For years, fashion has treated goth glam as a cold-season aesthetic built on black layers, dark makeup, and moody elegance suited for fall and winter. But Jenna Ortega is rewriting that narrative. With an instinctive sense for visual contrast and a deep-rooted personal style, Ortega proves that gothic fashion and beauty can thrive even in the blazing heat of summer.
From red carpet events to editorial shoots and public appearances, Ortega’s signature dark aesthetic doesn’t take a seasonal break. She embraces black liner, rich fabrics, and structured silhouettes—even when the temperatures soar. The key is in how she adapts the goth look for summer: breathable textures, soft layering, and elevated makeup choices that stand up to the season.
Her summer goth glam isn’t just a style it’s a study in personal branding, subcultural revival, and timeless elegance, all rolled into a look that’s bold, romantic, and surprisingly wearable under the sun.
How Jenna Ortega Reinvented Summer Goth Glam
Jenna Ortega rose to global fame through her role as Wednesday Addams, but her appeal didn’t stop with a single show. She has since become one of the most stylistically influential Gen Z icons, consistently staying true to her dark, alternative edge while making it feel fresh, elegant, and versatile.
So, what exactly makes her version of summer goth stand out?
1. Strategic Use of Black in Light Fabrics
Ortega often wears black from head to toe, but never in a way that feels heavy or stifling. Instead of layered leather or velvet, she gravitates toward:
- Sheer organza blouses
- Lace-trimmed slip dresses
- Tailored shorts with structured crop tops
- Open-back gowns or cutouts for airflow
This approach honors the goth aesthetic—monochromatic, sharp, and dramatic—without falling into the trap of seasonal discomfort. She shows that fabric and silhouette matter more than color when adapting dark fashion to warm weather.
2. Heat-Proof, Minimalist Gothic Makeup
Instead of heavy foundations and full eyeshadow palettes, Ortega simplifies her goth glam makeup routine for summer.
Complexion:
She opts for lightweight base products—often soft-matte or satin-finish foundations that allow the skin to breathe.
Eyes:
Her summer-friendly smokey eye is more subdued than the classic gothic look. You’ll often see her with:
- Taupe, charcoal, or espresso eyeshadow blended subtly
- Waterproof kohl liner on the waterline
- Tightlined upper lids instead of thick winged liner
- Smudged shadow for a diffused effect
Lips:
Ortega balances the dark eye with muted or matte lips in shades like:
- Deep mauve
- Brown-nude
- Berry stain
- Matte blackberry
She rarely pairs heavy eyes with equally bold lips—a decision that keeps her look polished rather than theatrical.
Want to create a similar heat-proof look? Allure has a guide on sweat-resistant gothic makeup for summer.
3. Hair Styling: Polished, Undone, or Sleek
Jenna Ortega often goes for textured, undone waves or clean updos that offer both aesthetic value and heat management. Some signature summer hairstyles she favors include:
- Loose, choppy waves with natural volume
- Middle-parted buns with slicked sides
- Low, slightly messy ponytails
- Wet-look styles for editorial events
Her hair complements the makeup and fashion, contributing to an overall vibe that’s equal parts dark and effortlessly modern.
4. Accessories That Elevate, Not Distract
While Ortega doesn’t over-accessorize, every piece she wears serves a purpose. Her summer goth accessories include:
- Thin, layered silver chains
- Delicate chokers or gothic pendants
- Statement rings with black stones
- Micro sunglasses or oval frames in black
Even in the hottest months, her choices reflect intentional minimalism—dark, impactful, but never bulky or excessive.
Fashion Lessons: How to Wear Goth Glam in Summer (Inspired by Jenna Ortega)
You don’t have to be on a red carpet to channel Ortega’s summer gothic flair. Here’s how you can adopt the look in daily life without compromising comfort:
Choose Breathable Black
Trade heavy fabrics for cotton, mesh, silk blends, or crepe. Opt for clothing that moves with you and keeps your skin cool.
Simplify the Palette
Stick to a cool-toned monochrome base—black, slate gray, and bone white—accented with silver jewelry or dark burgundy nails.
Edit Your Makeup Routine
Use multi-use sticks (for eyes, lips, cheeks) to keep products minimal. Set your makeup with translucent powder and focus on feature definition, not heavy coverage.
Don’t Fear Sheer
Sheer blouses, lace panels, or mesh layers allow you to play with gothic silhouettes while staying ventilated.
Jenna Ortega’s Most Iconic Summer Goth Looks
Here are a few standout public appearances where Jenna nailed the goth glam summer aesthetic:
1. Met Gala 2023 – Dark Romance
Wearing a black lace hooded gown by Thom Browne, Ortega embodied classic gothic with a modern silhouette. She paired the look with wine-toned lips and clean skin.
2. Elle Women in Hollywood 2022 – Understated Noir
In a minimalist black strapless dress with a slicked-back bun, Ortega proved that goth glam doesn’t always need embellishment—confidence and sharp tailoring did all the work.
3. Interview Magazine Shoot – Punk-Goth Edge
Her editorial shoot featured bold eyeliner, silver chains, and mesh tops, shot in natural light to contrast texture with shadow—a masterclass in mood and balance.
Where to Start: Beginner’s Shopping Guide to Summer Goth Glam
Inspired to recreate the look? Here are some essentials you can start with:
| Category | Product | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint | Lightweight and matte finish |
| Eyes | Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in “Perversion” | Waterproof and long-lasting |
| Lipstick | Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé in “Strength” | Matte and comfortable |
| Outfit | Black linen slip dress | Breezy yet edgy |
| Jewelry | Silver chain necklace | Elevates any outfit |
Faqs
1. What is “Goth Glam” and how does Jenna Ortega style it for summer?
Goth Glam blends dark, edgy aesthetics with polished, elevated fashion. Jenna Ortega adapts it for summer by pairing black lace or mesh with breathable fabrics, minimalistic accessories, and bold eye makeup that doesn’t feel heavy.
2. Can you wear dark colors and goth makeup in summer without looking too heavy?
Yes. The key is balancing bold elements (like black or deep lipstick) with light materials and softer silhouettes. Opt for sheer fabrics, open-toe boots, and breathable layers to keep the look summer-appropriate.
3. What makeup trends support the summer goth glam look?
Think dewy skin paired with smudged eyeliner, plum-toned lips, and soft contouring. Jenna Ortega often goes for glowing, minimal base makeup with dramatic eyes to stay fresh but edgy.
4. What are some summer-ready goth glam wardrobe staples?
Must-haves include black slip dresses, lace or mesh tops, chunky sandals, silver jewelry, corset-style tops, and oversized sunglasses. Lightweight black fabrics help maintain the goth vibe without overheating.
5. How can I make goth glam look wearable for everyday summer outings?
Focus on one or two goth-inspired elements—like a dark lipstick or a black crochet dress—and pair them with casual or neutral items like denim shorts or white sneakers. The mix keeps the look edgy yet approachable.