She's Having A Grown Up Goth Summer

The data confirms it, as soon as summer rolls around, there’s one color I reach for more than any other….black. After looking at my Indyx analytics, it’s clear that I save the majority of my experimenting with color for the AW months. While there’s some white outfits and a sprinkle of other neutrals, for the most part my summer wardrobe comprises of a lot of all black looks, and do you know…i’m so here for it.

In the past I had felt this was something I had to apologize for, something I should try to avoid, but not anymore. The more I lean into it, the more me I feel in summer. I’ve always loved Morticia Addams, the way she channels elegance with a little ‘grown up goth’ feels right up my street. When it comes to looking for inspiration for style, old films and fictional characters are up there for me. So today I thought i’d share some of my favorite all black looks, and why I champion these as my summer staples!

This feels like the perfect nod to modernising Morticia Addams. While she’d most likely opt for a dress that trails behind her, I’ve come to appreciate the practicality of a long black summer dress. Firstly you have some fabric to put between you and whatever surface you’re sitting on, so comfort: check! I’m partial to a simple, well cut dress, but I also appreciate a little detail via some rouching to add a bit of dimension and interest.

Both dresses above are worn with black accessories in different textures (the mock croc bag, the woven leather bag) so there’s a nice contrast in the levels of matte and shine. The other thing I love about wearing black is I don’t have to overthink what color underwear I’m wearing.

For example, a lighter tone mesh shoe (above) or a bright silver brooch (below). Choose a piece that acts as a focal point, something light and bright. If in the past you felt all black looks read too flat in summer, this is one of the easiest ways to ice the cake.

I will fight for a black matching set/linen co-ord with every fibre of my being, not only is it chic as hell, but it’s the very definition of effortless and comfort…think wearing your pyjamas comfort. And the best part is, you don’t need it to be by the same brand, just wear two black linen items and voila you have a co-rd.

Linen comes in a variety of weights and thicknesses, so I try to opt for a slightly heavier linen wherever I want it to puddle, in other words, if i’m wearing trousers/pants and slightly more translucent on top, eg the shirt. The only ingredient I like to add is a bit of skin. I find a flip flop and a rolled sleeve does the trick.

The above outfit is one of my summer favorites for many reasons, but what always makes me excited to wear this is how all the textures of different fabric create a complex harmony. We have the shine and crisp detail of the silk taffeta short, the smooth cotton tank, the black ostrich with a very tactile organic surface and the suede black cord with the high shine glass black bead. Each individually are beautiful items, but when they sit next to each other, layered with one another, the look becomes more complex. It feels more nuanced, and dare I say more alive.

I’ve said it before, and i’ll say it again, I love contrast stitching. It’s the smallest detail that offers a lot of impact, especially on an all black look. I remember when I first bought this Toteme Co-ord and worried it would date, but i’m pleased to say (for me at least) it has been a great wardrobe investment. Also a reminder to buy the thing you really love, and wear it to death, irrelevant of it being ‘in’ or going ‘out of trend’.

Sometimes, less is more. And sometimes it’s the simplicity, the bare bones of an outfit that makes the magic. The above outfit is the perfect example of that. On days when it’s just too damn hot, the most ‘accessorising’ I do is an earring, and then I’m happy to call it a day. I scrape my hair back, and let quality cuts, and high quality materials do the work for me. Perfect for zoom meetings, and it still feels like i’m wearing pyjamas for work from home days. But if I do need to pop out, I still feel like me.

For me the magic word when wearing black and summer layers, is to play with translucency & proportion. I imagine this linen tunic is going to be in next year’s wardrobe oscars, given how much wear it’s had this year. I wear it with everything, from cycling shorts, to linen shorts and fluid tailored linen pants. It’s the piece I didn’t know I needed in my wardrobe for summer and I love what it offers an all black outfit.

You best believe, if I can get away with wearing a black blazer in summer, I will! One of my favorite summer evening looks is black shorts, layered with a boxy black tee, with an oversized black blazer on top. I might play with some texture via a shoe or a bag, but what excites me most about this outfit, is the boxy proportions, the way the blazer falls around the body - plus i’m team shoulder pad! I always love what a shoulder pad adds to the proportion and shape of an outfit. I also adore a black/rouge noir pedi during the summer months, as it offers something a little unexpected.

Black for summer makes perfect sense to me. It doesn’t show sweat patches, it adds a layer of sophistication to even the most basic items, and when you get the fabric right, you can actually stay incredibly comfortable in the heat. What’s not to like?

So as far as i’m concerned it’s a grown up goth summer for me, who’s with me?

Thanks for reading

Harry x

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