Emily Ratajkowski Highlights Summer Adventures and Reflects on Personal Journey

Emily Ratajkowski recently provided a retrospective on a month characterized by abundant sunshine, stylish swimwear, and picturesque coastal settings.

The 35-year-old model posted a series of images from her summer getaways on Instagram, with the caption, "julio/Ιούλιος/july," presenting the month in Spanish, Greek, and English.

Among the visuals was an intimate selfie featuring Ratajkowski inside a seaside residence, sporting a navy blue bikini adorned with white polka dots.

This halter-style swimsuit included slender straps that crisscrossed around her waist, complemented by her long brunette hair cascading over her shoulders. She gazed directly into the camera, with open shelving, glass items, and blue cabinetry visible in the background.

Another of the model's beach ensembles showcased an orange-and-black patterned bikini, worn during a day spent by the water.

Seated on a lounge chair covered by a yellow-and-white striped towel, Ratajkowski held a pink drink in a glass, positioned beneath a large black-and-white umbrella. Her wraparound bikini was accessorized with layered necklaces and multiple gold bangles.

A subsequent image from the identical location captured the model taking a selfie.

Ratajkowski extended her phone at arm’s length, positioned sideways on the lounge chair, with rows of beach chairs and a glimpse of the ocean in the distance. The late afternoon sunlight illuminated the scene as she appeared to check her reflection on the screen.

The photo collection also depicted a more serene moment during an oceanfront dinner.

Dressed in a dark brown halter top, Ratajkowski posed at a table overlooking the water, with the sun setting behind a line of trees. A cocktail, a green drinking glass, and place settings were arranged on the white tablecloth.

The model reached across the table to grasp the bandaged hand of an unnamed companion. She did not identify this individual or offer an explanation for the visible injury.

Reflections on Marriage and Motherhood

This compilation of summer photographs arrives weeks after Ratajkowski openly discussed the dissolution of her marriage to film producer Sebastian Bear-McClard and the challenging period that followed.

The former couple married in 2018 and welcomed their son, Sylvester "Sly" Apollo, in March 2021. Ratajkowski initiated divorce proceedings in September 2022 and has since spoken candidly about her experiences raising her son, now five years old, primarily as a single mother in New York City.

In a June essay published in The Cut titled "Mother F---er," Ratajkowski detailed how becoming a mother profoundly altered her identity just prior to her marriage’s breakdown.

"And then, in a time period that felt both instant and excruciatingly slow, my marriage collapsed."

Ratajkowski confessed that the prospect of becoming a single mother had been a significant fear long before she had children.

"Even as a kid, I reasoned that of all the things I could grow up to be, it was crucial to avoid becoming a single mom," she wrote. "The term itself could be lodged as an insult."

Following her separation, the model immersed herself in dating while striving to reconcile her new circumstances with how she believed others perceived her.

Despite engaging in late-night outings, Ratajkowski emphasized that she established clear boundaries to safeguard her time with Sylvester.

"I had rules: Never miss bedtime and basically no sleepovers," she stated. "These were natural and easy to abide by."

The model elaborated that she would always return home, regardless of how late a date concluded, to ensure she was present when her son awoke.

"There was nowhere I’d rather be than when I woke up with my toddler, so no matter the number of martinis, I’d be fully dressed and out the door to relieve the sitter and be ready for my son’s 6 a.m. ‘Maamaaaa!’"

Finding Strength in Independence

While much of her essay focused on her post-divorce dating experiences, Ratajkowski noted that her most profound realization occurred during a visit to her attorney’s office.

She recounted her lawyer discussing women who remain in detrimental marriages even when they are prepared to leave.

"You should be proud of yourself," he reportedly told her. "Most women don’t leave."

Ratajkowski stated that this conversation offered her a fresh perspective on the decision she had made.

"Leaving my marriage wasn’t about seeking anyone’s attention or approval," she reflected. "It was the opposite."

The model acknowledged that becoming a single mother altered how others viewed her, but ultimately, it helped her recognize her inherent strength.

"I wasn’t left; I left," she asserted. "I knew then that being able to leave, to say ‘no,’ was the only real superpower I’d gained through divorce. I was brave. Really, actually brave."

The essay elicited varied responses online. While some social media users criticized Ratajkowski for appearing disconnected from the challenges faced by many single mothers, others commended her for openly discussing divorce, dating, and the realities of motherhood.

Evolving Fashion Philosophy

Beyond her personal life, Ratajkowski has continued to advance her career in the fashion industry.

She was recently announced as one of the faces for Abercrombie & Fitch’s fall 2026 denim campaign, appearing alongside fellow model Paloma Elsesser and New York Giants players Jaxson Dart and Malik Nabers.

In an interview with Elle magazine regarding the campaign, Ratajkowski shared that she has become less preoccupied with strictly adhering to every fashion trend.

"I care less about trends and more about how clothes make me feel," she told the publication. "I want pieces that fit into my life and make me feel like myself."

The New York-based model also explained the ongoing influence of the city on her personal style.

"New York has always been my favorite city to get dressed in because everyone is aware they’re being perceived but also have the realities of their days to combat," she explained. "There’s something incredibly stylish about practicality mixed with individuality."