Goth Look for Summer: Beat the Heat Even When All You Wear is Black

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 personality change with it. If you're not someone who wants to run around the beach in a hot pink bikini, you can still look stunning during the hot summer months, all it takes is a little planning and you can survive the heat with your gothic pride intact.

Warmer weather doesn't need 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, gloomy coats and turtlenecks have passed behind us at the wheel of the year, replaced by a completely different approach to a gothic look.

A- Gothic summer makeup

It's not just your clothes you may need to change. Summer is all about sun and sweat, often around pools, lakes or oceans, so if you choose to wear makeup to accentuate your goth side, you'll need to keep a few things in mind.

Waterproof makeup is doubly important during the summer months. Mascara and eyeliner are especially susceptible to running if you're jumping in a pool or sweating buckets on a hot July day, so to keep those dark, gorgeous lines where you put them, you'll need to make sure to choose a product designed to stay in place with good immersion.

You'll also want to keep summer safety in mind by choosing makeup with built-in sunscreen whenever possible. There are all kinds of products designed to protect you from the sun, from lip balm to foundation. If you don't wear makeup at all or only wear eye makeup, you should consider using sunscreen or lotion with SPF built into the product. While this applies to everyone regardless of skin tone, it is especially important for goths with porcelain or body art skin who might need special protection to make this a priority.

B- Gothic swimsuit

Swimwear is a big part of your summer wardrobe. Whether you want to bare all or cover up, there are plenty of swimsuits perfect for a Goth. You can keep it simple with a plain black one-piece suit. You can find a costume with a beautiful gothic pattern like skulls , pentagrams, dragons or Ouija symbols. You can find a tiny bikini or rock a vintage look with a bit of rockabilly style. The sky's the limit when it comes to awesome swimwear!

If a swimsuit alone isn't enough to embrace your inner goth, you might consider adding a dark-colored cover-up or scarf, giving yourself an extra layer or two, and providing extra coverage to help you to protect you from the sun.

C- Gothic accessories to help you beat the heat

Everyone knows that it's the accessories that make the look, so make sure you take advantage of the weather and choose some funky accessories to give your image a boost. When it comes to gothic jewelry , summer means you might want to put on chunky leather cuffs, velvet necklaces or bracelets, and faux leather or plaster accessories for the colder months and switch to lighter materials like lace or plastic.

Not only will it help you stay cool in the sticky summer heat, but exposure to water and sweat can damage 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 useful in summer. Not only can a brimmed hat help shade your eyes and protect you from the sun, but a hat is a great place to add a little flair to your ensemble with pins, brooches, buttons, or other decor. Whether you prefer a top hat, baseball cap, or soup bucket hat, you can use it to accentuate your look this summer.

If hats aren't your thing or you're particularly sensitive to the sun, you can use a parasol instead. Not only will a parasol add an authentic gothic touch to your outfit, but it's also a great way to protect yourself from sun damage. The use of the parasol dates back over 4,000 years and was adopted at one point by multiple cultures around the world, so it works with a variety of Gothic styles. Whether you're going for the gothic lolita look or looking for a more Victorian vibe, the parasol is a great way to mix goth culture and summer sun.

D- Adopt a healthy gothic look

If you're 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 clothing, making this particular fashion trend especially appropriate during the hot summer months. The clothes are all made of breathable fabrics designed to wick away moisture and keep your body cool while being quite versatile, giving you plenty of options for a goth look for the gym, the beach, or even poolside.

Being goth shouldn't stop you from having a fabulous summer! With a little forethought on your part, you can easily embrace your inner darkness even on the brightest summer days.

What are your favorite gothic looks this summer?