Ethereal Girl” Summer Is Here to Fulfill Our Whimsigoth Fantasies

Melodrama will be the theme of this summer (and not just because we’re entering a new Lorde age). Fashion is ethereal and dark but in a playful way. Pinterest feeds are flooded with this style. The ruffles are back, and we love our sheer boho skirts. We’re ready for a high-contrast, fanciful aesthetic this year.

Brat last summer introduced a gritty, cool, chaotic aesthetic. This season, however, is all about our tendency to explore fantastical terrain. This gentle counterculture movement is the perfect balance for our fashion fantasies since the last few trend cycles oscillated between quiet luxurious and “old money’s” aesthetics as well as loud maximalism. Learn all about this summer’s ethereal trend, including the celebrities who are leading the way and how you can incorporate it into your wardrobe.

Pin Downing an Ethereal Movement

It’s hard to describe the floaty, abstract aesthetic of this movement, so let’s look at some of its biggest muses. FKA Twigs’ graceful exploration of otherworldly elements immediately comes to my mind. Her style matches her breathy and fabulous vocals. While her fashion-forward style is infused with retro religious references, others choose vintage designs as a way to ground their look. Lana Del Rey is a good example. For more than a decade, she has incorporated nostalgic Americana into the style of her clothing. She’s more of a “dream girl” these days than a “girl-next-door,” and her staples include sheer gowns, flowing dresses, and dark, contrasted chokers. Maximalism in jewellery is the key to this summer’s whimsigoth girl look. So, layer up the latest romantic wonders and add as much as you like.

Suki Waterhouse, on the other hand, has always been a proponent of dreamy details. She prefers the curves and jewels of Valentino’s opulent style (a look which is in line with her nonchalant, lyrical aesthetic). Onstage and off, the sheer pastel layers evoke spun sugar, fairies, and a bohemian subversive style, elevating her carefully developed brand. Another band, The Last Dinner Party, which combines romantic vibes from the past with rocker elements, nails this look with a positively royal sense. They bring back Renaissance and Rococo elements.

Bohemian style is a big player this summer, as it combines opulent fabrics with texture. Doechii’s layered outfit for the recent Chloe fashion show in Paris is a perfect example. Chemena’s time at the French fashion house is a formative moment for this moment. It provides a mainstream entry point into a more ethereal era. The Swamp Princess is a rising rap artist and Grammy-winning Grammy, and her otherworldly eclecticism for the show was a perfect fit with the agenda.

The visual movement is also innately gay: the high-contrast style of many LGBTQ+ artists, such as St. Vincent and Ethel Cain, feels so inextricably linked to the subculture of this aesthetic. Sophie Xeon, the late producer who was recently honoured in Charli XCX Brat remixes, explored the full spectrum of avant-garde and gothic elements with her stage wardrobe. She remains a source of inspiration for countless ethereal (famous or not) girls. In a world where queer identity is increasingly questioned and vilified, retrofitting the fantasies of collective fashion imagination may be a welcome refuge.

The Muse: Embracing the Muse

Dress with your head in clouds. We’ve seen increasingly ethereal moments as we navigate packed crowds. The aesthetic will soon permeate every aspect of our lives. This look is also great for social media. The ruffled layers and soft edges add a fun touch to the standard #OOTD photos.

Ethereal girls are characterized by a heavy hand and flowing details, such as ruffles, tiers, and pleats. They also use a lot of appliques. There are drapings that emphasize a dropped waistline or sheer fabrics that sashay when you move. The whimsigoth look is moodier, with a Victorian-inspired accessory and traditional gothic colours (oxblood maroon).

This aesthetic can be folded into Serpenti’s romantic Italian Renaissance or tied to Peng Tai’s darker, more grounded take on ethereal elegance. Chappell’s Roan has chosen Miista boots made in Europe, which are among the Internet’s most popular bespoke boot designs.

This fanciful and highly feminine style shares many similarities with the ’80s maximalist aesthetic and the cool grunge look of the 1990s. Some pieces are inspired by Vivienne’s tulle fantasies, which have been a part of her collections since the beginning. Love & Lemons, on the other hand, has explored a more mainstream approach, embracing less saturation and more drama. This sheer eyelet dress is a perfect example.

For the Melodramatic: House of Aama Pussybow blouse

A sheer blouse with ruffles is on trend this summer. For the most dramatic effect, choose a darker shade, like this rich maroon.

Cornelia James Tulle opera gloves: Beauty and Grace

With the right accessories, these luxurious sheer tulle gloves are perfect for an ethereal look. Mix fanciful, light layers with more elaborate accessories.

Whimsigoth Heroine: Mirror Palais Fair Verona Micro Dress

This dark, dainty dress is the shortcut to whimsigoth fashion. Shirrings, ties, and an assortment of buttons combine in a small package to create a visually appealing contrast.

H&M long mesh skirt: Back to basics

Suki Waterhouse is a great example of how to embrace layers and layers of textures. This neutral cream skirt is a beautiful base layer and a blank canvas.

Martine Rose Square Toe Loafers: Structured Strength

These unconventional but wonderfully inventive loafers combine practicality with whimsy. This style shows how nostalgia, edge and dreamy pieces can all be equally ethereal.

Cult Gaia hera nano shoulder bag: Life of the Garden Party

This Cult-Gaia creation combines raffia and a floral design to create a bohemian, summery vibe. No matter what outfit you wear, it will make you feel like you are in a dream.

Reformation Betsy Short: Effortless fantasy

The popularity of micro-shorts is on the rise, particularly those with lace and ruffles. They are perfect for festivals and summer activities. This pair of bloomers will transform your outfit from ordinary to magical in just two seconds.

New-age pearls: Yam rice pearl choker

This season, the pearl is better than ever, and there are countless fashion and beauty looks that dare to dream beyond conventional formats. Although this choker’s style may be minimal, it adds an alluring, vintage touch to any outfit.

Selkie the Cannes Playsuit Set: The Poolside Main Event

This 1950s-inspired swimsuit is not your typical suit. It’s designed for when you want to pretend to be on the pool deck of a stylish hotel. It’s a sartorial wonder when layered with a bohemian-style cover-up.

Festival Darling – For Love & Lemons Flower Crown

This is not the flower crown you wore in 2014. This modern flower crown combines the everlasting ethereal vibes of 2014 with elegant ribbons to create a look perfect for weddings, brunches, and outdoor concerts.