Hi, Littiez! You’re in the right place if you want to learn more about the fascinating and dark world of gothic style fashion. Gothic Style fashion is more than just a style. It’s also a lifestyle. Gothic style fashion, in particular, is set to be popular for a very long time. There are over 52 million TikTok posts and more than 2 million posts made on Instagram.
This blog post will explore 6 different styles of Gothic style fashion. From the soft and sweet Pastel Goth, to the edgy, intense Trad Goth. Before we dive into the details, lets talk about how this style evolved and where it came from.
What is Gothic?
Goth, a subculture within Punk, originated in England during the 1970s and 1980s. It’s a subculture of Punk and an unusual fashion trend. Goths dress in black, are deeply connected to dark themes like death and cemeteries and enjoy witchcraft.
What is Gothic Style Fashion?
Gothic style fashion is unique to the gothic culture. The gothic style fashion is dominated by black but some styles, like Pastel Gothic, also use other colors.
Imagine the scene in the late 1970s, when the post-punk genre is exploding. Siouxsie and Banshees and Bauhaus are among the bands that lead the way in gothic music. Here is where the Gothic style of fashion was born. These bands were not just creating music, they created a new subculture which embraced darkness, mystery and a hint of melancholy.
Gothic-style fashion did not stop with the music industry. The gothic style of fashion began to change and grow, taking inspiration from other time periods like the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Imagine mixing a DIY attitude with vintage corsets and lace. This mix created a style which was both romantic and rebellious. The gothic style of fashion has evolved over the years. It has introduced new styles and motifs while remaining true to its dark, dramatic roots. It was through this process that gothic style fashion and culture came to be.
This infographic on the Gothic family tree shows various branches of Gothic-style fashion, from Victorian Gothic to Cyber Gothic. It takes you on a journey through the evolution and subcultures of Gothic-style fashion and shows how each style blends history, modern rebelliousness, and aesthetic clothing styles.
Gothic Style Fashion Basics
What makes gothic style fashion so special, and especially for gothic women?
Here are a few basics:
- Colours: Black, dark purple and red with a touch of white.
- Clothing: Corsets, lace and leather are all great options. The more dramatic, the better!
- Accessories: silver jewellery and religious symbols or even chokers.
- Makeupup: Use dark eyeliner, eyeshadow and foundation. You can also use black lipstick to create a striking appearance.
The Gothic Style Fashion: It’s Not a Temporary Fashion Trend
Gothic-style fashion is a major influence on the mainstream, from music videos to movies. Designers and artists from around the globe have taken the dramatic and dark elements of gothic fashion and brought them to the forefront. This style is more than a trend. It is a powerful way to express yourself that continues to fascinate new generations. Gothic-style fashion is always a hit, whether it’s seen on the catwalk or in your favourite horror film.
Let’s explore the various ways in which gothic fashion has evolved over the years. Let’s start by discussing the colorful and fascinating world of Pastel Goth.
Gothic Style Fashion: Types
What is Pastel Goth?
Pastel Goth is also known as Kawaii Goth or Spooky Kawaii. It’s a subculture which combines traditional gothic style fashion aesthetics with kawaii elements. Black clothing and accessories are often paired with pastels to create a contrast of dark and light. Some of the most common elements are pastel hair, black chokers and platform shoes. Other creepy but cute motifs include skulls and bats. Balance is key to being a pastel goth. It is the most popular gothic style fashion.
You can achieve the perfect look by following these tips:
- Colours: Pastel shades such as lavender, baby pink and mint green.
- Clothing: Black dresses with fishnets and platform boots.
- Accessories: Hair bows, cute hair pins, pastel jewellery and clear phone cases. Also, kawaii toys and plush toys.
- Makeupup: pastel nail polish, face stickers in heart shapes, dark eyeliner, eyeshadow, and glitter. Hair: hair accessories such as hair clips and tiny hair clips.
What is Trad Goth’s style?
Trad Goth is the original gothic style, influenced by gothic and post-punk rock. It emerged in the 1980s. Dark, punk-inspired clothing, dramatimakeup, and love of post-punk or gothic music are its hallmarks. Dark clothing, faux leather skirts and band tees are common elements. Dramatimakeup, teased hair, ripped jeans, and ripped denim are also popular. This is the most popular gothic style fashion.
What you need to Rock Trad Goth
- Colours: Black smoke and dark purple.
- Clothing: band tees and faux leather jackets. Long skirts. Rip-tights.
- Accessories: Silver jewellery, cross earrings and chokers. Also, an ankh pendant, a necklace, or fake piercings.
- Makeup: The Trad Goth style consists mainly of dark eyeliner, dark eyeshadow, and light foundation.
- Hair: Tousle your hair to add volume or to create a sleek, slicked-back look. Curly, big hair is a classic.
What is a Victorian Gothic?
Victorian Goths are a Victorian subculture characterized by dark romanticism and flamboyant clothing and fashion. These include long gowns and lace gloves. Accessories include umbrellas, vintage pocket watches and ornate jewellery. They reflect a love of historical elegance and a melancholic style. The Dark Academy’s clothing is influenced by this style, which is the most popular gothic fashion.
Focus on these items to achieve Victorian gothic style fashion:
- Colours: Black, dark purple, burgundy.
- Clothing: Corsets, lace tops, maxi skirts, vests, polo shirts, ties, tulle skirts.
- Accessories: Antique jewellery, silver rings, top hats, lace parasols, lace chokers, collars.
- Makeupup: Dark smokey eyes, pale lips and a thick liquid eyeliner.
- Hair: Dreadlocks with bangs or extensions. It should be split in the middle and flat.
What is the Romantic Goth style?
Romantic Goth refers to a subculture which emphasizes the dramatic, dark and poetic elements of Victorian and Edwardian times. Remember Morticia Addams? She’s the perfect Romantic Goth, with her attitude and style, as well as makeup and hair. The clothing is often flamboyant, including gothic dresses and corsets. Chokers, brooches and body jewellery are common accessories. This style is a combination of dark romance and historical elegance, combining elements from literature, art and music. It has become the gothic style fashion that is most popular.
Here are some tips on how to embrace the Romantic Goth look:
- Colours: Burgundy and black with red, white or jewel tones.
- Clothing: A-line skirts and dresses with puffed sleeves.
- Accessories: Cat-eye glasses, chokers and platform boots, gothic platform shoes, lace gloves, wilted flowers, heart earrings with dark stones.
- Makeupup: Winged eyeliner and pale powder. Thin eyebrows.
- Hair: Long, shiny black hair like Morticia Addams.
What is Glam Goth style?
Glam Goth combines dark, mysterious, gothic elements with the glamour of high fashion. The fabrics used are luxurious, such as satin, faux leather and velvet. They’re often embellished with metallic accents, sequins and studs. This style features dramatic makeup, including bold eyeshadow, bold lipstick and intricate hairstyles. The clothing often features bodycon silhouettes with satin blouses and corsets. Velvet skirts and high heels are also popular. Glam Goth is a celebration of glamour and extravagance. It fuses gothic-style fashion with glitz, sophistication and a touch of darkness. This is the most popular gothic style fashion.
Here are some tips for a Glam Goth look.
- Colours: Black, glitter, or any pastel colour.
- Clothing: Maxi dresses, sheer blouses, faux leather jackets and boots, ripped jeans and tights. Accessories: Clear phone cases, corsets, metallic accessories, and designer bags.
- Makeupup: bold eyebrows, dark eyeshadow, and bold eyeliner.
- Hair: A big hairstyle with beautiful hair accessories, such as a black veil.
What is Vampire Goth?
Vamp Goth is also called Vamp Goth. It’s a subculture that’s inspired by classic Vampire traditions. Clothing reminiscent of 19th-century vampire fiction includes long flowing capes and velvet tops. Lace blouses are also popular, as well as basic gothic footwear, high-collared shirts, and basic gothic shoes. Accessories include fancy jewellery, silver crosses, teeth, and Victorian-inspired items such as pocket watches and brooches. This style is characterized by makeup and dark, dramatic lips and eyes, giving it a timeless, mysterious look. This is the most popular style in gothic style fashion.
Follow these steps to achieve the Vampire Goth appearance:
- Colours: Black, dark red, burgundy and white.
- Clothing: Capes and lace gloves, baroque collars, vests, and faux leather dresses. Accessories: Teeth, bat dangle earrings, silver medallion necklaces, platform oxford shoes, bat sunglasses, and cross necklaces.
- Makeupup: Makeup, dark eyes and blood-red lipstick.
- Hair: Dark and long. Often straight. Her hair should not be curly. It should look like a sculpture.
Conclusion
Gothic style fashion is more than just clothing; it is a lifestyle; it is an expression of darkness, mystery and individuality. From the bold Trad Goth to the enchanting Vampire Goth, each style has its own unique aesthetic, history and cultural significance. Whether you enjoy the elegance of Victorian Goth or the modern blend of Kawaii and the darkness of Pastel Goth, there is a Gothic fashion style for everyone. With deep roots in music, history and art, Gothic fashion continues to evolve and inspire new generations.
No matter what gothic style appeals to you, remember that gothic fashion is about embracing your identity and expressing yourself in a way that makes you feel authentic. It is a powerful statement that transcends trends and stands as a timeless representation of rebellion, romance and creativity.
