Margot Robbie has once again demonstrated her fashion-forward instincts by debuting a striking new aesthetic—“beach goth”—that’s rapidly gaining momentum as the standout trend of summer 2025. The actress, known for her chameleon-like versatility both on-screen and on the red carpet, was recently spotted in Ibiza donning a look that artfully merged gothic elements with breezy, coastal style.
While on vacation in the Balearic Islands, Robbie wore a flowing black maxi dress featuring a bateau neckline and a daringly low, draped back. The semi-sheer skirt offered a whisper of ethereal charm, making it suitable for both relaxed daytime settings and upscale evening outings. In a subtle nod to practicality and personal style, she paired the dress with black Alaïa mesh ballet flats—footwear she famously favored during her pregnancy—demonstrating how comfort and fashion can co-exist. Adding a playful twist, she accessorized with a circular raffia Jacquemus tote, injecting a touch of beachside flair into the dark, sophisticated outfit.
The emergence of “beach goth” is being seen as a deliberate pivot from the exuberant “Barbiecore” trend Robbie helped popularize during the global promotional tour for the Barbie film in 2023. That aesthetic, characterized by bright pinks, glitter, and hyper-feminine silhouettes, dominated fashion for over a year. Now, Robbie’s latest style choice suggests a moodier, more introspective trend is taking hold.
The “beach goth” look is defined by its fusion of contrast—airy fabrics and sun-friendly accessories grounded in the traditionally heavy, monochromatic palette of gothic fashion. Fashion observers have noted that the trend cleverly balances irony and elegance, even evoking comparisons to cultural references like the “Goth Kid on Vacation” parody from Saturday Night Live. The self-awareness embedded in the style only adds to its appeal among Gen Z and millennial fashion circles.
Industry experts point out that Robbie’s influence extends far beyond red carpets and paparazzi photos. Her foray into “beach goth” reflects a larger revival in gothic-inspired design, which has been slowly re-emerging across recent runway seasons. Designers such as Rick Owens, Ann Demeulemeester, and even beachwear brands like Zimmermann have begun incorporating darker tones, lace accents, and layered textures into their summer collections.
This shift speaks to a broader cultural desire for individuality and emotional depth in personal style, especially following years dominated by cheerful, algorithm-driven fashion trends. “Consumers are craving authenticity and storytelling in the way they dress,” says Rachel Tashjian, fashion writer and former editor at Harper’s Bazaar. “The rise of subversive styles like beach goth signals a return to more nuanced self-expression.”
Robbie’s evolving fashion sense has long attracted attention, not just for its daringness but for its thematic consistency. In previous outings, such as the Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2022 show in Paris, she blended opposites by pairing a structured white blazer dress with heeled boots and a miniature Chanel handbag. That look, much like her beach goth ensemble, played with juxtaposition and seasonal ambiguity, further illustrating her knack for shaping trends.
The beach goth movement also intersects with the sustainability conversation, as it encourages fashion lovers to reuse and reimagine pieces across seasons. Black maxi dresses, leather sandals, and raffia accessories—all mainstays in the trend—are often staple items in wardrobes, and their re-styling through a gothic lens offers a more eco-conscious approach to trend adoption.
On social media, influencers and stylists are already interpreting the look in creative ways. TikTok tutorials feature makeup tips to match the aesthetic—think smudged eyeliner with sun-kissed skin—while Instagram feeds are awash in moody boardwalk shots and dramatic seaside poses. Fashion-forward beachgoers are swapping neon bikinis for vintage black swimsuits, sheer sarongs, and oversized sunglasses that nod to film noir rather than festival wear.
Ultimately, Margot Robbie’s bold fashion statement is more than just a personal style choice—it’s a declaration that summer fashion doesn’t need to be synonymous with brightness and bold prints. The beach goth trend encourages a blending of vibes: romance and rebellion, sunshine and shadow.
As the season continues, “beach goth” is poised to become a defining aesthetic of summer 2025, pushing fashion lovers to embrace contrast, confidence, and creativity in their warm-weather wardrobes.
