Goths + Summer = ;_;
Note: This is from the depths of the July archives, however it still may be of use to those who are not experiencing the A/W season?
As you are probably painfully aware, summer appears to be upon us. It has been a long absence for summer here in England - last year the sun failed to greet us, whereas the year before we were blessed/cursed with an early heatwave.
To make my stance known - I'm not summer's biggest fan. I know, how cliche for someone who likes the darker side of things! But it is the practicality - or lack thereof - of the heat that pushes me to extreme irritability.
In late July 2002, at the spritely young age of sixteen, I was in Hollywood, pounding the star-studded pavements. I had packed to go there with summer in mind, but in no way did this prepare me. I am a pale, fragile little British child, I am only accustomed to wind and rain. I stepped off the plane initially in Chicago, to make a swap for the plane to LAX. We weren't allowed out of the airport, but the heat of the city battered against the glass windows, creating a makeshift greenhouse.
It was worse when I got to LA, riding in the taxi past palm trees - it was early evening and still the sun was blistering. Throughout the holiday I failed at keeping cool. We visited Santa Monica for a day, and I took off my shoes at the beach, only to find the white sands were scorching hot and unbearable. I suffered heatstroke at Universal Studios. To this day I have sworn only to revisit California during the cooler months. I am terrified of the day I choose to go to the South.
But, my troubled relationship with summer aside, how exactly are you supposed to dress in this weather? More often than not I pull a dress out of my wardrobe that I believe to be perfect - lightweight and breathable - but in England summer means humidity, and nothing can really guard against it. I'd be happiest walking around in a bikini, but unfortunately that isn't good etiquette...
The problem becomes even more complicated for those who don't wish to dress as the 'regular' folk do, in white trousers and flowery vests, or jeans and a t-shirt. To retain a modicum of style in the heat is a thorny issue, with the added caveat of trying not to sweat through your ensemble, or the added horror or makeup dribbling down your face.
For those who like to stick to dark colours, even when the heat is on, I'm afraid you'll then have to be very picky about fabrics. Cotton is good, but only the light stuff. Otherwise, linen works very well, as does silk.
Synthetics aren't very helpful, because they tend to enhance friction and become static, and I'm sure you know how horrible that is when you're hot and bothered. Try and keep the clothes loose-fitting if possible (I'm not a huge fan of this, I like fitted clothes).
For goths in particular: try not to wear a corset unless you're really desperate to, and can handle it (I envy you!) Cyber chicks like to wear lots of latex... good luck with it in this sort of weather.
I know a lot of goth girls who do the whole 'gypsy-goth' look during summer - exactly how it sounds, with romantic shirts and long, breezy skirts. If that's not your thing, pin-up might work for you - it's a little sweeter and cuter and appropriate for summer, if you want to add dashes of bright colour. Victoriana can still have its day in the sunshine - just think lace, lace, lace.
Speaking for those masculine fellows out there, I would say the punk look can be pretty useful in summer - it takes less effort, it's not flouncy or fussy and it's comfortable. Mesh is your friend in warm weather. Don't even try to wear PVC... it'll just turn out messy.
Makeup: I'd say not to wear it during summer, because it's a hassle - but I rarely stick to this. Tinted moisturiser is perfect for summer, because it gives the smooth appearance of foundation without the cake-like consistency. For eye shadow, I recommend a primer before your apply it, to minimise creases and disappearing colour (I have oily eyelids, which are much more obvious in summer, and my eye shadow can't last an hour without primer). For lips, I like lip gloss or lipstick - I don't think there are any hard and fast rules about summer being the time for 'lighter, fresher' shades and a feeling of au naturale. If you prefer to goth out when you're in the sunshine, by all means go for it - I often do. Just make sure whatever base you choose, that it's light and won't melt down your neck halfway through the day.
The only real issue alternative types seem to have with summer clothing, at the end of the day, is footwear. I know, I know, you love your New Rocks! But believe me, I know how uncomfortable it is to walk around in the heat with my feet imprisoned in stompy leather boots (and socks - I can't wear boots without socks, or I get blisters), and it isn't fun at all. There are less punishing choices - elegant black shoes or wedges made of canvas, or gladiator sandals - that are all very comfortable and stylish. (Note: if you're going to wear open-toes, please get a pedicure or do one yourself at home!) Guys - this is a little more problematic for you, unless you want to wear gladiators too. I'd suggest anything made of canvas. My husband has a pair of 'ninja boots' - lightweight canvas high-tops that lace up, and I'm guessing they're much more forgiving than his leathers.
Other notes for the summer. They're pretty well known, but just so's you know:
*Wear sunglasses. Big or small, just make sure they protect your eyes sufficiently. I like the big ones, I recently bought a new tortoiseshell pair from H&M and they make me feel famous.
*Sunscreen, and lots of it - at least factor 25, nothing less. I don't care if it's cloudy (she says - I am guilty of not bothering on occasion).
*Drink water! (I always fail at this).
*Don't stay out in the sun too long, and try to avoid it between 11am and 3pm.
*Get a hat - you'll probably look fabulous.
*Eat ice-cream... always helps.
Have a nice summer!