Summer has finally arrived, which means it’s time for picnics, camping, and trips to the beach. While summer is a time when flowers are most colorful, it doesn’t mean you have to stop your all black aesthetic. Sure black is hot to wear in the sun, but it also makes you look amazing. Being goth doesn’t change with the season, it is a year-round lifestyle. Don’t let the heat ruin the way you want to dress. Being goth at the beach is easy if you have all the right accessories.
Goth Subculture
Goth culture as we know it developed in the 80s, though the roots of the gothic go back hundreds of years. It is largely a counterculture movement with tons of subdivisions including punk, rock, scene kids, and, most recently, e-girls. Though the goth aesthetic has become popularized in recent years, it started as a subversive movement that was anti-establishment. While many people view being goth as an aesthetic statement, others see it as a lifestyle. Goth aesthetic factors into religions such as Wicca or neopaganism (note that even though there is overlap between goth and paganistic religions they are not the same).
The main ideology behind goth accepts freedom of sexuality, individuality, and creativity. This is part of the reason why goth pervades through music, art, and writing. Goth is the reason for the angsty teen music of the 2000s, with bands like Greenday. And it is how we got films with darkened aesthetics like those made by Tim Burton. Goth is a cultural movement, that, though based in aesthetics, can encompass a whole lifestyle.
First the Basic Accessories
For starters, you obviously need a black bathing suit. You can go super simple, or get something a little more edgy. There are tons of goth bathing suits with pentagons, star signs, skeletons and more, all depending on where you fit in the goth spectrum, and if you follow any alignments like sadism or astrology. Along with your bathing suit you can get some other black accessories like a sun hat, sandals, and tote bag. Don’t forget your black cat eye sunglasses, a fashion must for those with a darker aesthetic.
Black Parasol
Shade is a necessity at the beach. But why choose a normal shade cover, when you can have a black parasol. It provides the same function, but it much more fashionable. This lacy black parasol you can find on Amazon is perfect for providing you individual shade that you can relax in. It’s a great way to stand out, while putting your best fashion foot forward. Plus it is much lighter than carrying one of the many other shade covers on the market. And even if you don’t want your lace getting ruined in the sand, there are tons of other options for goth parasols. You can get one with skeleton hands or bats or spiders. Any parasol will make a statement, but this black lace one will make your goth look at the beach stand out in a crowd.
Skeleton Towel
You need a towel, so why not make it on theme? This beach towel from Society6 is the perfect combination of goth and summer fun. Who wouldn’t love a skeleton riding a coffin-like a surfboard with a drink in one hand and a blunt in the other? That skeleton really sets a good example for how to set a fun summer day at the beach. This towel will let your friends know that even though you like a dark aesthetic you are still ready to have some beach day fun.
Goth Block Sunscreen
You are probably looking at this sunscreen and wondering why you should pick it over any other sunscreen? Is it because it is in a black bottle? Well yes, but also no. Goth Block is an entirely vegan sunscreen that uses less plastic in its packaging than other brands, and its casing is recyclable. It is also paraben and fragrance free, while being made with minerals instead of synthetic chemicals. You should pick it because it is good for you and the environment. Goth block is a must-have accessory for looking goth on the beach.
Extra Inspiration
Here are some great goth beach looks to inspire you for your summer aesthetic.
We love the spiderweb-Esque bikini, and the dark eye makeup. No amount of water is stopping her from embracing her full goth potential. Plus tattoos are also a bonus in the goth aesthetic.
Forget the black parasol and go for the black vale instead. You will be protected from the shade, while also looking like you are in mourning. It is definitely a unique look.
Dark coverups are a great look for your day at the beach. This girl is rocking every part of the goth aesthetic, from her black parasol, to her chocker, to her bat-themed bikini. This is definitely a great look to copy on your trip to the seaside.
