How to Get Inspired by Gothic Style
The elements of Goth fashion derive from the Victorian Gothic era in the 19th Century, styled on the dark side. Think Edgar Allen Poe. Present-day Goth originally emerged from the post-punk scene in the United Kingdom in the early 1980s, and has caught on around the world and persists to this day. It is mysterious and poetic, edgy and dramatic. So whether you are Goth from way back or just looking into it, I have some up-to-date ideas here for how to get inspired by Gothic style.
Age doesn’t matter. You can get bolder as you get older. That’s not to say you can’t tone down this, or any, style. You can always be your true self and then throw in an element of style for fun, experimentation or self-expression. Trying out new styles keeps us modern and youthful, and adding a third piece to a basic outfit is what makes things interesting.
So I am going to lay out the elements of Goth style, but you don’t have to use them all at once. One at a time is just fine. You can go crazy with it, you can add Goth pieces to something that’s the total opposite, you can wear it just for Halloween, or you can just buy one piece that you love and wear it forevermore. 😉
What follows are the elements and outfit ideas to get you inspired by Gothic Style.
Elements of Goth Style
- Garments of leather, lace, velvet, silk or PVC
- Capes
- Faux leather jackets
- Black faux leather pieces of any kind
- Lace skirts
- Ruffled or gathered skirts
- Black, purple, and dark colors such as deep red or navy blue
- Graphic prints with occult symbols such as pentagrams, moons, stars, skulls, or crosses.
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- Victorian Trading Co.
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- The Pyramid Collection
- Skull jewelry, crosses, chokers, faux leather or cotton wristbands
- Studs or spikes
- Boots or creepers (low-top sneakers in faux suede or leather or velvet with flat platforms)
- Corsets as a belt or layer
- Details such as ruffles, batwing or bell sleeves
- Striped tights, sheer black stockings, fishnets
- Hats such as beanies, bowlers or wide-brimmed hats
- Navy or purple eyeliner
This tunic adds a touch of Gothic romance.
A pieced knit top with lace inset in the front is a modern take on Gothic. Crushed velvet culottes in lavender is in keeping with the modern Gothic feel. Do you have a black top to pair with velvet culottes, crops or palazzos? A bit of lace helps, whether it’s in the top or as an accessory such as a scarf.
A Little Outfit Inspiration
Here are some outfit ideas based on gothic style. These are suggestions; use them loosely. Substitute what you have within these combinations.
- A black, charcoal, navy, purple or deep red maxi dress + any lace-up black boots. You might like to add black socks or stockings, a choker, scull or cross jewelry, faux leather jacket or cape, purple or navy eyeliner.
- A black t-shirt + distressed jeans. Add combat boots + studded jewelry, cross jewelry, skull accessories.
- Wear a corset over a simple dress, or with a top and skirt or jeans. Corsets will also look great layered over a formal dress or a lacy blouse and ruffled skirt.
- Black jeans + a velvet top.
- A long, lace dress + silver skull jewelry.
- A long-sleeve black lace top under a sleeveless black maxi dress. Add black heeled boots.
- Purple lace turtleneck + black gaucho pants/crops + black heels.
- Purple lace turtleneck + black lacy skirt. You might like to add a wide, black belt. Add black suede booties + a cuff/bracelet + purple-toned makeup.
- Black bell-sleeve tunic + navy velvet leggings.
- A long-sleeve draped cardigan + a tunic tank + leather leggings. Add a choker + heels.
Special thanks to WikiHow for their complete guidelines to Gothic dress.
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Angie
Well I like a bit of gothic! Back in the 80s I was a punk! Lovely post!
Thanks, Nancy! You must have some great ideas for adding a gothic/punk accent here or there. I know you’re daring 😉