it caught on like wildfire because we celebrated some of the most brilliant and influential GenZennial women of color setting trends and shaping culture. But more than that, it resonated because the women we celebrated felt seen.
Many were already known in their industries for keeping this generation fly and lit, but rarely received recognition or flowers. It Girl 100 became a safe space to be uplifted, and for us as Black women to bask in what felt like an era of our brilliance, beauty, and boundless influence on full display.
And then, almost overnight, it was as if the rug was pulled from under us as Black women, as the It Girls of the world.
Our much-needed, much-deserved season of ease and soft living quickly metamorphosed into a time of self-preservation and survival. Our motion and economic progression seemed strategically slowed, our light under siege.
The air feels heavier now. The headlines colder. Our Black girl magic is being picked apart and politicized for simply existing.
With that climate shift, as we prepare to launch our second annual It Girl 100 honoree list, our team has had to dig deep on the purpose and intention behind this year’s list. Knowing the spirit of It Girl 100 is about motion, sauce, strides, and progression, how do we celebrate amid uncertainty and collective grief when the juice feels like it is being squeezed out of us?
As we wrestled with that question, we were reminded that this tension isn’t new. Black women have always had to find joy in the midst of struggle, to create light even in the darkest corners. We have carried the weight of scrutiny for generations, expected to be strong, to serve, to smile through the sting. But this moment feels different. It feels deeply personal.
We are living at the intersection of liberation and backlash. We are learning to take off our capes, to say no when we are tired, to embrace softness without apology.
And somehow, the world has found new ways to punish us for it.
In lifestyle, women like Kayla Nicole and Ayesha Curry have been ridiculed for daring to choose themselves. Tracee Ellis Ross was labeled bitter for speaking her truth about love. Meghan Markle, still, cannot breathe without critique.
In politics, Kamala Harris, Letitia James, and Jasmine Crockett are dragged through the mud for standing tall in rooms not built for them.
In sports, Angel Reese, Coco Gauff, and Taylor Townsend have been reminded that even excellence will not shield you from racism or judgment.
In business, visionaries like Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye and Melissa Butler are fighting to keep their dreams alive in an economy that too often forgets us first.
Even our icons, Beyoncé, Serena, and SZA, have faced criticism simply for evolving beyond the boxes society tried to keep them in.
From everyday women to cultural phenoms, the pattern is the same. Our light is being tested.
And yet, somehow, through it all, we are still showing up as that girl, and that deserves to be celebrated.
Because while the world debates our worth, we keep raising our value. And that proof is all around us.
This year alone, Naomi Osaka returned from motherhood and mental health challenges to reach the semifinals of the US Open. A’ja Wilson claimed another MVP, reminding us that beauty and dominance can coexist. Brandy and Monica are snatching our edges on tour. Kahlana Barfield Brown sold out her new line in the face of a retailer that had been canceled. And Melissa Butler’s company, The Lip Bar, is projecting a forty percent surge in sales.
We are no longer defining strength by how much pain we can endure. We are defining it by the unbreakable light we continue to radiate.
We are the women walking our daily steps and also continuing to run solid businesses. We are growing in love, taking solo trips, laughing until it hurts, raising babies and ideas, drinking our green juice, and praying our peace back into existence.
We are rediscovering the joy of rest and realizing that softness is not weakness, it is strategy.
And through it all, we continue to lift one another. Emma Grede is creating seats at the table. Valeisha Butterfield has started a fund for jobless Black women. Arian Simone is leading in media with fearless conviction. We are pouring into each other in ways the world rarely sees but always feels.
So yes, we are in the midst of societal warfare. Yes, we are being tested. Yes, we are facing economic strain, political targeting, and public scrutiny. But even war cannot dim a light that is divinely ours.
And we are still shining.
And we are still softening.
And we are still creating.
And we are still It.
That is the quiet magic of Black womanhood, our ability to hold both truth and triumph in the same breath, to say yes, and to life’s contradictions.
It is no coincidence that this year, as SheaMoisture embraces the message “Yes, And,” they stand beside us as partners in celebrating this class of It Girls. Because that phrase, those two simple words, capture the very essence of this moment.
Yes, we are tired. And we are still rising.
Yes, we are questioned. And we are the answer.
Yes, we are bruised. And we are still beautiful.
This year’s It Girl 100 is more than a list. It is a love letter to every Black woman who dares to live out loud in a world that would rather she whisper. This year’s class is living proof of “Yes, And,” women who are finding ways to thrive and to heal, to build and to rest, to lead and to love, all at once.
It is proof that our joy is not naive, our success not accidental. It is the reminder that our light has never needed permission.
So without further ado, we celebrate the It Girl 100 Class of 2025–2026.
We celebrate the millions of us who keep doing it with grace, grit, and glory.
Because despite it all, we still shine.
Because we are still her.
Because we are still IT, girl.
Meet all 100 women shaping culture in the It Girl 100 Class of 2025. View the complete list of honorees here.
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Apparently, there was a Thanksgiving episode that featured all of the friends having dinner together. And y’all, there was simply no way that I was going to mention the latter without shouting out the original (amen?).
Okay, so with that out of the way — Friendsgiving. Something that I appreciate about twists to holidays like this is that it’s a reminder that there is no one way to celebrate special occasions. And so, if, for whatever the reason, you will not or cannot be with family during the holiday season, there are certainly other alternatives at your disposal.
That being said, if the thought of spending time with friends this Thanksgiving is something that you’d like to do, yet you’re not sure how to host it in a way that will make Friendsgiving a fan favorite for your entire circle — I’ve got 10 suggestions that can make the planning process easy as pumpkin (or sweet potato) pie.
1. Position Chrysanthemums or Orchids for Your Table Décor
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Let’s start with décor first. Listen, aside from cleaning up your place, you don’t have to be over the top. If you put together a really nice centerpiece or put a flower at each table setting, honestly, you’re all good. And if you’re someone who is big on details and symbolism, my recommendation would be to go with some chrysanthemums and/or orchids.
When it comes to chrysanthemums, not only are they a peak fall flower, they represent things like friendship and happiness. And orchids? They tend to bloom during the fall and spring seasons and, not only are they about luxury, certain orchid colors also symbolize friendship (for the record, yellow roses symbolize friendship too). Perfect.
2. Incorporate Scents That Cultivate Gratitude
Speaking of cultivating a warm and inviting space, you can never go wrong with scented soy candles — or at least having an essential oil diffuser in a few spots. Some scents that actually help to bring in the spirit of gratitude include vanilla, jasmine, ginger, cedarwood and frankincense.
3. Use Upscale Paper Products to Dine With
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Let’s be real — a lot more of us would probably host events in our home if it wasn’t for the mess that is left behind in our kitchen once the festivities are over. Wanna avoid that? Use paper plates. No, I don’t mean the cheap Styrofoam ones. SMDH. These days, there are paper (and plastic) plate brands that will low-key blow your mind when it comes to how bougie they look. Some that are worth considering are located here, here and here.
4. Handwrite Thank-You Notes (Use Them As Place Settings)
If you’re like Tiffany (from the HBO series Insecure — what a time) was at that memorable dinner party when all hell broke loose between Lawrence and Issa and you’re pretty anal — I mean, particular — LOL — about place settings, it’s a nice touch to pick up some blank thank-you cards that you can write a personalized “I’m thankful for you because…” message in. Place each one where you’d like each friend to sit. They won’t see it coming and it’s a really nice touch.
5. Have Everyone Bring Their Favorite Homemade Dish
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Okay, and what if what has you on the fence about hosting is you don’t feel like doing a ton of cooking? Chile, this is where the concept of having a potluck comes in. Get everyone to bring the dish that they claim they cook the best and make sure to let them know how many individuals you plan on coming (so that they will make enough). You can even make a game out of it by having everyone anonymously vote for the first, second and third best dishes out of the bunch. Take it up a notch by having a prize for each winner.
6. Take a Warm Drink and Dessert Poll Beforehand
You know what isn’t discussed enough about dinner parties? Folks bringing desserts that other people don’t even like. SMDH. You can avoid this from becoming an issue at your Friendsgiving by sending an email (most people prefer that to group chats; let’s be real — and make sure to BCC everyone as well) asking everyone to share what their top three favorite desserts and warm drinks are. Then pick the top 2-3 out of the bunch. That way, you won’t have a ton of (for instance) coffee cake or apple cider lying around that no one even wanted in the first place.
7. Create a Signature Friendsgiving Mocktail and Cocktail
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Speaking of drinks, another way to make your Friendsgiving memorable is to come up with a signature mocktail (for those who don’t consume alcohol) and cocktail. For the mocktail, you can also poll your friends about their favorite mocktail or fruits and come up with a mixture of your own. For the cocktail — although National Friendship Day is actually in August, I did peep that there are certain drinks that have been created in its honor. Some of them are located here for you to do a bit of tweaking on (if you’d like).
8. Ask Everyone to Share Their “Favorite Friend Quality” of Another
You know how it’s customary for everyone to go around and share what they are truly thankful for before having dinner? Well, to continue along with the Friendsgiving theme, have each person share what their favorite friend quality is about the person to their right. If folks are just meeting each other for the first time, instead they can share what they value the most in friendship overall, along with a story of how it was displayed to them personally over the past 12 months.
9. Send Each of Your Guests Home with a Fresh Gratitude Journal
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Wanna send folks home with a nice parting gift? It would be so on-trend to give each of them a gratitude journal. Listen, we are in some crazy times right through here (at least in the States) and so, encouraging your friends to set some time aside, regularly, to think about and then outwardly express what they are grateful for? That helps to keep stress down, keep things in perspective and it reminds us all to maintain a positive mindset as much as possible.
10. Watch a Nostalgic Movie
While everyone is enjoying dessert and drinks, how about watching a movie that brings back fond memories? A list of some of the most popular movies to come out previous Thanksgiving weekends is located here and a list of some favorite Black holiday-themed films can be found here. It’s a way to wind down and share some laughs before everyone heads home.
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Friendsgiving. What a wonderful way to celebrate your friends while also observing Thanksgiving in a way that is totally on your terms. And now that you know how to put it together, what are you waiting for? Hit your friends up and let them know that, whether it’s on actual Thanksgiving Day or a few days before or after, you’ve got a special dinner in mind.
One that has a good time with amazing friends written ALL over it.
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