Goth fashion is often associated with dark colors, mysterious fabrics, and layers of black clothing. But that doesn't mean goths can't have fun in the summertime! With a few simple adjustments, you can beat the heat and still look stylish in all-black outfits. Here are a few ideas for goth-inspired summer looks that will have you looking cool and chic no matter the temperature!
When most people think of summer they think of bright colors and tiny swimsuits, completely forgetting that just because the season changes doesn't mean your tastes or your personality change along with it. If you aren't someone who wants to run around on the beach in a bright pink bikini you can still look great in the hot summer months, all it takes is a little bit of planning and you can survive the heat with your goth pride intact.
The warmer weather doesn't have to be a reason to stop being goth, it just means you might need to be goth in a slightly different way. The days of dark, brooding coats and turtlenecks have cycled behind us in the wheel of the year, replaced with a totally different approach to a gothic look.
Gothic Make-Up for Summer
It isn't just your clothing you might have to change. Summer means sun and sweat, often around pools, lakes, or oceans, so if you choose to wear make-up to accentuate your gothic side you will need to keep a few things in mind.
Waterproof make-up is doubly important in the summer months. Mascara and eyeliner are especially prone to running if you jump in a pool or if you're sweating buckets on a hot July day, so to keep those dark, gorgeous lines where you put them you will need to make sure you choose a product designed to stay in place through a good soaking.
You will also want to keep summer safety in mind by choosing make-up with a built-in sunblock whenever possible. There are all sorts of products designed to protect you from the sun, from lip balm to foundation. If you don't wear make-up at all or you only stick to eye make-up you should consider using sunblock or a lotion with some SPF built into the product. While this applies to everyone no matter what their complexion it is especially important for those goths with porcelain skin or body art that might need special protection to make this a priority.
Gothic Swimwear
Swimsuits are a big part of your summer wardrobe. Whether you want to bare it all or keep yourself covered there are plenty of perfect swimsuits for a Goth. You can keep it simple with a plain black one-piece suit. You can find a suit with a stunning goth pattern such as skulls, pentagrams, dragons, or Ouija symbols. You can find a teeny bikini or rock a vintage look with a bit of rockabilly style. The sky is the limit when it comes to awesome swimwear!
If a swimsuit on its own isn't enough to embrace your inner goth you might consider adding a dark-colored cover or wrap, giving you an extra layer or two and providing more coverage to help protect you from the sun.
Gothic Accessories To Help You Beat the Heat
Everybody knows it is the accessories that make the look, so be sure to take advantage of the weather and pick some awesome accessories to give your image a boost. When it comes to gothic jewelry, summer means you might want to put thick leather cuffs, velvet chokers or bracelets, and faux leather or pleather accessories away for the colder months and switch to lighter materials like lace or plastic instead.
Not only will this help keep you cooler in the sticky summer heat, but exposure to water and sweat can be damaging to materials like leather or velvet. Choose something that can get wet without worry and won't make you sweat.
Hats and caps can be especially helpful in the summer. Not only can a hat with a brim help shade your eyes and protect you from the sun but a hat is an excellent place to add a bit of flair to your ensemble with pins, brooches, buttons, or other decor. Whether you prefer a top hat, baseball cap, or a soup bucket hat, you can use it to accentuate your look this summer.
If hats aren't your thing or you are especially sensitive to the sun you might want to use a parasol instead. Not only will a parasol add an authentic gothic flair to your outfit, but they are a fantastic way to protect yourself from sun damage. Parasol usage dates back more than 4,000 years and was adopted at some point by multiple cultures across the globe, so it works with a variety of goth styles. Whether you choose the gothic lolita look or you're going for a more Victorian feel, the parasol is an excellent way to mix goth culture and the summer sun.
Adopt a Health Goth Look
If you are already dreading the hot, humid days ahead you might consider embracing the health goth movement. Shorts, tank tops, and t-shirts are all appropriate health goth attire, making this particular fashion trend especially appropriate during the heat of the summer months. The clothes are all made of breathable fabrics designed to wick away moisture and keep your body cool as well as being pretty versatile, giving you plenty of options for a gothic look for the gym, the beach, or even poolside.
Being a goth shouldn't stop you from having a fabulous summer! With a little bit of forethought on your part you can easily embrace your inner darkness even on the brightest summer days.
What are your favorite goth looks this summer?