Wearing pastel goth when the weather turns hot

Pastel goth leans on black: black skirts, black boots, black chokers. In summer that becomes a problem, because dark fabric absorbs more sunlight than pale fabric and heats up quickly. The fix is to change the proportions, not the style.

Let the pastel carry the outfit

In cooler months a pastel piece often sits on a black base. On hot days, turn that around. Make the main pieces pastel, such as a lavender T-shirt or a mint skirt, and keep black for small things: a belt, a choker, sandals, a bag. The look still reads as pastel goth, because the goth details are all there, only smaller.

Pick fabrics that breathe

Cotton and linen let air through far better than polyester. Lace and mesh give the gothic texture without the weight, so a lace-trimmed top or a mesh overshirt does the job a black hoodie does in winter. When you browse pastel goth clothing stores, ours included, check the fabric line in each listing before you look at the photos.

Swap the heavy pieces

Creepers and platform boots are hard work in July. Platform sandals keep the height. Tights can give way to striped knee socks, or to bare legs. A long printed T-shirt can stand in for the sweatshirt and even double as a short dress.

Look after the colors

Strong sun fades pastel hair dye and bright prints alike. A wide-brimmed hat helps with both, and a black lace parasol suits the style anyway. Printed tops keep their colors longer when they dry in the shade rather than in direct sun.

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