'Nun girl summer' explained as Khloé Kardashian and Maura Higgins share lead Gen Z trend

Move over, hot girl summer, as the internet has a new seasonal obsession, and it's got nothing to do with dating apps, situationships or pesky late-night texts.

Instead, Gen Z is embracing what has been dubbed 'nun girl summer' by The Sun, a trend centred around taking a step back from romance, choosing yourself and, for some, even swearing off sex altogether.

The viral movement has picked up serious momentum on TikTok, where women are sharing videos about deleting dating apps, cancelling dates and putting their energy into friendships, careers and personal growth instead.

Despite the name, you don't actually need to become a nun. The trend takes inspiration from clips shared by the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, whose podcast conversations around mindfulness, intentional living and making thoughtful choices have struck a chord online.

Khloé Kardashian has been very open about her love life and her choices to remain abstinent over the past few years (Instagram/@khloekardashian)

It's important to note that amidst the hype, some people have also pointed out that the term 'nun girl summer' is controversial, arguing it borrows religious imagery to describe a lifestyle trend that's largely unrelated to faith.

One celebrity who has unknowingly become the face of the movement is Love Island favourite Maura Higgins.

Earlier this year, the 35-year-old revealed to Elite Daily she'd been celibate for over a year, explaining that the decision wasn't planned but happened naturally as she shifted her focus onto herself.

Maura Higgins has also opened up about her change in approach to dating (Christian Vierig / Contributor / Getty Images)

"I wanted to focus on me, my career and my energy," she told Cosmopolitan. "Now that it's been over a year, I don't even think of men."

It's quite the change for the reality star, whose love life has often made headlines over the years.

Khloé Kardashian has also spoken openly about taking a break from dating.

The reality TV star revealed last year that she hadn't been with anyone since splitting from Tristan Thompson in 2021, admitting she initially felt embarrassed before realising she was genuinely happy on her own.

Julia Fox has similarly embarked on a similar journey when it comes to her love life (Gilbert Carrasquillo / Contributor / Getty Images)

Julia Fox is another famous fan of the lifestyle. The actor and model previously revealed she'd been celibate for more than two years, saying the break had given her 'clarity' after years of looking for validation through relationships.

While 'nun girl summer' might sound like another fleeting social media hashtag, the trend interestingly reflects a wider shift in how many young women are approaching dating.

Rather than feeling pressure to constantly search for a partner, more people are choosing to slow things down, 'protect their peace' and spend time figuring out what they actually want.