How to stay goth in the summer

According to Pale Waves’s Heather Baron-Gracie.

Photographer Mary Kang
May 24, 2018
How to stay goth in the summer Pale Waves's Heather Baron-Gracie  

Summer rocks for obvious reasons, like sunbeams, beach hangs, and popsicles. It doesn’t rock, however, when you’re trying to maintain your impeccable rest-of-the-year steez in a time when high heat allows for minimal clothing and accessory options. On top of that, you’ve got backpack sweat. How do you deal?

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If you dabble in the moodier and broodier side of fashion, Goth Queen Heather Baron-Gracie of broody pop-core Pale Waves has a few pointers for you. Below, she outlines the best ways to stay goth in the summer, from hair tricks to true-to-darkness swimwear.

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How to stay goth in the summer
When it’s hot, OD on hair product.

"I put a lot of hairspray in my hair, V05 men's gel, and then some other hard gel. I just lean over and mess it up completely so it looks like I've been dragged through a bush."

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Go extra-hard with the dye.

"Because of the sun, it brings out my dark brown roots, my not very gothic roots, so I have to dye it more. I like all black."

Have make-up on-hand for regular re-application.

"Obviously red eyeshadow. In this weather it sweats off me so I have to keep reapplying it every hour. This one eyeshadow [I use most] is not from a brand — I actually got it from a fancy dress shop. It cost me £3 but it's the best eyeshadow I've ever had. My mascara is Natural Collection, I think — it's really cheap but the best."

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A goth-breezy wardrobe is achievable — fishnet everything!

"I don't have a wardrobe that's built for summer. Weather like this really fucks me over. I'm sweating now. I guess see-through fishnets with a crop top underneath, and clear shirts. And I always wear jewelry constantly."

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How to stay goth in the summer
How to stay goth in the summer
Sandals are a no-go.

"I have to have my shoes on, I'm not gonna walk around with sandals, so no matter how hot it is, I'll always stick with creepers. Black socks."

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Goth-appropriate swimwear exists.

"I wear an all-in-one swimming costume. All black, but I have one that's black and white."

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How to stay goth in the summer