FAIIINT

Archives for July 2020

Shredded

Style

Fashion blogger FAIIINT wearing Killstar oversized knitted sweater, ASOS wide brim hat, Alexander Wang skirt, Rick Owens tall wedge boots.
Outfit details featuring Killstar high voltage sweater and Toilworn arrowhead necklace.
Outfit detail featuring Killstar oversized knitted sweater.

ASOS wide brim hat / Killstar ‘High Voltage’ sweater / Alexander Wang mini skirt / Rick Owens wedge boots / Toilworn arrowhead necklace / Rings: Le Lou Ula, Birds n Bones, Unikke Design

It’s felt like a strange few weeks lately. I don’t think I’d be alone in saying that it feels like the longer this pandemic goes on, the harder it’s getting to deal with it mentally. I feel exhausted. But I’ve been finding comfort in the little things, and trying my best to make time for self care.

When I’m feeling stressed or anxious, one of my go-to pick me ups is online shopping. Sometimes just spending a few hours browsing and creating a mental wish list does the trick, other times treating myself to something new can really help to take my mind off things and improve my mood. But this time it feels different. Being stuck at home in lockdown has left me feeling much less excited and interested in looking at, or buying, new things. I mean, what’s the point when I’ve got nowhere to wear them to? Right? Instead, I’ve found myself rediscovering, and playing dress up with, a lot of older pieces in my wardrobe. And maybe stealing a few of my boyfriend’s things too – like this super soft, slouchy Killstar sweater!

It feels a bit shallow, with everything that’s going on right now, to admit that getting myself dressed up in old favourite pieces and finding comfort in a nice outfit has helped to keep my mental health in check. But it really has. So I’m running with it. I think it’s so important that we take comfort wherever we can find it right now. And honestly, there’s just something really soothing about wearing a huge oversized sweater when you’re feeling less than your best.

Wearing black in Summer

Style

Fashion blogger Stephanie of FAIIINT wearing Choies black chiffon maxi dress, Catarzi Fedora, ASOS & Topshop studded wrap belt, RockLove sacred geometry gold chevron necklace, Kurt Geiger boots, Balenciaga city. All black summer goth street style outfit.

Fashion blogger Stephanie of FAIIINT wearing FOX via Log On Style draped silk tank top, River Island asymmetric skirt, YoungHearts designs gold dipped quartz necklace, Rick Owens wedges, Balenciaga city bag. All black goth summer street style outfit.

Yes, my summer wardrobe is also all black, and no I don’t feel like a hot, sweaty mess because of it. How I manage to cope whilst stubbornly sticking to wearing black in the summer is probably the most common question I get asked, by everyone from you readers to friends and family. And sometimes even the odd passerby in the street on a hot day! I’ve lost count of how many times people have urged me to “dress more summery”, or told me I must be “so hot” in a floaty summer dress simply because it’s black.

As I was looking through the blog’s archives a little while ago, I realised that over the last 9 (yes, nine!) years I’ve documented a tonne of all black summer outfits. So I thought it seemed like the perfect opportunity to finally prove my point – that wearing black in the summer is beautiful, and getting that summer goth vibe isn’t going to leave you melting.

These are just a few of my favourite looks, but there’s also plenty more in the archives if you’re looking for more inspiration. Each photo links through to the full post, where you’ll find alternative angles and full details on what I’m wearing.

Fashion blogger Stephanie of FAIIINT wearing All Saints dress, Vivienne Westwood animal toe shoes, Pieces wide leather belt. All black dark street style outfit.
Fashion blogger Stephanie of FAIIINT wearing Catarzi wide brim fedora hat, H&M asymmetric chiffon shirt dress, H&M suede boots. All black everything goth dark street style outfit.
Fashion blogger Stephanie of FAIIINT wearing New Look black floppy strap hat, asymmetric cami dress & cleated platform sandals, Marc B Baby Bianca bag, Bloody Mary Metal tribal moon necklace & stack rings. All black everything street style summer goth outfit.
Fashion blogger Stephanie of FAIIINT wearing ASOS cateye sunglasses, Topshop textured skater dress, Nica Venice crossbody bag, Skin by Finsk wedges, Skin by Nair. Casual summer all black street style outfit.

Dark style fashion blogger Stephanie of FAIIINT wearing H&M cowl knit tunic, All Saints wrap belt, Jones Bootmaker yazmin biker boots, Regal Rose Rua labradorite choker necklace, Elemental Luxury phantom quartz rings. All black street style outfit.
Fashion blogger Stephanie of FAIIINT wearing Catarzi wide brim fedora, Allsaints shirt, FAIIINT draped jersey asymmetric skirt, Ash Poker lace up boots, Hvnter Gvtherer Lacustrine necklace & rings. All black everything dark style goth outfit.
Fashion blogger Stephanie of FAIIINT wearing ASOS gold leaf crown headband, Miss Selfridge mixed lace dress, Aldo suede wedges. All black everything gothic wedding guest outfit, dark street style.Fashion blogger Stephanie of FAIIINT wearing ASOSgold leaf crown headband, Miss Selfridge mixed lace dress, Aldo suede wedges. All black everything gothic wedding guest outfit, dark street style.
Fashion blogger Stephanie of FAIIINT wearing Gypsy Rose Vintage plum & pink flower crown, Religion Olsen Maxi dress. All black gothic summer wedding guest outfit. Dark style.

Click the photos to go to the full blog post featuring each outfit

How to wear all black in the summer

You already know how I feel, but apparently it’s also a total myth that wearing black clothes makes you hotter. In fact, according to science, black might actually help to keep you cooler in the heat!

I honestly can’t say I’ve ever felt like the colour of my clothing has made any real difference (either way) to how comfortable I was in the heat of summer. However, I do still have a few rules that I like to stick to when it comes to summer dressing. Maybe these help to make all black feel cooler, maybe they don’t. But either way, I think they’re generally good rules to follow, and they’ll help you keep cool in the heat whatever colour you choose to wear.

1. Stick to breathable fabrics

Viscose, cotton, linen and other natural fibers are all your friends. These materials are breathable, quick drying and comfortable. Fabrics that are a blend of natural and synthetic fibers can also be a good choice, but look for pieces that have a lower percentage of synthetic fibers. The higher the synthetic content, the less breathable your clothes will be and the more chance you’ll have of feeling sweaty and sticky.

2. Keep it loose

Loose cuts and floaty silhouettes are best. These styles allow air to circulate between your body and your clothing, helping to keep you cool and fresh. I also think they just look a lot more summery too.

3. Simple layering

Layers have always been my secret weapon for keeping all black interesting, and as a Brit they’re also super practical for our ever changing weather too. I use this trick in the summer all of the time, but just in a more paired back fashion. Stick to sheer, lightweight fabrics and don’t throw too much on, as lots of thin layers will trap the heat and make you hotter.

4. Add a hat

A big hat is the perfect finishing touch to a summer outfit, and the extra shade is a great way to keep cool too. I like to throw one of mine on whenever I feel like my outfit is a bit more basic, as I think it’s a really quick and easy way to make things look a little more interesting and put together.

5. Tights

I know this sounds crazy, but sheer tights can actually be great at keeping your legs cool on a hot day. My personal favourites are the versions that are heat-regulating, and I have a whole drawer of the ones from M&S. Somehow these tights are able to magically keep your legs warm on cold days, and cool on hot days. And they really do work!