The fall and winter months are seasons that show a lot of promise. As the days gradually shorten and temperatures drop, it’s a time that offers space for fellowship and connection in spite of the noticeable gloominess. Still, it’s hard not to notice the profound impact that the lack of daylight can have on our daily routines, even down to our mood.
You know that feeling that comes as the weather and daylight shifts that makes you just want to hibernate until spring? Well, surprisingly enough, it’s quite natural to start feeling a bit down as the colder months roll in. The decrease in light exposure triggers changes in our biological clocks that can lead to disruptions in sleep patterns, affecting the production of mood-regulating hormones like serotonin and melatonin.
For many, the dwindling sunlight in fall can result in what’s known as “winter blues” or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) that can cast a cloud over this otherwise vibrant season.
What Is Seasonal Depression?
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression also known as “seasonal depression or winter depression.” Those with SAD can see changes in their mood and symptoms that are similar to depression and tend to show symptoms during the fall and winter months due to the lack of sunlight.
“Individuals with SAD might experience more intense sadness and social withdrawal during periods of time in the fall and winter months,” Dr. Chanda Reynolds, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and host of the Paging Dr. Chanda podcast, tells xoNecole.
“Since other types of depression are a bit more pervasive, and the symptoms are more consistent across seasons, it's not as impacted by that seasonal piece, whereas SAD is.”
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Recognizing the Common Symptoms of SAD
SAD is predictable in its nature as it typically arrives and departs with the changing seasons — from late fall to early spring. And while the signs of SAD run parallel to those of other types of depression, one tell-tale sign that you might be experiencing SAD is when the dip in your overall mood and mental health shifts.
“If you’re feeling sad more days than not, experiencing changes in your appetite and sleep patterns. Showing symptoms of fatigue — like always feeling exhausted no matter how much rest you get — or having a loss of interests and things that you once found pleasurable,” Dr. Chanda says. “These are all things that one might experience with major depressive disorder, but it's different if it’s more within those fall and winter months.”
Light Therapy for Managing SAD
“One of the things that causes SAD is the lack of light exposure,” Dr. Chanda states. “When we're out in the sun, we're able to absorb the rays from the sun that produce vitamin D, which produce different neurotransmitters in the body that induce happiness; we're then able to feel a steadiness in our mood and joy. But if that's not happening because we're not getting as much sunlight exposure, our mood is going to go down.”
Light therapy is a helpful treatment to alleviate the symptoms of SAD as it exposes you to a bright light that mimics natural sunlight. “You're exposing yourself to light so that you can receive more vitamin D,” she explains. “It's really important for Black people too. Since we're melanated individuals, Black people are less likely to have that vitamin D in our skin that allows us to produce the different neurotransmitters that are needed from the sun when we have exposure to sunlight.”
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Boost Your Mood: Leaning on Community for SAD Relief
If you think you might be dealing with SAD, it’s important to take advantage of the sunlight that you do have in the day and lean on your community in order to beat the winter blues.
“That might mean taking a walk to go get your lunch during the day or waking up earlier and taking a walk outside," Dr. Chanda advises. “Whatever we need to do, take advantage of the sunlight that we have while we have it.”
Asking for help and support can be hard, but as Dr. Chanda says, being open and transparent about your needs can pay off in the end.
“Letting others know about what you need can be so helpful and rewarding to the people around you. Because the fact of the matter is people are reluctant to share when they need support because they feel like other people don't care. But there are people around who care, there are people around who want to know how you're doing and what you're experiencing.”
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Featured image by JulPo/Getty Images
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Style Tips from 8 Creatives Who Are Owning Summer
With that in mind, we asked eight dynamic creatives—from New York to Los Angeles—to break down the summer outfits that make them feel most radiant, powerful, and fully aligned with their highest selves.
These women are dressing for ease, for expression, and for every mood that warm weather brings—whether it’s sprinklers at the park, rooftop hangs, or midday outfit changes on the fly.
“Every day is different, but if I had to dig deep into my core, my go-to look is some type of tank, long short, and a cool shoe. Seems basic, but trust—every piece speaks for itself in my closet. I’m a statement piece girl.”
Her Summer Staples: A fun sandal (think colorful dad sandal with a twist—like her furry pink Marni pair), bold earrings, and lots of layered jewelry to make up for the lack of layers in warm weather.
Style Signature: Bold colors and geometric patterns.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “Keep trying new things each season—you’ll figure out what’s definitely for you and what’s not.”
Artist | New York City, NY
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“I’m a mom, so tulle is perfect. It dries quickly after splash parks, it’s hard to stain, breathable—and still brings drama and ease equally.”
Her Summer Staples: Tulle dresses or skirts, novelty crossbody bags (“One looks like a pack of ramen!”), and stylish clogs that give height without sacrificing comfort.
How She Accessorizes: Always a hat (she’s bald and prioritizes sun protection) and oversized sunglasses for drama.
Style Signature: All the prints—floral, animal, geometric—and a fearless use of color.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “Show up and show out in what makes YOU feel good. Find silhouettes that work for your body and make them your signature.”
Kerstina Renee (she/her)
Creative Partner | Brooklyn, NY
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“I wait all year for summer so I can have my legs out! I feel my most radiant in anything that puts them front and center.”
Her Summer Staples: Minimalist yet edgy pieces—think sheer tops, short shorts, mini dresses, and lace-up sandals that add height.
How She Accessorizes: Statement bags, rings that dial up any outfit, and pieces that can flex from errands to lunch dates.
Style Signature: Neutral tones, bold colors, pastels, geometric and animal prints.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “Dress for you first. Yes, you can wear that to buy groceries. Your style is your expression—have fun with it.”
Ilianna Ayala Garcia (she/her)
Plus Size Model & Content Creator | New York City, NY
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“Summer style for me is ease, glow, and effort that feels effortless. A flowy skirt or dress, body shimmer, SPF, and I’m that girl.”
Her Summer Staples: Zelie For She halter maxis, Birkenstocks or Dolce Vita block heels, Lorvae and DEZI sunglasses, and Villa Fresca swimwear. Oh—and a portable fan is always in hand.
How She Accessorizes: Layered necklaces, statement earrings, dainty anklets, and headwraps for both fashion and function.
Style Signature: Soft pastels, animal prints, and silhouettes that highlight ease and confidence.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “For my plus-size beauties: anti-chafing shorts from Thigh Society or Megababe’s stick. Also, grab a micro tagging gun to discreetly secure undergarments—freedom to move without worry!”
Zewiditu Jewel (she/her)
Co-Owner, Cloudy Donut Co. | New York City, NY
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“I never imagined I’d become a traditional woman in the sense that what works for me is for me. I don’t dress for the season—I dress for myself.”
Her Summer Staples: A crisp, controlled palette of black, white, and denim with occasional beige. Her beloved chocolate brown Row loafers and an ongoing hunt for the perfect white shoe.
How She Accessorizes: With timeless impact—her signature red lip, MAC’s “Ruby Woo,” which she’s been wearing since 2002.
Style Signature: White, black, denim—with yellow as her seasonal spirit color.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “You are that girl. Anytime you need a reminder, look in the mirror. Everything you’ve been through, everything you’ve done. Own that sht. Wear that sht.”
Joelle Everett (she/her)
Brooklyn, NY
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“I love the big-bottom, small-top silhouette. Not only do I find it super flattering, I would describe my style as a mix of masculine and feminine, so a cute crop top with baggy jeans, or jorts, and a small tank is my go-to.”
Her Summer Staples: As a huge sneakerhead, her Sambas and Onitsuka Tigers are in heavy rotation alongside trucker and bucket hats which is absolutely hair dependent.
How She Accessorizes: Necklaces. She loves a good stack.
Style Signature: Neutral tones, animal prints, jewel tones are her absolute faves (deep purple, navy blues, forest greens, amber) — she thinks they look expensive, but are still colorful and fun.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “Your style should be a personal reflection of who you are and how you feel. Every time I get dressed, I think about the fact that I'm communicating with people without having to say anything. I use my outfits as an opportunity to send messages and speak without talking.”
Tracey Wiley (she/her)
Digital Creator | New Orleans, LA
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“When it comes to my summer uniform, give me all the color, flow, and breeze-friendly fabric! Living in New Orleans, the heat doesn’t play fair — so I don’t even try to fight it in anything clingy. My go-to? A beautiful, bold, and colorful maxi dress. It's effortless, breathable, and moves with me (not against me).”
Her Summer Staples: Right now, she’s been carrying her àjò wallet by Awelewa By Monica everywhere. It’s functional and stylish. She can't live without a linen set from Zara.
How She Accessorizes: For jewelry: big rings, stacked bangles and a bold necklace, sunglasses, and a good head scarf for effortless glam.
Style Signature: Neutral tones, bold colors, animal prints.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “Wear them clothes, sis! Be confident in them and have fun with your wardrobe. Don’t be afraid to play with color, mix high and low pieces, or bold prints. Dress for how YOU want to feel, not just how you want to look. And please stop saving your ‘good clothes’ for a special occasion! Every day is an occasion.”
Tristan Swimms (she/her)
Co-owner of The Common Collective | Denver, CO
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“I enjoy a mini short with crispy ankle socks, Wales Bonner Sambas and a vintage baby tee. I feel the prettiest when my fit gives sexy and comfortable — with a cool mix of brands I appreciate.”
Her Summer Staples: Must-haves include mini shorts or bloomer shorts, thin vintage baby tees, Sambas, oversized Stüssy zip-ups, baggy Japanese denim, colorful one-shoulder crop tops, backless tops, tennis skirts, and strappy platform shoes.
How She Accessorizes: It’s always gold jewelry for Tristan. She advises that you find you a good pawn shop for the best value of real gold.
Style Signature: Bold colors and denim, prioritizing a mix of sexy and comfortable styles.
Her Tip for the Gworlz: “Find your confidence in the balance between sexy and comfortable. The fit doesn’t always have to match — but it should spark compliments that start conversations.”
The Common Thread?
These style stars may vary in aesthetic, but the thread that runs through each of their summer uniforms is the same: intentionality, expression, and comfort. Whether you’re a statement-piece maximalist or a neutral-loving minimalist, there’s one rule this season: wear what makes you feel free.
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Featured image courtesy of Tristan Swimms/@tristanswimms