Get on board with summer black
Lean into summer black because, word to the wise, RN the goth-girl aesthetic is the most potent apotheosis of SS23 style. Get the look with these key items
Newton’s third law says that for every action there’s an equal and opposite reaction – and it applies to fashion too. So may I suggest a little palate cleanser to offset all that saccharine Barbiecore this season? Embrace your inner goth with unapologetic black because all the most stylish wardrobes are certainly not mothballing this suits-anyone shade.
As I’ve mentioned before (pay attention at the back!), nothing sets off a tan like black, ideally paired with an arm and neckload of chunky gold accessories. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, may I present the following:
The zip-up all-day dress
In whisper-weight viscose, and with a generous front zip for easy pull-ons over swimwear or sunburned skin, this is the stuff of hand-luggage-only packing dreams.
The tulle two-piece
Gregarious goth girls, behold this hold-the-front-page extravaganza in tulle. Rent it for £47.10 – a Z-list budget for an A-list entrance.
The kick-ass kaftan
The goth-girl vibe is served with an attitude of not-a-care-in-the-world nonchalance. It’s heartily embodied in this lacy see-through kaftan, which you can throw over your swimwear for sundowners.
The Stygian stain
Black lipstick is not for wallflowers, but does suit all skin tones and demonstrates full commitment to the trend. It’s what Wednesday Addams would wear to the beach, and she’s a style icon who knows what’s what.
The (oc)cult accessory
Anything alluding to horoscopes, the moon, runes or tarot qualifies as a standard-issue goth-girl accessory, like these mismatched earrings.
The coal kohl
There’s one thing goth girls never do, and that’s meticulously remove their eye makeup. Fake lived-in liner with a bold smear of shadow pencil, then smudge as though your life depended on it. (Actual smudging not required, though welcome.)
The goth take on a strappy sandal
If Barbie totters, goth girls stomp. Think DMs, flatforms and, at a push, a chunky wedge, but the rule of thumb is, if you can’t kick things in them, they don’t qualify.
The satin slip
Worn with the right accessories, even the flippiest slip of a dress can have big G energy.
The anti-basket beach bag
Eschew straw and canvas, my dark sisters, and instead tote your tarot cards to the beach in this macrame delight.
