Goth fashion is a way of life. It's a subculture with profound historical roots and a unique style of self-expression. It thrives on the dark, the mysterious, and the defiant. Much maligned and misrepresented, gothic fashion is a creative revolution against mainstream conformity and an embracing of all that is unconventional.
At its origins, gothic fashion is a synthesis of darkness, romanticism, and theatrics. It pulls from a wide variety of influences, such as Victorian mourning rituals and punk rock rebellion. The goth look revolves around a dramatic palette of blacks, rich textures, and showy accessories.
In this article, we'll be talking about gothic fashion history, its evolution through the ages, and the hallmark styles that define it. We'll also unveil the components of goth fashion, where to shop for it, and how you can start building your own wardrobe to express your inner goth.
Prepare to enter a world that celebrates dark elegance and uncompromising self-expression. It doesn't matter if you're new to the scene or a veteran goth; this guide will help you understand how this retro style has endured, and how you can incorporate it into your life.
Getting to Know Gothic Fashion: Black Clothing and Beyond
What is the Gothic Style?
Goth style is actually a subculture that has borrowed from romanticism and the macabre. It's an explicit rejection of mainstream culture and defiance of false fashion standards. In contrast to other subcultures that take cues from the fashion world, goth style makes its own path, celebrating dark beauty and individuality.
Gothic fashion is characterized by black clothing as the dominant color, but that doesn’t stop there. It’s known for textures like lace, velvet, and silk, as well as dark makeup, dramatic hair, and defining accessories. Goth is a style that allows for personal expression. You could be drawn to the Victorian mourning aesthetic, the high drama of Victorian goth, the trippy pastel goth, or the futuristic edge of cybergoth.
Where Did Gothic Fashion Come From?
Gothic fashion has several sources of influence. One of the earliest examples is the Victorian cult of mourning, where people adorned dark, elaborate attire as part of their bereavement practices. This set the precedent for using black attire as an outward manifestation of emotional intensity, loss, and introspection.
Gothic fashion also has strong links to the UK and the world of music, namely the post-punk period of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Bands like Bauhaus, Joy Division, and Siouxsie Sioux of Siouxsie and the Banshees embraced dark, mysterious imagery and designs that would come to be associated with the goth scene. Their music, with its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, complemented the gothic look perfectly. The advent of gothic rock established goth style as a major component of alternative music fashion.
Characteristics of Gothic Fashion
- Color Scheme: While black is the dominant color, goth style also makes use of lots of dark shades like deep purples, reds, and even dark greens. Black, symbolically, represents the mystery and depth that the goth subculture is associated with. Sometimes white appears in designs for contrast.
- Fabrics & Textures: Lace, velvet, silk, leather, and mesh are the basics of goth fashion. These textures contribute to the overall look, lending it an air of luxury, mystery, and sensuality. Lace and velvet, in particular, reflect the romantic, Victorian aspects that are common in gothic fashion.
- Styles & Shapes: Both Victorian-era and punk rock-inspired gothic fashion styles are more likely to include long, flowing lines, corseted shaping, dramatic capes, and dresses. Overall, the appearance is theatrical, with an emphasis on creating a sense of drama and otherworldliness.
- Accessories: Accessories have an important place in goth fashion. Ranging from silver jewelry with dark symbols to chokers and complex headpieces, accessories ensure personalization and extra drama. Combat boots and platform boots are also common.
- Makeup: A pale complexion is a signature of the goth look, with dark eye makeup (often kohl) and bold, dark lipstick as main go-tos.
- Hair: Styles are super dramatic! Hair could be jet black and straight, brightly colored, or shaped in an ornate coiffure. Gothic fashion allows individuals to be creative.
Icons of Gothic Fashion
There are various iconic figures that have helped to shape gothic fashion. Some of the early ones include silent movie actresses like Theda Bara, who embodied the dark, mysterious female ideal. Also, Siouxsie Sioux, the lead vocalist of Siouxsie and the Banshees, was particularly influential, bringing punk rock elements into the goth look.
Other important influences include Robert Smith of The Cure, who personified gothic fashion with his glam-rock goth look, as seen in his iconic hair and makeup. Models like Wednesday Mourning and Lady Amaranth also represent the stylish aspect of the goth movement. In addition, designers like Drew Bernstein of Lip Service and Tyler Ondine of Heavy Red have created some of the most recognizable gothic fashion on the catwalk and in alternative culture. These icons are just the tip of the iceberg.
Now that we've covered the history and basics of goth fashion, let's see how you can rep this style with iconic gothic looks.
13 Iconic Goth Fashion Styles
One of the most fascinating aspects of gothic fashion is its diversity. Below are some of the most iconic and diverse goth fashion styles ever. Each one has a unique approach, and you can mix and match to create your own style.
1. Pastel Goth
Pastel Goth is a celebration of the Japanese kawaii culture, where cute meets creepy. This substyle is a mix of soft, pastel colored fashion and traditional Gothic imagery. For instance, pairing lavender hair with black chokers, baby pink skirts with fishnets, or mint green sweaters with skull or occult motifs. For a perfect example of this style, check out our Oishi kawaii collection. It's filled with designs that nail this spooky, ethereal feel.
2. Traditional Goth
This is one of the earliest goth styles to emerge in the early 1980s. The main styles for trad goth include black attire, long coats, lace, and velvet, with elegance and simplicity being the key. Combat boots and chunky silver jewelry are typical accessories. Face makeup tends to be pale, often worn with dark eyeshadow and lipstick.
3. Romantic Goth
Victorian-era-inspired romantic goth style often incorporates corsets, lace, velvet, and long dresses or skirts. It's a style that's all about femininity with a dark twist. It couples dramatic fashion with historic Victorian looks. People often wear chokers and intricate headpieces to contribute to the romantic, retrospective mood.
4. Cyber Goth
Originating from rave and industrial scenes, cyber goth transforms goth fashion into a more futuristic style. It focuses on shiny PVC clothing, neon fluorescent hues, and accessories like goggles and platform boots. The cyber look is all about mixing dark styles with a futuristic edge. Another element of the style is vibrantly colored wigs, typically in neon pinks, greens, and purples.
5. Victorian Goth
Victorian Goth adopts the elegance of the Victorian times. It borrows from the mourning attire worn at the time. This style entails details like corsets, lace, velvet, and long flowing skirts for women, and waistcoats, suits, and tailored jackets for men. The look is finished with accessories like pocket watches, top hats, and lace gloves.
6. Deathrock
A fusion of goth and punk rock, deathrock incorporates leather jackets, studs, and torn material, along with an anti-establishment mindset and a dark, rebellious look. It gives you raw and unfinished DIY fashion. Spikes, safety pins, and torn, damaged clothing are prevalent within the look.
7. Haute Goth
For those who enjoy impeccable tailoring and sophistication, haute goth is the style. It's a mixture of high fashion and gothic fashion. Main fits include tailored suits, elegant dresses, and expensive accessories like cigarette holders or faux fur. Haute goth is a style for those who enjoy luxury and rebellion.
8. Gothic Lolita
This substyle, originating in Japan, combines goth designs with the delicate charm of the Lolita style. The focus is on modest, Victorian-inspired clothing like dresses with lace, frills, and bows. Gothic elements are then added by the wearing of dark colors, particularly black, and by the use of lace and corsetry.
9. Aristocrat Goth
This look copies the Victorian upper class. Styles include suits, ruffled shirts, bustle dresses, long skirts, gloves, and top hats. The hallmark of the look is a sense of luxury and formality, with opulent fabric and a formal, elegant appearance.
10. Goth Geeks
Goth geeks wear basic black jeans and T-shirts with gothic accessories that stand out. This modern goth style embraces dark glasses, black trainers, and technology-inspired details, while remaining casual and eclectic.
11. Punk Goth
Influenced by punk rock, punk goth's main fits include leather jackets, black skinny jeans, fleece hoodies, moto boots, and metal hardware. It's a rawer, more rebellious form of goth style with a bit of grunge and DIY fashion thrown in.
12. Steamgoth
A combination of steampunk and Victorian mourning fashion, steamgoth features brass, copper, and gear-patterned clothing and accessories. It's also big on details like goggles, top hats, and pocket watches in the Victorian goth style. This look is all about mixing retro-futuristic technology with Victorian goth romanticism.
13. Healthgoth
This is a style that surfaced in the 2010s. It’s a combination of the typical gothic look with athleisure wear. The trend focuses on sporty yet goth-inspired outfits, such as mesh leggings, sports bras, and heavy sneakers in dark colors. It's all about bringing the gothic look into your active lifestyle.
Where to Buy Goth Clothing: Scummy Bears
If you want to build your goth closet, Scummy Bears is the go-to stylist. We mix rave style and dark fashion to create tripping outfits that allow you to showcase your underground style with confidence.
Our Goth AF collection has sick pieces perfect for anyone embracing that alternative life. It doesn’t matter if you're a cyber goth or pastel goth, we've got styles to help you create a look that's unapologetically bold and uniquely yours.
Note: We offer free shipping for orders above $125. Please check your tracking number after checkout.
Shop Scummy Bears today.
Tips for Shopping and Creating Your Goth Wardrobe
- Material: When selecting pieces, pay attention to fabric quality. Velvet, lace, leather, and silk are some of the basics in gothic fashion, but it's important to choose high-quality versions of these materials.
- Sizing: Sizes can vary in alt fashion. Be sure to check size charts carefully, and don’t hesitate to reach out for more detailed measurements.
- Look for Versatility: When building your goth wardrobe, focus on versatile pieces that you can mix and match with other items. Black jeans, leather jackets, combat boots, and platform shoes are all versatile. Gothic accessories like chokers, silver rings, and bracelets complement any outfit.
- Standout Pieces: Consider adding bold pieces to your wardrobe. These can be accessories like spiked collars, baroque headpieces, or fake fur shawls. These pieces allow you to express your individual goth style while keeping your wardrobe fresh and exciting.
- Quality Over Quantity: It's better to invest in a few quality pieces than to fill your closet with inexpensive fits that might fall apart sooner rather than later. Look for pieces that are crafted well with attention to detail, especially if you're shopping for Victorian styles that require expert craftsmanship.
How to Make Your Goth Look Stand Out
- Make It Your Own: Goth style is at its best when it conveys your own uniqueness. Don't be confined to one style. If you're fond of Victorian Goth, cyber goth, or punk goth, you can mix looks to represent your inner self.
- Bold Makeup & Hair: Pair your goth fashion with bold makeup choices. Dark lipstick, dramatic eyeliner, and pale makeup are central to the goth look. Experiment with unique hair colors and styles.
- Confidence: The most important aspect of achieving a goth look is confidence. Embody the darkness and proudly wear your goth look. Goth culture is all about embracing your individuality, so don't be afraid to experiment with your style and personalize it.
FAQS
What Are the Three Rules of Goth Fashion?
There are no absolute "rules" of gothic fashion. The primary principles are individuality, a love of the darkness, and refusal to accept mainstream culture. It's about being yourself and being comfortable with that.
What Makes a Girl Look Goth?
Goth is about dressing, attitude, and confidence. A few of the central characteristics include lots of dark makeup (pale face, dark eyeliner, and lipstick), theatrical hairstyles (generally black or in vibrant colors), and clothing that has a gothic or romantic flair to it. Goth styles embrace uniqueness and express it without fear.
In What Ways Is Goth Distinct from Emo?
While goth and emo have things in common, the two are different in the following ways:
- Goth: It's based on romanticism, the macabre, and the historic. It's theatrical, with a tendency to be Victorian or punk rock-inspired, with dark and dramatic clothing.
- Emo: Emotionally more raw, emo tends to be associated with aspects like love, a broken heart, a specific music scene, and tight jeans, band t-shirts, and bangs.
What Is Goth's Opposite?
Goth's opposite would likely be something that embraces light, minimalism, or mainstream conformity, i.e., preppy or mainstream pop style.
Is Ghost Emo or Goth?
The band Ghost incorporates theatre with hard, heavy metal, but they aren't goth or emo in the strictest sense.
Where Do I Buy Goth Clothes?
If you're looking for brands with the best goth wear, Scummy Bears has a fantastic range of unique, rebellious pieces. Scummy Bears' women's goth outfits mix gothic elements with rave culture, resulting in designs that are dripping with chaos. There are sizes from XS to triple XL, ensuring you can find the right fit.
Unleash Your Inner Goth With Scummy Bears
Goth fashion continues to evolve with changing times. It’s a celebration of individuality and darkness, where people embrace the beautiful and eerie in life. Explore your own style, build your wardrobe, and find a community that celebrates the unique, dark beauty of life at Scummy Bears.
Just send us a message, here or on our socials, and we'll loop you in pronto! This is where clothing for the bold, the defiant, and those who never seek permission can be found. Wear what you want. Be who you are. No apologies.