Goth style has always been a way of life. It was conceived in the post-punk world of the late '70s and early '80s. Being goth was never about trends, but about self-expression and standing out from the crowd. It was building an entire world of 'black-everything,' where every seam was a tale of rebellion and resistance.
When goth emerged, it emulated the dirges of gothic rock. As bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Bauhaus created rock music filled with melancholy and defiance, their fans dressed the part. They wore black leather jackets as shields, and ankh necklaces as symbols of spirituality. This was not fashion for fashion's sake.
Over the decades, gothic style diversified from its early beginnings into a broad multiverse of subcultures, each a fresh take reimagined for new sounds and new selves. Subcultures like the raw aggression of punk goth and the mournful romance of Victorian goth became testaments to the diversity and richness of goth culture across the globe.
Understanding the Goth Subculture
What is Goth?
The goth subculture emerged in the late '70s post-punk scene, with its origins in sound evolving into something far more primal. Rock bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees, Alien Sex Fiend, and Bauhaus had raw energy and dark lyrics that drew both male and female goths to them. The audience that came after embodied the gothic elements that defined these bands in style and ideology.
Other styles like pastel goth, cyber goth, nu goth, perky goth, and mall goth are primarily fashion aesthetics influenced by social media and other external trends. While these substyles draw visual influence from goth, they’re often more fashion-driven than music-based, and not always embraced by traditional goth communities.
The mood and aesthetic of gothic literature (like Poe, Shelley, and Stoker) inspired the romantic and dark elements of goth fashion and ideology. Over time, goth developed into a scene distinct from every other one, visually, religiously, and emotionally.
What Gothic Fashion Is All About
Ask a goth anywhere, and they'll tell you gothic fashion is the streetwear of darkness, veiled in symbols and defiance. With goth, it's a matter of building an identity that is bold enough to gaze into the void and wear what it sees there. You can rock haute goth, gothic lolita fashion, white goth fashion, punk fashion, these women's goth outfits, fishnet stockings, or any goth aesthetics you like, as long as you rep the goth scene.
Typical elements of goth style are:
- Dark clothing as a base, primarily black, with textures like velvet, lace, leather, and mesh
- Gothic motifs, silver jewelry, particularly symbols like ankhs, pentagrams, or crucifixes
- Combat boots or platform shoes for making strong, pounding statements
- Dramatic fits like corsets, long coats, leather jackets, mini skirts, and even draping skirts
- Dark, dramatic makeup, like heavy black eyeliner, dark lipstick, and pale foundation
- Unconventional hair like dyed black hair, shaved sides, undercuts, or teased hair
Gothic aesthetics are not about one thing alone. From the angry DIY energy of punk goth to the otherworldly beauty of Victorian goth, each goth sub-subculture ignites the flame in its own way.
The Basis of Gothic Style
What is common in all expressions of gothic style is an underlying respect for darkness, not aesthetically, but existentially. Gothic darkness focuses on finding beauty in ruination, mystery in the unseen, and garnering strength in emotional complexity.
Core themes of goth culture include:
- Religious or Occult Themes: Inverted crosses, saints and sinners, esoteric symbols
- Dark Romanticism: Informed by the greats like Poe, Shelley, and Baudelaire. It's poetic, emotional, and amazingly tragic, like the gothic lolita style
- Gothic Elements: Cemeteries, ravens, baroque buildings, fading beauty
- Defiance: A subtext of rebellion against convention, fake positivity, trends, and the crowds
The goth subculture is a language, and all shades of it, like gothic lolita, trad goth, and health goth, are an expression of the outsider's desire to be heard and to connect in a world that all too often seeks conformity.
22 Goth Styles You Should Know About
1. Pastel Goth
Pastel goth is candy-coated terror. This style merges the pastel colors of kawaii with classic dark goth styles. Born on Tumblr and in Japanese streetwear, pastel goth is playful, anti-cultural, and completely visual.
If you swear by kawaii goth, we've got you sorted with our Oishi kawaii collection.
How to Dress In Pastel Goth Fashion:
- Colors: Baby pink, mint green, white, black, lavender
- Clothes: Oversized graphic tees, skeleton prints, mini skirts
- Shoes: Creepers, platform Mary Janes, pastel boots
- Accessories: Pentagram clips, eyeball bows, cute chokers, skull hairpins
- Makeup: Blush-heavy makeup, dark eyeliner, pastel lips
- Hair: Space buns, pigtails dip-dyed in pastel colors
2. Traditional Goth
Traditional goth (trad goth for short) is where it all began. It's a direct descendant of post punk, dressed to make an impression. Trad goth was built by people who danced the night away in dingy clubs to goth music legends like Bauhaus and Siouxsie and the Banshees. It's raw, sensual, and firmly planted in 1983, with looks just as hauntingly iconic today.
How to Dress In Trad Goth Fashion:
- Colors: Black, purple, dark red
- Clothing: Oversized shirts, long skirts, fishnet tops, vintage band t-shirts
- Shoes: Winklepickers, combat boots
- Accessories: Ankhs, lace gloves, crucifix necklaces
- Makeup: Heavy eyeliner, dark lipstick, pale foundation
- Hair: Backcombed hair, crimped hair, dark hair
3. Victorian Goth
Victorian goth is beauty soaked in sorrow. Rooted deeply in Victorian mourning attire, this is a style of austere outfits and decadent embellishments. It's formal, old-fashioned, and full of dark romance. It's gothic fashion at its most dramatic, and perhaps its most haunting.
How to Dress In Victorian Goth Fashion:
- Colors: Black, grey, deep burgundy, ivory
- Clothes: Floor-length gowns, waistcoats, bustle skirts
- Shoes: Buttoned boots, lace-up heels
- Accessories: Lace gloves, antique brooches, parasols
- Makeup: Porcelain skin, rouge, finely detailed eyes
- Hair: Finger waves, braided buns, or pinned with vintage combs
4. Punk Goth (Deathrock)
Punk goth, also referred to as Deathrock, is a mix of the dark goth style and punk rock fashion. Drawn from horror punk and early 1980s DIY anarchy, this clothing style is raw and loud. Punk goth swears by smeared makeup, studded everything, and an appearance that looks like it has crawled out of a possessed show.
How to Dress In Punk Goth Fashion:
- Colors: Black, red, white
- Clothing: Torn tops, homemade patches, torn skirts, bondage trousers
- Shoes: Creepers, combat boots
- Accessories: Spiky chokers, metal studs, safety pins, band logos
- Makeup: Pale complexion, smeared black eyeliner, lip colour reminiscent of blood
- Hair: Teased locks, mohawks, liberty spikes, streaks of dyed hair
5. Emo Goth
This subculture came from the intersection of early 2000s emo fans and goth music enthusiasts. Emos are angst-ridden, emotive, and they love heartbreak, eyeliner, and band devotion. Emo goth isn't merely sobbing in your bedroom, but being iconic while crying. Drawing energy from My Chemical Romance, AFI, and goth's softer dark corners, emo goth resides in the tension between individual sorrow and dramatic style.
How to Dress In Emo Goth Fashion:
- Colors: Black, deep red, burgundy, grey
- Clothes: Band t-shirts, skinny jeans, studded belts, striped arm warmers
- Shoes: Converse, creepers, chunky boots
- Accessories: Wristbands, pins, heart chokers, piercings
- Makeup: Black eyeliner, tear-inspired accents, pale face
- Hair: Side-swept bangs, layered cuts, streaks of red or purple
6. Gothic Lolita
Gothic Lolita, or GothLoli, is a sub-fashion of Japanese Lolita fashion that emerged in the late 1990s. It combines Victorian and Rococo fashions with darker, more sophisticated gothic styles. Gothic Lolita dresses emphasize modesty and femininity with richly detailed fabrics, dark hues, and elaborate accessories. It’s most commonly associated with Harajuku fashion and also appears in music subcultures like Visual Kei. The overall mood is doll-like, creepy, and intricately decorated.
How to Dress In Gothic Lolita Fashion:
- Colors: Burgundy, navy, deep purple, black, ivory accents
- Clothes: Tiered skirts with trim, bodices designed like corsets, petticoat-lined ruffled dresses, lace blouses
- Shoes: Platform heels, Mary Janes, Victorian boots
- Accessories: Lace gloves, cameos, ornate crosses, headdresses or bonnets, parasols
- Makeup: Pale foundation, dark eyeliner, matte black or red lipstick
- Hair: Blunt bangs, curly twin tails, bows or lace clips in elaborate updos
7. Mall Goth
Fishnets and lip gloss characterize the mall goth style. It's the manic energy of the suburban rebellion in the early 2000s, when you derived style from the Hot Topic racks and assembled it with safety pins. Mall goth fashion has long been dismissed as a "poser," but today it's being hailed as an underground starting point that introduced gothic fashion to thousands. It's the goth style for the Myspace generation.
How to Dress In Mall Goth Fashion:
- Colors: Black, neon pink, purple, checkerboard
- Clothes: Tripp pants, striped sleeves, band t-shirts, mesh gloves
- Shoes: Platform boots, Etnies, studded sneakers
- Accessories: Chokers, spiked cuffs, anime patches, chain wallets
- Makeup: Smudged eyeliner, foundation two shades too light
- Hair: Dyed streaks, chunky highlights, spiked hair, or flat-ironed ends
8. Military Goth
Military goth is influenced by the glamour of marching bands and dystopian style. It pairs historical elements (Napoleonic jackets, epaulettes) with the hard-hitting effect of modern combat boots and practical kits. This is a gothic fashion style that commands presence with angular shapes, sharp lines, and an air of militant mystery.
How to Dress In Military Goth Fashion:
- Colors: Black, olive, grey, navy
- Clothing: Trench coats, officer jackets, double-breasted blazers
- Shoes: Polished black combat boots, steel-toed boots
- Accessories: Medals, aviator goggles, bullet belts
- Makeup: Matte complexion, precise eyeliner, neutral lip color
- Hair: Cut short, slicked, or undercuts
9. Nu-Goth
Nu goth is the style that introduced witchcraft to the internet. It brings the essence of gothic fashion into the future with mystical symbols and streetwear attitude. Popularized on Tumblr and Instagram, nu goth combines occult symbolism with minimalist styles and monochromatic layering. It's a modern remix for goths who love witchy stuff and moon cycles.
How to Dress In Nu Goth Fashion:
- Colors: Black, white, grey, deep purple
- Clothing: Dropped tees, black slim pants, distressed sweaters
- Shoes: Platform shoes, spotless sneakers
- Accessories: Pentagram necklaces, crystal rings, zodiac symbols
- Makeup: Smokey eyes, nude lips, razor-sharp brows
- Hair: Straightened or blunt cuts, colored grey, silver, or black
10. Boho Goth
Boho goth is where vintage gloom meets desert mysticism. Imagine a witch in the woods at Burning Man with an earthy, spiritual, no cares attitude. This hippie goth style features the free-spirited drape of bohemian fits with the brooding, contemplative edge of gothic fashion. Boho goths wear layers of texture, symbolic jewelry, and dark clothing.
How to Dress In Boho Goth Fashion:
- Colors: Black, burnt sienna, charcoal, rust, dark green
- Clothes: Flowing maxi dresses, sheer shawls, peasant tops, fringe vests
- Shoes: Ankle boots, weathered sandals
- Accessories: Rune jewelry, crystal pendants, old rings, wide-brim hats
- Makeup: Smokey neutrals, smudged eyeliner, muted lips
- Hair: Loose waves, feathered extensions, dried flowers
11. Perky Goth
Perky goth flips the page with a hyper, more energetic twist. It's for those who dig the gothic fashion base but refuse to sacrifice their rainbow-colored hair clips. Picture Invader Zim backpacks, striped stockings, and eyeliner hearts scribbled below the eyes. Perky goth is cartoon-inspired, insane, and cute, but all within the bounds of dark clothing and alternative culture. Learn more about alternative fashion here.
How to Dress In Perky Goth Fashion:
- Colors: Black and neon green, pink, purple
- Clothes: Layered sleeves, graphic tees, striped skirts
- Shoes: Combat boots or bubble sneakers
- Accessories: Glitter chokers, cartoon pins, plush toys as bags
- Makeup: Neon eyeliner, bright shadow with black lips
- Hair: Colorful pigtails, oversized bows, synthetic extensions
12. Romantic Goth
Romantic goth fashion is poetry in motion. It takes its cues from dark romanticism, gothic literature, and the Victorian era. The romantic goth style is a full-body immersion in melancholy and poetic justice, with lovers embracing elements like scarlet roses and candlelit halls.
How to Dress in Romantic Goth Fashion:
- Colors: Burgundy, black, deep purple, wine red
- Clothing: Flowing lace dresses, velvet blouses, corsets, poet blouses
- Shoes: Victorian boots, pointed flats
- Accessories: Cameos, crosses, silver jewelry, velvet chokers
- Makeup: Soft dark makeup, rose-toned eyes, flushed cheeks
- Hair: Long, loose curls or worn with antique clips
13. Soft Goth
Soft goth is elegant but fragile. It combines the darkness of goth with comfort-driven fashion and emotional restraint. Soft goth moves towards muted color schemes, soft fabrics, and a little dark makeup.
How to Style Soft Goth Fashion:
- Colors: Mauve, dusty rose, black, grey
- Clothes: Oversized cardigans, knit dresses, turtlenecks
- Shoes: Platform loafers, Doc Martens
- Accessories: Dainty chokers, simple rings, dainty bags
- Makeup: Dainty smokey eyes, subtle contour, pale-colored lips
- Hair: Straight, shoulder-length, or messy buns
14. Steampunk Goth
Steampunk goth exists in a gear-driven, gas-lit universe that mixes Victorian goth and industrial sci-fi fantasy. It's an image of a never-realized future where brass and black lace build fashion. Steampunk goth gets its inspiration from speculative fiction and gothic horror. It couples corsetry with gothic accessories like pocket watches and mechanical wings.
How to Dress In Steampunk Goth Fashion:
- Colors: Bronze, black, deep brown, oxblood
- Attire: Corsets, shirt fronts with collars that are high, long dresses, tailcoats
- Shoes: Victorian lace-up boots, heeled ankle boots
- Accessories: Goggles, timepiece necklaces, gear pins, top hats
- Makeup: Bronze highlights, neutral shade, sculpted contour
- Hair: Intricate updos, curls, or styled with brass accessories
15. Cyber Goth
Cyber goth is absolutely post-apocalyptic, combining the dystopian techno look of industrial culture with anarchy-drenched neon. A product of the '90s club culture, this substyle propels gothic fashion into the future. It's synthetic, loud, and created for blacklight-lit dance floors.
How to Dress In Cyber Goth Fashion:
- Colors: Black with neon accents (lime, hot pink, UV purple)
- Clothing: PVC pants, mesh shirts, corsets with straps and hardware
- Shoes: Platform boots, cyber sneakers
- Accessories: Gas masks, goggles, cyberlox, respirators, LED jewelry
- Makeup: Neon face paint, color-block eyeshadow, black lips
- Hair: Synthetic dreadlocks, colored extensions, UV-reactive dyes
16. Vampire Goth
Vampire goth is opulent, seductive, and dramatic, straight out of a bloodstained ballroom. It draws from horror cinema, shows (remember The Vampire Diaries), Victorian goth styles, and high drama. Capes, corsets, and candlelit glam are non-negotiable when it comes to vampire goth. It’s what you’d wear to a haunted masquerade or an after-dark opera.
How to Dress In Vampire Goth Fashion:
- Colors: Blood red, black, gold, midnight blue
- Clothes: Velvet coats, lace blouses, high-collared vests
- Shoes: Polished boots, Victorian heels
- Accessories: Fangs (yes), elaborate rings, silver baubles, capes
- Makeup: White skin, dark eyeliner, sharp cheekbones
- Hair: Sleeked back, flowing and long, or widow's peak wigs
17. Glam Goth
Glam goth is all about slaying and shining in the darkness. Born out of the glittering bones of glam rock and the rich textures of gothic fashion, it's a dramatic blast of velvet, sequins, and brassy self-assurance. Every detail is deliberate, and each look is a stunner.
How to Dress In Glam Goth Fashion:
- Colors: Black, silver, deep purple, crimson
- Clothes: Sequined dresses, velvet suits, leather jackets, mini skirts
- Shoes: Platform heels, patent boots
- Accessories: Metallic accessories, rhinestone chokers, clutch purses
- Makeup: Dark or red lipstick, sharp contour, glitter eyelids, dramatic makeup
- Hair: Sparkly clips or barrettes, retro waves, styled voluminous hair
18. Health Goth
Health goth is where streetwear meets dark sensibility. It's making gym culture a cyberpunk monochromatic dystopia. Spreading from the internet around the mid-2010s, health goth mixes athletic fits with gothic-colored palettes and gear.
How to Dress In Health Goth Fashion:
- Colors: Black, matte grey, white
- Clothing: Mesh tops, compression leggings, techwear vests, sports bras with logo bands
- Shoes: Black high-tops, futuristic sneakers
- Accessories: Arm cuffs, performance wear, reflective sunglasses
- Makeup: Graphic eyeliner, clean matte skin, sharp brows
- Hair: Blunt bobs, slicked back, undercuts
19. Whimsigoth
Whimsigoth is a revived term. It originally came from the 1990s, describing boho-meets-goth fashion worn by characters in shows like Charmed and Practical Magic. This term was recently revived by TikTok. Whimsigoths mix celestial prints, ethereal textures, and esoteric symbols to create a mystical, romantic aesthetic based in magic and mystery.
How to Dress In Whimsigoth Fashion:
- Colors: Plum, black, dark forest green, dusty rose
- Clothes: Bell-sleeved dresses, velvet wraps, sheer shawls, flowy skirts
- Shoes: Witchy boots, lace-up flats
- Accessories: Crystal pendants, sun/moon rings, celestial earrings
- Makeup: Shimmery lids, berry lips, soft contour
- Hair: Loose waves, braids with beads, half-up buns with ribbons
20. Aristocrat Goth
Aristocrat goth takes its cue from Rococo and Victorian upper-class fashion to create a more mature, formal aesthetic than Romantic Goth or Gothic Lolita. Typically applied to the Elegant Gothic Aristocrat (EGA) aesthetic that Mana of Moi-même-Moitié pioneered, this aesthetic is elegant, refined, and old-fashioned.
How to Dress In Aristocrat Goth Fashion:
- Colors: Rich purple, black, navy, dark green, deep wine
- Clothes: Blouses with jabots, waistcoats, high collar shirts, frock coats, cravats, floor-length skirts
- Shoes: Victorian lace-ups, pointed boots
- Accessories: Walking canes, brooches, antique rings, monocles, lace gloves
- Makeup: Dark eyes, pale complexion, pale contouring with a soft lip
- Hair: Pinned back or nicely styled, with minimal added accessories
21. Haute Goth (Avant-Garde Goth)
Haute goth is where trad goth fashion meets the catwalk. It brings goth themes to haute heights using conceptual styling and dramatic fits. We’re talking Alexander McQueen, Gareth Pugh, and Rick Owens, all drawing on gothic horror in a couture situation.
How to Dress In Haute Goth Fashion:
- Colors: Black, gunmetal, dark plum, obsidian, silver
- Clothes: Rigid jackets, sculpted dresses, flowing capes, asymmetrical designs, tailored suits
- Shoes: High-fashion heels, wedge boots, avant-garde platforms
- Accessories: Detailed gloves, veils, masks, statement jewelry
- Makeup: Editorial makeup, high contrast contour, metallic or matte finish
- Hair: Slicked back, geometric cuts, or high-gloss and stark
22. Fairy Goth (Faegoth)
Fairy Goth is a mystical blend of gothic magic and fantasy forest energy. Inspired by folklore, faeriecore, and the gothic imagination, this style features frayed elegance and fairy tale wear. Picture a forest witch, complete with moss, glitter, and wings that have seen brighter centuries.
How to Dress In Fairy Goth Fashion:
- Colors: Moss green, black, silver, deep lilac, twilight blue
- Clothing: Torn skirts, layered sheers, corseted blouses, asymmetrical dresses
- Shoes: Barefoot, laced footwear, or sandal-and-ribbon
- Accessories: Crystal headpieces, fake antlers, wings, rune chokers, moss or flower embellishments
- Makeup: Shimmering highlight, iridescent eyes, pale but disturbing colors
- Hair: Loose and wild, braided in beads, flowers, or leaf baubles
Buyer's Guide: Building Your Gothic Fashion Wardrobe
Building a killer goth wardrobe is all about having the right things. It doesn't matter if you’re just entering the scene or levelling up your looks, this is how to curate your collection with intention and, of course, with chaos.
Core Essentials:
- Dark Clothing: Start with mixing-and-matching fits like black skinny jeans, mesh tops, and oversized black tees
- Shoes: Champion combat boots, platforms, or creepers
- Textured Layers: Velvet, lace, leather, mesh (mix fabric textures)
- Accessories: Silver chains, chokers, silver jewelry, occult signs, gloves
- Dark Makeup: Black eyeliner, matte base, and a trusty bold lip color
Where to Shop:
For underground fits that 1000% capture goth aesthetics, start with Scummy Bears' goth AF collection. You'll find insane outfits that tick most of the subcultures' boxes without lifting your boot.
FAQs: Everything You Ought to Know About Gothic Fashion
What's the Difference Between Goth and Emo?
Goth takes its origins from gothic rock music, while emo focuses on emotional punk and indie looks.
Where Did Goth Originate From?
Goth subculture arose in the UK in the late '70s as a derivative of the post-punk scene and early goth music and bands.
What Makes Up Gothic Fashion?
Gothic fashion includes any look based on dark aesthetics, self-expression, and symbolic imagery of the goth scene. It could be a gothic lolita style, trad goth, hippie goth, health goth, haute goth, white goth, you name it!
What Makes You Goth?
There's no specific answer to this. If you feel the vibe of gothic rock, goth subcultures, and the energy of gothic darkness, you're goth.
Are Goths Christians?
Goth culture isn't tied to any religion. Goths come from all religious (or non-religious) backgrounds, and spirituality varies individually.
Why Do Goths Dress in Black?
Male and female goths dress in black because it's a colour of power, mourning, secrecy, and revolt. Also, black is dark. It absorbs light and reflects identity.
What Does It Take to Make a Girl Goth?
Anyone can be goth, regardless of gender, if they embrace the music, aesthetics, or themes of goth culture in a way that’s authentic to them.
Embrace Your Inner Goth With Scummy Bears
Goth style is how you broadcast your inner world onto a louder, darker frequency. It's flexible and intimate, and it shifts to fit your mood and reality. There are no rules with gothic fashion, just rituals.
It doesn't matter if you're drawn to the haunted loveliness of gothic fashion or the glitch rage of cyber goth, as goth culture has space for it all. With Scummy Bears, you get to choose from a variety of fits that represent different goth subcultures.
Shop Scummy Bears today for modern goth and alternative festival looks.