How would you describe your style? Are you into dark colors or bright ones? Black or white? Gothic or punk?
Goth fashion has become very popular over the years. The term was coined in the early 1980s by British musician David Bowie. Today, the word “gothic” describes a wide range of styles from rockabilly to punk.
Goths tend to wear black clothing, often with skulls or other symbols. They also prefer darker makeup such as heavy eyeliner, dark lipstick, and black nail polish.
So if you want to perfect your goth look, then you have come to the right place. In the article below, we will teach you how to hone your goth aesthetic. While also explaining the different kinds of gothic clothing available.
This article is a guide to all things goth and will show you the best ways to immerse yourself in this dark and fashionable world.
What Is Goth?
The word “goth” comes from the German word for darkness. It was first used in popular culture to refer to a type of music that originated in England during the 1960s.
The term was later adopted by musicians like Siouxsie Sioux and Nick Cave who were inspired by the music of bands like Bauhaus and Joy Division.
In the 1980s, the term became associated with an underground subculture of people who dressed in black and wore makeup heavily influenced by Victorian-era aesthetics.
These people were known as punks because they liked to dress up in old fashioned clothes and accessories.
However, many of them began wearing more elaborate costumes and adopting a darker outlook on life. This led to the creation of the term “goth”.
In recent years, the term “goth” has been used to describe a variety of styles ranging from classic punk to steampunk and cyberpunk.
Today, “goths” are usually associated with people who enjoy dressing up in dark clothing and using dark makeup. Many of these people are fans of horror movies and literature.
Some even go so far as to say that their appearance makes them feel stronger and less vulnerable.
How To Dress Goth
When it comes to dressing goth, there are certain elements that are considered pivotal to perfecting your goth aesthetic. These elements include:
Black Clothing
Most goths favor dark clothing. Often, they will wear black t-shirts under a leather jacket. This helps to create the illusion of a larger silhouette. If you don’t own any black clothing, then you can buy some online at sites like Amazon.com.
Dark Make-Up
Most goths use dark eyeshadow and mascara. When choosing which color to use, try to avoid pastels. Instead, opt for deep shades of purple, blue, green, and brown.
Dark lipsticks are another essential part of most goth looks.
Boots & Shoes
If you decide to wear boots, be sure to choose something with a high heel. This will help to elongate your legs and add height to your overall look.
For shoes, you should stick to black or dark colors. Goths are also known to wear heavy boots with skulls, flames and metal details.
Accessories
A good way to complete your goth look is to accessorize with items like studded belts, skull rings, and chokers. You can find these items at stores like Hot Topic and Urban Outfitters.
Corsets
Gothic fashion often involves corsets. They are worn by women to give themselves a smaller waistline. Corsets are made out of steel and leather.
They are designed to fit snugly around the body and provide support.
Corsets are associated with Victorians and Lolita fashion. Despite this, they are worn by most members of the goth community.
What Are The Different Kinds Of Goth?
Since the beginning of the goth movement, the overall aesthetic has changed greatly.
Because of this, the movement now consists of several factions, which all have their own approaches to the gothic style and look. These include:
Cyber Goth
This type of goth focuses on technology and science fiction. Cyber goths tend to pair dark clothing with bright colors and light makeup. They may also be fond of anime and manga.
When it comes to this kind of goth, you will want to create a look that stays true to the goth aesthetic while also looking futuristic.
Aesthetic Goth
The aesthetic goth is a more casual version of the goth style. It tends to involve wearing jeans and sneakers with dark clothing and accessories.
Aesthetic goths are typically not very concerned about how they appear to others. As long as they know that they look good, they’re happy.
In this case, you won’t need to worry too much about creating an exact look. Just pick clothes that you like and that suit your personality.
Pastel Goth
Pastel goths are those who prefer to dress in pastels. They usually wear white shirts and skirts over black pants. Their make-up is lighter than other types of goths. Pastel goths are often seen wearing floral patterns and polka dots.
They tend to be more feminine than other kinds of goths. However, they still maintain a strong sense of individuality.
This particular aesthetic is believed to have originated in Japan, which is why it is now associated with anime and Japanese culture.
Punk Goth
Punk goths are those who embrace punk music and fashion. They tend to wear torn clothes and ripped t-shirts. Punk goths are typically involved in the DIY (Do It Yourself) scene.
They also enjoy dressing up in costumes and going to concerts.
You don’t necessarily need to follow any specific rules when it comes to punk goth. In fact, there’s no set way to dress like a punk.
Instead, just go for whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident in your current situation.
Classic Goth
Classic goths are those who love the Victorian era. They tend to wear dresses and suits along with high heels and jewelry. Classic goths tend to favor classic styles such as lace, velvet, and satin.
Because of this, classic goths tend to be more conservative than other forms of goth. They usually avoid tattoos and piercings. They also tend to focus on the traditional aspects of Gothic art and literature.
In basic terms, when you picture a goth in your head, this is typically the aesthetic that comes to mind.
Emo Goth
Emo goths are those who are obsessed with emo music. Emo goths tend to wear black clothing and use darker shades of lipstick or lip gloss. They also tend to wear heavy eyeliner and thick eyebrows.
Unlike other kinds of goths, emo goths tend to be very expressive and emotional. They can sometimes be quite dramatic. They also tend to be quite sensitive and introverted.
If you’re interested in emo goth, you should probably stick to the darker colors and tones. You’ll also want to avoid bright colors and patterns.
Final Thoughts
When dressing goth, it is important that you understand the style of goth you are trying to emulate – whether that be cyber or classic.
In most cases, you will want to wear dark clothing with accessories and statement boots. However, the finer details will be decided by your general aesthetic and the kind of goth you wish to be.