Whimsigoth Style: How to Play With the Hauntingly Beautiful Magic of Victorian Gothic
Whimsigoth style blends elements of goth and whimsy, balancing light and dark . It fits right in with the Fall trend of Dark Romance. And it’s also great for the Spooky Season of October (see my post on that here.) It’s got a little bit of Gypsy (see post here) and a little bit of Stevie Nicks style (here.) And the whimsy of it makes Goth more modern and approachable for every day. Add a touch or two or wear it to the max, whatever feels like your true self. Age doesn’t matter! Martha Stewart even announced that it’s Fall’s biggest home trend.
Whimsigoth Style: Play With the Magic Side of Goth
Whimsigoth combines dark, moody colors with playful, imaginative features. This style is often characterized by celestial themes, witchy vibes for the fun of it, vintage bohemian pieces and rich, layered textures. It often features flowing fabrics, crystal and rhinestone jewelry, dark florals and playful patterns such as tarot cards (such as on t-shirts.)
This style can be described as surreal, witchy (in a Stevie Nicks sort of way, or as in the costumes in the movie Hocus Pocus and Practical Magic.) It draws on iconic pop culture references, such as the 1990s television series Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Tim Burton’s films from the 2000’s. Formally called “Whimsical Mystical Gothic Celestial,” Whimsigoth style merges the best elements of bohemian fashion with edgy gothic undertones.
As I wrote this, I discovered something. I knew I was a laid-back, natural bohemian and that I’ve gravitated toward the edgy feeling of black and dark colors. But delving into this particular style pulled it all together for me into one word!
Beading
- Add a beaded caftan over a black lace top & black pants or skirt. Accessorize with a cuff bracelet, large hoop earrings and black boots or heels.
Look for beading on clothes and accessories.
Celestial Designs
Choose celestial designs such as astrological symbols, the sun and moon, even moonstone gems in jewelry.
- Pair a maxi skirt with celestial designs + a blouse that gathers at the neckline and/or has draped or balloon sleeves.
- Wear a kimono with moon & stars motif over a column of black (a black top & bottom,) or a black top & jeans, or over a black or dark-color maxi dress. Layer gold and/or silver pendants & narrow bangles or a wear a cuff bracelet.
Velvets and Silks
Incorporate textures such as velvet (see my Velvet Series here,) including crushed and burnout. For the kind of windswept looks you might find in fairy tales, use silks and layered mesh.
- Add a chunky sweater over a burgundy velvet slip dress. Add chunky black boots + a shawl + a gemstone bead bracelet + a mystic ring such as a pentagram or skull, etc. Finally, layer a few garnet necklaces or a moon, star, cross, etc.
- Top a burgundy or gray or black skip dress with a grandfather cardigan. Add stack-heeled booties. Layer a necklace or two with a crescent moon pendant.
Flowing Fabrics
Patti Knit Palazzo Pant in Black Sketched Paisley from Natural Life
Wide-leg pants work just as well as skirts when they are are voluminous.
Think how Stevie Nicks wears tulle skirts and fringed shawls draped around her that flow when she dances.
- Wear a fitted tank top with a flowing green maxi skirt and a green duster kimono. Add a locket and maybe a tie belt over the duster.
Paisley
Add a paisley print to a basic outfit, such as a kimono over jeans and a tee.
Jewel Tones
In addition to dark and moody colors, feel free to wear jewel tones for a sexy and glamorous vibe too. Whimsigoth combines rich colors like purples and blacks with vibrant jewel tones like peacock greens, turquoise, and lots of gold accessories.
Chunky Footwear
Footwear is usually black and chunky, but go ahead and wear what you love and feel comfortable in. Choose from combat boots, lace-up boots, biker boots, even Western boots if you like. Consider wearing unique shoes such as platform sandals or elegant pumps with a whimsical and goth vibe.
Whimsigoth Style Plays With the Magic of Victorian Gothic
I hope you find the whimsical side of Victorian Gothic style. Playing with the haunting beauty of Goth uncovers its magical side. Picture yourself as a queen or princess in a land of castles set in a wondrous landscape, a faraway world. If you could have all the luxury, what would you wish to dress yourself in —
- velvet, silk, brocade?
- sequins, beading, crystals and diamonds?
- sweeping skirts and dramatic capes, fringed kimonos, embroidered dusters?
Would you dabble in the dark arts or cast spells? If so you might work by the light of the moon, harness the power of the sun, need crosses for protection or use tarot to tell the future.
Let your imagination run wild and enjoy a world of your own when you create your own Whimsigoth style!
Let’s Connect!
Do you like the idea of creating new outfits by exploring the whimsical side of goth? I have been doing this unwittingly by gravitating toward black and dark colors and edgy pieces in my Bohemian-leaning wardrobe. Perhaps you are a pro at this and can give us some of your best tips. We’d love to hear from you. Please leave a reply below!
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Related posts:
Style Inspiration, Ways to Wear It
Boho Chic, Gothic, Gypsy, Silk, Stevie Nicks Style, Velvet, Whimsigoth
I just love those paisley palazzo pants!
❤️carmen
I agree! Now that you’ve pointed them out, I’m thinking I should get a pair of wide-legged palazzo pants that look like a skirt. 😉