How to Style Your Gothic Boots for Summer

Here are the highlights of our tips on how to style your heavy gothic boots this summer:

• Thin socks - we know that you may normally pair your boots with thicker socks or double-layer them for comfort in the winter, but that’s a surefire way to overheat in the sun! Where you can, wear lighter cotton socks under your boots for breathability in the summer. 
• Wear light and breezy clothes - if you have heavier shoes on, wear lighter clothes to keep cool. We also love the contrast between some hardcore boots and a delicate gothic sundress!
• Strategic layers - layers are a staple of gothic fashion, especially in the summer. But with some strategic fabric choices, you can keep your layers breathable and lightweight. Try cotton and linen, or sheer and mesh fabrics. This is perfect for pairing with heavy boots in the summer. 
• Thinner boots - on hot days, if you have a pair of boots with a thinner layer of leather, we would recommend wearing these boots. This helps prevent overheating. 
• Hydrate - keeping hydrated is key in the summer, but it is particularly important when you’re wearing dark and heavy fabrics. Stay goth, and stay hydrated. 

Let’s get on to some outfit recommendations, so you can see some practical applications of these tips!

During the warmer months, we love pairing our heavier shoes with light and flowy outfits. This allows you to stay cooler and provides that contrast we mentioned! 

A loose-fitting and flowy midi dress like this Skull and Roses Mesh Dress from Jawbreaker is ideal for pairing with your alternative boots. The light material and billowing skirt keep your temperature down, and perfectly show off your shoes. The short, mesh sleeves of this dress also provide a bit of protection from the sun if you’re planning to be out and about all day. We love this gothic, floral dress paired with the embroidered rose design of the Vonda Boots. These gothic boots, with beautiful cool-toned flowers, are the latest reimaging of the Vonda 1460 to be added to our collection, made from reclaimed leather! These leather shoes have a flat sole, so they won’t add any extra weight to your step.

A chunky pair of platform trainers, like our New Rock 106, is the perfect way to keep it casual this summer. Pair with a gothic mini dress like our model for the perfect everyday summer look. 

A natural or semi-natural fabric composition, like our Hell Bunny Not Into You dress, is ideal for summer with its breathable and absorbent qualities. A mini dress and trainers have become a staple summer trend for the last few years, and we love putting our gothic twist on this comfortable, mainstream style! 

Our model shows off our comfortable yet effortlessly stylish vest-style dresses, paired with the versatile Dr Martens Sinclair Max Boots. These gothic sleeveless mini dresses are perfect for summer; these loose-fitting tops are ideal for covering up at the beach or pool, wearing with some shorts for a walk with gorgeous views in the countryside, or heading out into town. The sleeveless silhouette will keep you feeling cool, with a range of cute occult designs available. 

These gothic boots come with both the vivid yellow hiking style laces and a plain black pair in the box. The zip insert is also removable, meaning you can lace these boots up in whatever style you want as well. With so many styling options available, we don’t blame you for not wanting to simply pack these boots away. The boost that these max platform Docs provide is super flattering for skirts, shorts and dresses, making them ideal for summer. For a casual yet elevated look, pair your dresses in the evening with these DMs. 

A super short dress or skirt is the perfect item to pair with a higher pair of gothic boots, such as our Dr Martens Pisa 1B99 Quad Platform Boots, or the 1914 Vonda Boots. These longer boots combat the shorter hemline and lengthen the leg for a sensual appearance. With the high number of eyelets, you can also tie the laces lower on the ankle and leave the top of the boot open, providing airflow in the heat and a looser, more comfortable fit.

Lean into your witchy vibe this summer with a flowing, monochromatic black outfit. Our Jawbreaker Handkerchief Midi Dress has a unique asymmetrical hemline that naturally draws attention to the bottom of your dress. The lace overlay hangs down, forming points towards the ground. This dress is perfect for pairing with your favorite pair of gothic boots, naturally drawing onlookers' eyes to your shoes, whilst also having a flattering silhouette. 

Here at Blue Banana, we also have a stunning range of vintage and rockabilly dresses available; if you want to go for a historically accurate look, we would recommend a dainty pair of heels, but if you love to mix it up, then why not try wearing your retro dresses with your gothic boots?

We have a range of vintage styles available, from a variety of well-loved alternative brands such as Banned, Bleeding Heart and Hell Bunny. All designed to suit your gothic, alternative, or rockabilly tastes. These knee-length dresses leave plenty of room for boots to be visible, so any standout patterns, charms or laces can be appreciated. The voluminous nature of these fit-and-flare dresses makes them great for balancing out any bottom-heavy shoes, such as toweringly high platform soles. If your gothic boots help you to feel on top of the world, don’t let a little bit of heat hold you back. 

Another highlight of summer is the festival season. As you may have read in our festival styling blog, Dr Martens are a staple for a reason. Combat against dust and treacherously muddy fields with a pair of grooved and deep tread DMs this festival season. Once you’ve broken your boots in, the leather moulds to your feet for a long-lasting and beyond comfortable fit. Dr Martens look like they're in their natural habitat at a festival, paired with cut-off denim shorts, baggy band merch t-shirts and a bandana. 

And don’t forget, summer in the UK always threatens to ruin the vibes with a bit of rain. You may want to keep your platform boots handy as the streets fill with puddles on the odd occasion this summer.