The Summer Goth Style Tribes: How To Wear Black In A Heatwave

For anyone with a proclivity for heavy fabrics and monochrome colourways, the summer months can be fairly traumatic: after all, patent leather and duchesse satin hardly lend themselves to a heatwave, and it can be tricky to make fifty shades of black feel seasonally appropriate. But dressing like a goth in hot weather is not impossible: look to everyone from Kim Kardashian’s Yeezy-infused penchant for patent to Susie Bick’s lacy Victoriana or Michele Lamy’s bundles of Rick Owens for abundant alternatives to the ubiquitous floral dress.

Health Goth

Ambassadors: Mora C Mora, Alexander Wang, Kim Kardashian
Go-to-brands: MMW for Nike, Yeezy, Gentle Monster

Remember a few years ago, when brands like Nasir Masar and Cottweiler were championing futuristic dystopia and suddenly everyone started using the term “healthgoth” to refer to their brand of hyperreality? Well, this incarnation is a little different – instead of that high-concept spirit, this is more Lydia Deetz does streetwear. Think of the sort of clothes you can work out in (handily sweatproof in a heatwave), formed from high-tech fabrications and worn with a slightly BDSM twist, and you’re well on your way.

From left to right: A Cold Wall ACW velcro component t shirt, £188 at A-cold-wall.com, Yeezy transparent PVC heels, £560 at Ssense.com, Off-White Cordura Help belt pouch, £380 at Ssense.com, Gentle Monster glasses, £220 at Ssense.com, Nikelab stretch woven trousers, £210 from Brownsfashion.com.

Nineties Goth

Icons: Bella Hadid, Hailey Baldwin, Kendall Jenner
Go-to-brands: Prada, Raf Simons, Helmut Lang

Nineties goth is, essentially, what it says on the tin: oversized dark denim, lycra crop tops and Matrix-style sunglasses. Embracing Prada’s nylon revival is key – those spaghetti-strap mini dresses work just as well on the beach as the runway – and luckily there are plenty of black bumbags for everyone to choose from right now. The key to updating it? A flash of neon, a clean face (thick black eyeliner is not only a little dated, but a nightmare in this weather) and a chirpy attitude – more Hailey Baldwin than Thora Birch

Prada nylon dress, £640 at Mytheresa.com, Helmut Lang crew neck shirt, £150 at Farfetch.com, Mango retro sunglasses, £17.99 at Mango.com , Balenciaga Souvenir XS belt bag, £1,395 at Farfetch.com, Raf Simons photographic-print denim shirt, £847 at Matchesfashion.com.