The Summer Goth Style Guide

Whoever said everyone wants to be bright and cheery this summer? Sure, some people love the colorful styles and bold choices that come with warmer temperatures, but some of us prefer an all-black ensemble to something more pastel. If you’ve ever had a disproportionate amount of dark laundry, a black t-shirt for every day of the week, or a fondness for Morticia Addams’ style, you’re in the right place, because I’m here to help vamp up your Summer 2018 looks with a few essential Summer Goth™ pieces.

 

The LBGD (Little Black Goth Dress)

Image source: boohoo

Summer is made for dresses. They’re usually an easy-to-wear, breathable, and cute outfit choice for any kind of occasion! This dress, in particular, is definitely worth your consideration, mainly because of its versatility and trendiness. Cold shoulder dresses and tops are having a moment, as are ribbed details, and this little number combines the best of both! For a look that can transition from an afternoon of looking at gravestones to an evening seance, this is the dress for you.

 

The Everyday Tee

Image source: Asos

If there’s a go-to fashion staple every goth (or aspiring goth) needs in their closet, it’s a black tee. Whether you have one, or one hundred, this simple linen-mix tee is perfect for all of your summer needs! Its comfy shape, breathable fabric, and laid-back look can be paired with any number of black accessories to make a casually dark #look.

 

Short Shorts, But Make it Dark™

Image source: H&M

With Summer comes that age-old adage: “Suns out, buns out.” What better way to show off a cute patoot than with these classic high waisted denim shorts? These bad boys can be worn by themselves, with fishnet stockings under for an Extra goth edge, and preferably always with Doc Martens (or any other dark shoe of your choosing). There’s no easier, or cuter way to keep cool and creepy this summer.

 

Morticia Addams Realness (AKA – Formal Wear)

Image source: Unique Vintage (via ShopStyle)


Just because it’s Summer doesn’t mean it’ll be all casual fun and games. Summer is prime time for weddings, graduations, and all other sorts of events that call for a formal touch. So what’s a goth to do? Go all out of course, and in the best way possible—with velvet and chiffon. This sweeping gown is a perfect way to dress up any dreary look! It’s equal parts stylish and sexy, with a nice vampy thigh slit to help keep things easy and breezy. There’s no better way to make an entrance than twirling across a dancefloor or making understanding eye contact with the one other goth across the room.

 

Accessories! (well, one really good accessory)

Image source: JAKIMAC

What’s a good outfit without a solid statement piece? Case in point: a leather harness worn on top of regular clothing. It can be paired with any kind of outfit to add an almost subversive edge to even the simplest of looks. While this one might be a bit on the pricey side, it could be worth the investment if you’re looking for a high quality, durable, and adjustable piece that can be used in any season. That being said, if you’re looking for a more affordable harness, these two options are worth a look as well!  This simple splash of black can make any outfit shift to the dark side in an instant.

 

Keeping these dark styles around all Summer is a surefire way to serve #hotlooks while staying cool (both literally and figuratively). It’s tough to stay goth in these hotter months, but with these clothing items, there’s a fighting chance that you’ll keep that exterior just as cold and desolate as your heart. Here’s to a Summer full of dark outfits, Bauhaus dance parties, candlelit evenings in the creepy neighborhood mansion, and endless nights of terror.


Featured image source: Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

Alejandra Martinez

Alejandra Martinez

Alejandra Martinez is a Tejana writer and archivist. She has been published in The Texas Observer, Pomegranate Magazine, and We Got This Covered. You can often find her reading a good book, watching a movie, or writing at your local coffee shop.
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