Embracing The Ethereal: How To Have A Whimsigoth Summer

If Phoebe Buffay or Gillian Owens’ wardrobe speaks to you, you probably have a touch of the Whimsy. While the term ‘whimsigoth’ was coined in 2020, this style arose in the ‘90s and, fuelled by TikTok and nostalgia, has recently made a comeback. As a by-product of gothic culture, it largely centres around dark shades and long, flowing silhouettes. In a nutshell, it’s a bohemian fairytale daydream imbued with a mysterious, rockstar energy.

It's not typically associated with summer, but I’m here to tell you the only time and place for whimsigoth is 24/7. Should you want to express your playful, witchy self in the warmer months, I’ve compiled some invaluable fashion tips.

Layer Appropriately

A key aspect of the whimsigoth style is layering. But who wants to wear a long-sleeve top and waistcoat in the height of summer? Instead, try a maroon tank top over a white T-shirt. Pair this with a maroon maxi skirt – go for cotton, chiffon or linen – and you’re sure to feel cool in both senses of the word.

Change Up Your Footwear

Whimsigoth incorporates a wide range of shoes – while you might generally opt for something chunky like clogs, they could lead to sweaty feet. Earthy brown ballet flats would introduce a somewhat bohemian quality, ideally with embroidered detailing for a feminine note or buckle straps for a bit of edge.

Rethink Your Patterns

The classic whimsigoth loves a celestial print – it suggests magic and wonder – why not go for something similar that relates to the season? Picture a black T-shirt depicting skulls intertwined with sunflowers, for example: very punk, and the sunflowers would resemble stars.

Get Your Legs Out

Controversial, I know, but we’re abandoning the flowing skirt for this look. Sometimes you just crave the sun on your skin, and there’s no reason you can’t be whimsigoth while sporting a denim mini skirt. Patterned black tights and a black, tie-front mesh top with bell sleeves would align with the desired effect, and to contrast the softness, complete the ensemble with a chunky leather belt, and equally chunky knee-high boots. By the end you’ll look like Stevie Nicks and Shania Twain’s lovechild.

Accessorize Accordingly

Sunglasses

The style doesn’t have its own brand of sunglasses per se, but round sunglasses were popular both in mainstream ‘90s fashion and the gothic scene at the time, so best believe I’m claiming them for the whimsigoth summer. Dark green or purple lenses can really say “I’m going through something” or “I have a headache”, helping you avoid unwanted small talk.

Headwear

Integrating a flowery head wreath into your look screams pre-Raphaelite babe, and combine it with the sunglasses and suddenly you’re festival ready. Alternatively, channelling Stevie again, you can round off any of these looks with a statement hat (albeit at this time of year, we’re thinking sun rather than top hat).

Unleash your inner boho-witch-babe this summer with the help of this guide, and you never know, you just might adopt this look all year round.