12 Summer Goth Outfit Essentials to Keep You Cool and Spooky

It’s not easy being goth in summer. Black clothes, boots, and layers plus sunshine can be a match made in Dante’s Inferno. Fortunately, there are ways to beat the heat and still be a child of darkness. Here are a few goth summer outfit ideas to help you face the daystar:

Gothic White Sundress

Woman in a white dress and hat with a blurred background

Yes, you can be goth in white! A white dress in a light, airy fabric can still be goth if it has lacy details or a cinched bodice for a bit of Victorian flair. Style it with goth accessories and dark makeup, and you’ll learn to love the summer. (And don’t forget the wide-brimmed hat!)

Pleated Black Mini or Skater Skirt

Woman in a black dress with a pink bow standing by a tree and water.

One of the most versatile parts of your summer wardrobe is a short black skirt. You can wear it with casual tops, layer up with a jacket on chilly nights, and wear black fishnets for a goth look that is summer-friendly with an edge (just watch out for weird tan lines if you’re going to be out in the sun for a while). It works so well paired with a pink or lilac blouse for playful pastel goth looks and gothic lolita outfits if you like a cute goth aesthetic.

Black Dress with Floral Print

Black and white photo of a woman wearing glasses and a floral dress, leaning against a wooden surface.

Lighten up an all-black outfit by choosing a subtle floral print. A few sundresses or tops with black floral prints will get you through the summer without sacrificing your signature dark style. Choose lightweight fabrics and pieces you can easily dress up or down for a summer capsule wardrobe that’s chic and versatile.

Black Crop Top

Woman in black outfit standing in front of a piano with candles in the background

Now is the time to let your belly breathe! A cute black crop top adds an interesting spin on casual summer outfits, and it’s perfect with high-waisted shorts or pants. Whether you buy or DIY, this piece will add some variety to your go-to summer outfits.

Black Cotton Dress

Person wearing a black dress with puffed sleeves against a gray background

A black dress in a breathable natural fabric like cotton will help you stay cool, especially if it’s loose and lightweight. Even a long-sleeved dress can be comfortable in summer as long as it’s not too tight. Wear it with sandals for a breezy summer outfit that’s still dark and gothic.

Sheer Layers

Person with blue hair and dark lipstick standing in front of a textured wall with orange lighting.

Loose, oversized sheer shirts can keep you cool while maintaining a grunge-inspired goth aesthetic. With a cami underneath for easy layering, and throw it on to keep sunburn at bay at the beach or out walking around. It also looks ethereal with a maxi dress or skirt for a casual yet witchy summer vibe.

Sleeveless Black Tops

Woman with red hair and freckles wearing a black top against a textured white background

This is one of the key staples of any summer goth wardrobe. Wear a black tank top with jeans, a tiered maxi skirt, or under a sheer oversized shirt to keep the sun off. If you aren’t a fan of showing so much skin, you can layer up with a sheer mesh top. Black sleeveless tops will be in constant rotation as long as the sun is raging, so be sure to have a few on hand.

Black Tees

Person wearing a black t-shirt with a graphic design, standing indoors.

Now is the time to break out all your favorite band tees black graphic t-shirts and incorporate them into some casual summer looks. Wear them with shorts and fishnets or jeans, or dress them up with a skirt or some tailored trousers for an unexpected high-low twist. If you’re feeling creative (or destructive), grab some fabric scissors and chop them into DIY crop tops, remove the sleeves to show off your tattoos, or cut the neck out for a loose and comfy off-the-shoulder look.

Black Hat

Person wearing a black hat and glasses with a blurred background

Even if there are no other black components to your outfit, a black hat adds enough goth energy to make up for it. A wide-brimmed hat will keep off the sun while you await the solstice. Look for a lightweight black straw hat to keep you comfortable and maintain your dark sorceress aesthetic.

Victorian Gothic Summer Clothes

Woman in a black lace outfit holding a black umbrella outdoors.

If you like a Victorian look, summer presents even more challenges (but hey, at least you can carry a parasol!). You can still maintain a vintage-inspired silhouette while shedding a few layers, though. Try wearing a corset top with an airy linen peasant blouse and a maxi skirt, and opt for fabrics like lace and sheer cotton for blouses rather than heavy brocade and velvet. Fabrics like cambric, muslin, gauze, and seersucker are period-accurate and summer-friendly.

You can also look for a cotton midi dress with a Victorian feel for a simple garment that is cool and lightweight.

Goth Accessories

Woman wearing a hat and a dress with a dark background

Now more than ever, your accessories will have to do the heavy lifting when it comes to maintaining a goth look. Without a black jacket and layered clothing, it’s down to jewelry, hair clips, and belts to announce your darkness. Black chokers, skull earrings, velvet bows, and ankh necklaces can instantly gothify even the sunniest summer ensemble.

Goth Summer Shoes

Black leather boots with studded details worn by a person against a blurred natural background

As much as we hate to admit it, the Demonias and Doc Martens probably aren’t going to cut it once the mercury starts rising. The good news is, a pair of comfy black platform sandals will go with all your outfits and keep you cool. Black sneakers like Converse are also a classic option for casual looks. If you simply cannot let go of the boots (we get it!) look for some with canvas uppers, or boots with cutouts for ventilation.

Nobody likes having to pare down their goth aesthetic just because the summer sun is melting their makeup. However, this list shows that with a few adjustments, you can still be a queen of darkness even when the sun is blazing. Now, grab those sunglasses, slather on the sunscreen, and don’t let a little heat keep you from being your spooky self.