How to stay cool and look “edgy” at the same time.

dark fashion blogger, Aesthetcicontradiction

This year’s heat-wave has gifted uncharacteristically-warm summers to many places around the world, our normally rainy Manchester among them. It got me looking back on past times I had experienced warm weather and how I struggled to stay true to my style and comfortable at the same time.

Dark style blogger from Manchester, UK

I think my problem in the past was that I relied too heavily on “signature items” and thought I needed to wear them all year round to be “me”. There was also an element of feeling like I was “selling out” if I gave up an item that defined my style, in favour of something more weather appropriate. I remember there was a year when I went to the beach in leather army boots because they were the only type of footwear I considered acceptable at the time.

Grown up goth, summer style

I now feel confident enough in my style to change things up a bit. I can find a version of every type of clothing or footwear that can be made to fit my style so I no longer have items I “don’t wear”. Also, I’ve evolved beyond that and can now also wear items that don’t fit my style as such, without feeling like I’m losing my identity.

Alternative style for adults

On this occasion, we were heading to a friend’s birthday party. I didn’t have long to get ready and I wanted to spend most of that time on my makeup so I needed a really simple outfit that I could just throw on. I decided on this embellished leotard from Zara (I try not to buy much from the high street, but occasionally I find a piece I love) and paired it with a fitted, black jersey skirt with a slit up one side and roucheing across the hips. The cut and fabrics of both items were perfect for the warm weather and I really enjoyed the walk in the evening sun.

Edgy fashion blogger, AestheticContradiction

As an extra step to stay cool and to add more detail to my relatively simple outfit, I decided on this braids and pun hairstyle. It’s a variation on two hairstyles I do a lot, but instead of a top knot, I opted for a fanned bun, paired with a Dutch braid down each side.

You may also notice that I’m wearing sandals here, I found a pair I really liked about 5 years ago and they are still going strong!

Edgy summer style

 

OUTFIT:

Embellished bodysuit: Zara

Jersey skirt: eBay

Sandals and bra: Topshop

Sunglasses: H&M

Earrings: Dixi

 

Photography by Richard Ayres