The recent episode of The Summer I Turned Pretty just reminded me why Taylor is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters this season. Honestly, her whole arc has been such a glow-up. She’s still the bold, confident Taylor we’ve always known the one who’s quick with a joke, unafraid to speak her mind, and never short of energy. But what’s different now is that there’s a softness underneath all that bravado. She’s learning how to let people in, how to be vulnerable, and how to put others before herself without losing that signature spark.
In earlier seasons, Taylor often came across as a little self-centered, funny and loyal, but also someone who was caught up in her own world. This season, though, feels like a shift. She’s more thoughtful in her friendships, more patient in love, and more open with her family. It’s like she’s realizing she doesn’t always have to be the loudest or brightest in the room to matter; sometimes her strength comes from being supportive, even when it means letting go of what she wants. That balance of confidence and care is what makes her character arc so exciting to watch right now.
What I’ve loved most this season has been her scenes with her mum.
And can we talk about her outfits this season? Taylor has always had good style, but season 3 feels like a whole new level. Every look feels so perfectly her—bold, playful, and confident, but also polished in a way that mirrors her growth. Her fashion this season feels like an extension of her arc: she’s still standing out, but she’s doing it with a little more intention. The wardrobe team clearly understands who Taylor is becoming, and it makes her scenes pop even more.
From the little moments of support to the big gesture of throwing the bachelorette party, Taylor has been showing a side of herself that feels more caring and vulnerable than ever before. It’s not just about the fun these moments show how much she values her family, and it makes her character feel so much richer in season 3.
Then there’s Steven. We all know how complicated that whole situation is. Yes, Taylor clearly loves him, but what struck me this time is that she isn’t trying to force it. She’s honest about how she feels, but also self-aware enough to recognize that Steven and Denise just work. When she says, “She’s actually really nice, and she’s the kind of girl I always thought he’d ditch me for. They’re a power couple” like ouch, but also… that’s growth.
And that line, “Steven is not mine and I’m not going to hold onto him if he doesn’t want to be with me”wow that’s not the Taylor from season one. That’s a girl who knows her worth, and who’s learning how to love without holding too tight. It feels like such a turning point for her.
Do I love Steven and Taylor together? Yes. Honestly, I don’t need them to end up together if it means we get to see Taylor keep growing like this. Denise might be better for Steven right now, and Taylor deserves to find herself outside of just being “Steven’s girl.”
No matter what happens by the end of the series, Taylor’s arc has already become one of the most exciting parts of this season. She’s funny, loyal, complicated, and finally stepping into her own—and that’s exactly why I’m loving her even more after this episode.