The fourth character released by the American Girl brand, Felicity has been a favorite for generations of girls—especially those who might struggle to embrace a ladylike perspective instead of their natural tomboy ways. A bit of a revolutionary in her own way, Felicity lives in Williamsburg, Virginia at the beginning of the war for American independence. Although Felicity tends toward both impatience and stubbornness, her heart is always in the right place—whether she’s freeing an abused horse or refusing to drink tea at finishing school as a show of dissent against taxation without representation.

For as much of a tomboy as she appears to be in the books, Felicity has some of the most decadent, frilly outfits of all of the original American Girl dolls—due, in part, to conventional styles in the 1700’s. While she has had multiple “meet” outfits over the years, we’re modernizing her original look with a rose-printed dress from Agua and complementary ballet flats from Aeyde. Instead of a mob cap, we’ve given her a delightful woven hat from Helen Kaminski and a coordinating basket bag from Chloé. Although it’s not quite Revolutionary-era, this beaded coral necklace from Louis Martin Jewelers is a near-perfect match. And, though Lissy ultimately decides that she will “take no tea”, we like to imagine her sipping something (maybe coffee?) from this exquisite Dior toile teacup.

If you want to experience summer à la Felicity, try these tips:

• Host an afternoon tea for your friends—perfect etiquette encouraged but not required! In the spirit of Felicity’s story, choose a French breakfast tea (we’re currently obsessing over this one from Marriage Frères) instead of English.

• Take a dance class—although Felicity would usually prefer to run through a garden or field, she discovers the joy in moving gracefully across a gleaming floor. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even get invited to the governor’s ball!

• Go horseback riding—you don’t need to ride bareback or jump a fence, but getting out in nature and communing with one of the most powerful domesticated animals is an incredibly grounding experience. (Don’t forget your breeches!)

We’re going to breeze right past the fact that Josefina isn’t actually American (nor are Kirsten, Felicity, or Emily Bennett if one thinks about it too deeply…) and instead celebrate the character’s beautiful portrayal of Mexican culture in the early 1800’s. A complete contrast to bold Felicity, Josefina is quiet and devoted. The loss of her mother affected her deeply, prompting her to become sentimental at a young age—she keeps a memory box filled with special mementos. Naturally creative, she enjoys singing and begins studying piano under the tutelage of her aunt. Although Josefina is one of American Girl’s more reserved characters, she has a giving heart and wishes to help others, hence her apprenticeship with a local “healer”.

Mexican style in Josefina’s time was simple and practical—perfect for a modern-day summer afternoon. We’re modernizing her “meet” outfit for summer 2025 by eliminating the overskirt altogether and honing in on the camisa, a long white blouse represented beautifully by this lace-trimmed mini from Piexoto. Her suede moccasins have been replaced by airy sandals from Khaite—perfect for summer adventures so long as there isn’t a rattlesnake lurking upon the path you’re walking! (If this suede clutch from YSL via MyTheresa isn’t a perfect match, then it’s awfully close.) And who needs a Rebozo when you can have a cashmere-and-silk scarf from Hermès? (Who, for that matter, can afford it?!) The garnet necklace Josefina receives from her aunt gets an upgrade here—this one from Bloomingdale’s is all rubies and diamonds! Speaking of jewelry, in honor of Josefina’s musical pursuits, we’re giving her this treble clef bracelet for a bit of added sparkle. And, of course, one of the things that makes Josefina truly unique as a doll are her pre-pierced ears with small gold hoop earrings. These ones from Tiffany’s work rather nicely.

If you want a Josefina summer, try this:

• Dust off your musical skills if you used to play an instrument—if not, there’s no better time than now to learn! Find a local music studio and take a trial lesson or join a community choir or one at your church.

• Make time for prayer and reflection—Josefina is a devout Catholic, and she’s also dedicated to preserving memories of the special people and experiences in her life. Incorporate time for journaling or devotions into your routine if you haven’t already.

• Become a healer—take advantage of the medicinal power of fresh herbs and produce and incorporate them into your diet to cure what ails you. Did you know that cherries have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and blueberries reduce the risk of heart disease?

Immigrating to the United States from Sweden in the mid-1800’s, Kirsten is one of American Girl’s original three dolls (alongside Samantha and Molly). Similar to Felicity, Kirsten has a bit of a headstrong streak that often gets her into trouble as she adapts to life on the Minnesota plains. As an immigrant, Kirsten struggles to learn English but makes friendships that transcend language, best depicted by her relationship with Singing Bird, a member of the local Native American tribe. Although she can tend toward stubbornness, Kirsten has a compassionate spirit, especially in regards to animals and children younger than herself. She also exhibits the grit and determination of a true pioneer, as exemplified through her brave journey through a blizzard with her father

Giving Kirsten’s pioneer outfit a twenty-first-century upgrade, we’ve exchanged her dusty calico “meet” dress for a blue gingham mini from SIMKHAI and paired it with a matching claw clip from Emi Jay. Alternatively, we’ve included a heart-detail red gingham hair ribbon from LoveShackFancy reminiscent of Kirsten’s bonnet. In place of practical boots, we’ve opted for a pair of fabulous buckled Chloé pumps via MyTheresa and Kirsten’s amber necklace gets a Tiffany & Co. upgrade with this sculptural gold pendant from Elsa Peretti. Instead of an apron, we’ve accessorized with a white-and-gold belt bag from Lori Piana, perfect for storing one’s essentials during any journey—long or short. And, since a whistle plays a key role in one of Kirsten’s stories we’ve given her a gold-and-diamond pendant version from Anita Ko.

To have your own pioneering summer, try these Kirstin-inspired activities:

• Get creative with your friends—Kirsten and her classmates work together to complete a “friendship quilt” symbolizing the joy of their relationship. If you’re not handy with a needle and thread, consider a booking paint-and-sip activity or other crafty girls’ night with your besties.

• Go foraging—just try not to run into a hungry bear! In Kirsten’s day, berries weren’t bought at a store, they were picked fresh from the bush at peak ripeness. Research u-pick farms in your area and spend a day harvesting fresh produce.

• Learn a new language—channel your inner Kirsten and challenge yourself to learn a few basic phrases in a language you’ve admired. For bonus points, connect with native speakers online via social media to practice your skills!

There’s a bit of online controversy over whether Samantha truly belongs in the Edwardian or Victorian era, but we don’t really care. All we know is that her outfits are perfection, her accessories are equally dreamy, and her storyline is one of our own personal favorites. (Besides, how can you beat the AnnaSofia Robb movie version?) Samantha is an orphan raised by her kind-but-strict grandmother, so we instantly have compassion for this character…and, of course, we love goofy Uncle Gard and glamorous Aunt Cornelia. Gifted at both art and public speaking, Samantha aspires to fame as either a painter or politician—one of her stories centers around the woman’s suffrage movement. Although she’s not particularly proper and has a penchant for climbing trees, Samantha has an elegant spirit and always seeks to help others who are less fortunate than herself.

To recreate Samantha’s patterns-and-puffs “meet” outfit for a contemporary generation, we’ve leaned into the “bubble skirt” trend with this plaid mini dress from Self-Portrait. And, since Samantha is the granddaughter of a glamorous Gilded Age widow, we feel it’s only fitting that our modern-day version should have a vintage Chanel hat. (We found this one on eBay—who knew?) In place of her heart locket brooch, we’ve given Samantha a gold pendant from Tiffany’s, fitting since she moves to New York City later in the series. In place of her pink bag, we’ve stayed true to our monochromatic color scheme with a coin purse from Il Bisonte, which beautifully matches the Jimmy Choo ankle boots. And, since the teddy bear was first introduced in Samantha’s era, we’re featuring a Steiff reproduction—just for fun.

If you’re ready for a Samantha-style summer:

• Spend time in nature—bonus points if you illustrate your adventures via a field journal like a Victorian-era adventurer might have. Take a boat out on the water if you can, just don’t get caught in a storm on the lake!

• Advocate for a cause—Samantha is outspoken about the causes she’s passionate about and goes above and beyond what is expected to help others. Volunteer at a local charity or partner with a national organization that speaks to you.

• Bake something delicious—Samantha enjoys spending time in the kitchen and decorating gingerbread houses during the holidays. Make a summertime dessert for an upcoming potluck or party and decorate it with fresh seasonal fruits or flowers.

Kit Kittredge: The Budding Journalist

We’ll tell you a secret—Kit is our personal favorite. (Perhaps because she’s a journalist, too!) Introduced in 2000 and popularized by the aforementioned major motion picture, Kit is a quintessential daughter of the Great Depression. She’s optimistic, resourceful, and adventurous. (She even goes freighthopping…though we’re not going to encourage you to break the law!) Naturally inquisitive, her curiosity makes her a born reporter. She publishes “The Hard Times News” for family and friends and dreams of writing for a “real” newspaper. However, Kit isn’t only after a byline—she also desires to help her family by bringing in extra money after her father loses his job due to the struggling economy.

Although Kit is also portrayed as a bit of a tomboy, her outfits are fresh and floral, often featuring bright or pastel colors and attractive patterns inspired by feed sack dresses of her day. For our modern-day version of her “meet” outfit, we turn to our favorite “shabby chic” retailer, LoveShackFancy, for both a tiered floral mini skirt and a coordinating ribbon-trimmed cardigan. We’ve jazzed up her sandals by swapping them out for wedge-style Jimmy Choo espadrilles via MyTheresa, and our contemporary take on Kit’s cloche from Lori Piana is a near-perfect match. Kit’s embroidered handbag gets a pretty and pink upgrade with this clutch from Rafe, although it appears to have sold out sometime between us finding it and the publication of this article. For our iteration of her outfit, Kit’s compass necklace is made of diamonds—it’s not the Depression anymore! Similarity, we’ve glammed up Kit’s stationery with a pink notebook from Pineider and a special-edition Montblanc pen to inspire cutting-edge journalism.

Channel your own resourcefulness for a Kit Kittredge summer to remember:

• Embrace simplicity—challenge yourself to create a gourmet dinner from a select number of ingredients or consisting entirely of leftovers. Or research Depression-era recipes and try something new, like this mock filet mignon.

• Take a (totally legal) train trip—ride the rails to a nearby town or find a tourist train that runs through your area on sightseeing expeditions. Just make sure to keep your ticket on you at all times!

• Partake in a baseball game—Kit was a Cincinnati Reds fan, but you can cheer on whichever team you like. Whether you splurge for a major league game or choose to support a local league, don’t forget the peanuts and Cracker Jack!

Molly McIntire: The True Friend

Spunky, spirited, and a natural-born leader, Molly is another “original” doll whose appeal has stood the test of time. Growing up on the home front during World War Two, Molly struggles to adapt to the hardships of wartime. Instead, she dreams of glamour and enjoys emulating the British princesses. Dreaming of fine and fancy clothes amid home front scarcity, Molly also struggles with her self-image—especially because she hates her long, straight hair. She attempts a few near-disastrous makeover techniques before perfecting a heatless curl method with the help of her sister. Molly is also a gifted and dedicated dancer, winning the lead in her dance school’s act for a local variety show. Although she can be obstinate at times, Molly is dedicated and determined, exhibiting the sort of wartime strength we all can admire.

We’ve given Molly her dream twenty-first-century glow-up featuring some of our favorite designer brands while staying loyal to a hurray-for-the-USA color palette. A navy blue Likely mini dress features rhinestone embellishments that reflect the white-gold-and-diamond locket from Ross-Simons. Double-strap navy mary janes from Girotti add a bit of nostalgic charm to the outfit, while a cherry-red Dolce & Gabbana handbag lends a pop of playfulness to the ensemble. A short-brimmed Dior cap replaces Molly’s beret and adds a dash of spunk to the outfit, and we’ve replaced Molly’s dreaded glasses with a pair of Chanel frames guaranteed to make everything look a little clearer.

For the ultimate “Molly” summer:

• Try a new hairstyle—just make sure it’s not a perm! Experiment with your own heatless curls or try a new color or cut. Just remember—you’re already beautiful just the way you are.

• Go camping—whether it’s in a tent or cabin, spend a weekend away embracing the great outdoors. Bonus points for bringing your friends and playing a rollicking game of Capture the Flag…just remember to stay out of the poison ivy!

• Spend time with an animal friend—if you have a dog, show them some extra love with daily walks or a special treat. If you can’t have an animal of your own, spend some time volunteering at your local humane society.