Theresa Burton

Tropigoth: moodboard

Summer, the enemy of all those who love obscurity, dark romanticism, and long, concealing clothes. Summer means violent sunlight, hot temperatures, and the impossibility to wear dark (attire hotness) and fabrics such as velvet or latex, or you’ll loose half of your  weight in sweat. Not to mention the mood is not to spooky things like when it’s Halloween.

So what to do until then, hide in a basement for the next three months? Certainly not. Goths (women, in that case) can be compatible with summer, here how:

1) What to wear?

First, stick to linen, lace and cotton for the moment. And there ’s the sub-styles. Time is not right to be dressed in a full glory Victorian or cyber goth. But you still have:

-Hippie goth

It mixes the usual hippie garb (long dress or flowy shirt and Indian pants, long necklaces, round sunglasses, tie and dye scarf or shawls, flowers crowns, feathers earrings) but in black. Some of the accessories can be of a different colors, to add accents.

-Tropigoth

This the the ultimate goth beach look. There are the traditional Hawaiian pattern (sometimes with morbid images thrown in) on clothes, but the  background is black.

Clothes are tee shirts, sandals, little dresses, flowy skirts, shirts, Bermuda shorts-the typical  summer garb.

-Nu goth

The dresses are often short (good!) and goes with round sunglasses and large hats (two things you need right now).

-Dark mori

It usually involves layers, but a lighter version (with linen or cotton dresses) can be done. Don’t forget the natural vibes by adding old Victorian or crow shaped pendants, plus a crochet shawl if you can bear it.

-Strega

The witchy style! In summer you’ll have to wear sandals rather than pointy boots. But you can keep a hat, and even a crochet shawl if you bear it. Complete with cabalistic shaped jewelry.

-Gothabilly and vintage

50’s dresses, and  their straps, are not very hot (but perhaps, drop the petticoat if it keeps you too warm.) Complete with cat sunglasses, of course, and it look perfect  with a hat, as well.

-Murmaid

The goth version of the syrenka, or mermaid style. So, it’s sea themed! You can wear scaled leggings, zombie Ariel tee-shirt, or mermaids’s skeleton printed dress. Mermaids’s skeletons can also be worn as jewelry, or said accessories be jolly-rogers shaped. Don’t forget octopuses, and their styled tentacles, printed on a dress, parasol, leggings,  bag…

-Casual

Well, it’s the simplest version (dress, or tee-shirt/pants). In order you do not look “just dressed in black”, keep your make-up, nails varnished in black, and your jewelry.

2) What to do?

-Picnics and barbecues

You may not enjoy them when it’s too hot; so ask friends and family if they rather have it at dinner time instead of lunch; when night have already fallen or at dusk.

 Picnic on the beach, a forest or even a garden can look perfectly romantic at night, when candlelit. And have black or dark food to achieve the thematic. Like rye bread and ham sandwiches, purple carrot or cauliflower sticks with a tapenade sauce, purple potatoes chips, cherries, red berries, chocolate cupcakes, black pizza (with pharmaceutic coal added to the dough), burgers with black buns, coke, red vine and Guinness beer.

-Star gazing

It’s the right time. Summer skies are brighter (except when the moon is full), it’s warm  enough to stay outside and the nights with the most shooting stars are around the 12th of August. Don’t hesitate to take your telescope out and name the constellations. And take moonbaths, Morticia Addams like. There are clouds? Listen to crickets instead.

-Telling ghosts stories by bonfire

Before or after picnic and star gazing. 

-Movies marathon

Either it is night or day, don’t hesitate to go to a local horror movies marathon (or Tim Burton movies, if you prefer) at your theater.  There is none in your area? Organize  it with a TV instead. Nothing is more refreshing to watch Universal movies monsters when it’s hot outside.

-Pool or beach party

That’s nice, but your loved ones don’t enjoy only night and/or indoor activities? Try bathing, despite it can be a nice night activity as well. 

Don't  worry ! It can be nice with the good goth accessories. 

There are great themed bath suits, towels, beach bags. 

Don’t forget a parasol to not get a tan, and you’ll certainly have fun  with a coffin shaped inflatable mattress (or bottle holder).

-Festivals

But of course! Most of metal music festivals are during summer. Not everyone can go with you (not kids, for instance), but you’ll certainly enjoy.