History of Gothic (Goth) Culture and Fashion
Goth Charm School!
The Gothic (Goth) sub-culture evolved in England in the 1980s, after the decline of the Punk culture. Gothic clothing borrows from Punk, Victorian and Renaissance dressing styles and mixes them with the contemporary clothing styles.
While there are many definitions of what goth is, the best way to put it is this: a group of open minded individuals, that go against and think differently than what society may define as normal. Overall, it gives the impression of a person attempting to break the traditional sense of social organization and form a unique look. Use of dark colors, especially black is characteristic of Gothic sub-culture and fashion.
However, Goth fashion has fun and festive elements and does not always imply darkness. Purple and red are commonly worn.
Goth Clothing and Accessories
Goth fashion is a clothing style marked by conspicuously dark, mysterious, antiquated pieces. To attain the Goth look, go for clothes that are dark, navy and black. Even red and purple are bold colors that are tied in with goth fashion. Lace and leather elements work well, and accessorize with metal jewelry. Chain necklaces and bracelets are a staple piece, while you can go for lace jewelry as well (though it’s a bit harder to find). A nice spiked chain can be a great accessory for the Goth style!
Skull rings are also popular for giving one the goth look.
The color black is stereotyped as representing death, however color psychologists link black with power. Black is a dramatic color, that looks good on every skin tone, linking it with elegance (hence black tie affair). Black is also know for being mysterious.
Final Thoughts
Goth style is trendy, and especially hot at Halloween. Play with lace, leather and metal for a fun look. Combine bolder colors like red and purple (or orange for Halloween) to create a festive, spooky look. Goth attire is the perfect attire for many costumes; vampire, rock star, zombie, etc. Use holiday face paints, and costume pieces like fake blood, and teeth to create a realistic look. Go Goth, Be Real, and Be Your Goth Self!
This Halloween go bold with a goth look!
Very interesting to read the history of gothic style. Punk was big when I was in high school in Northern Virginia in the early 80’s, but never really saw much in the way of goth until the late 90’s.
I love the picture you have of the woman in the purple dress! Definitely a classy goth look! 🙂
I went to DC about that time and there were punk rockers all over the mall. One of my strangest memories. And I love that image as well; shows that Goth is not just back makeup.
When my corset business was rocking, the goth corsets came a close second to the steampunk range. It’s such a fantastic alternative style.
What fun to have the corset business! Steampunk is also fun. Love the different styles!
I’ve always been one who likes to experiment with fashion, and I was much bolder in my younger years. However, I never tried the Goth trend. Punk yes! Until I read your blog, I never thought about how Goth styling includes a nod to Victorian fashion. So interesting! Not sure that I could pull off this look today, but I like to see how others wear it.
If you tried punk, then goth would have been easy; probably just didn’t make to your neck of the woods.
I’m not so sure that I could go bold with a Goth look, but I sure do love lace and bold colors! I’m always fascinated by the history of styles and trends! What a neat article!
Thanks for the kind words. And, if you go bold and lace, then you may have a little inner goth; desire to be what you want to be; even if outside the norm?
What a fun and informative blog! I can also see a resemblance of goth to the costumes in Game of Thrones. Love this!
Thanks for the kind words. It was fun to learn that it is so much more than black makeup.
This was helpful information for me. I always thought of Goth as black and spooky…which it is. But I see there is so much more to it. Not my style to wear but can appreciate it on the younger set
I agree, I thought it was only macabre, and was interesting to learn it was so much more. Since I like to be me, i think I have a little Goth in me, but more the purple and red versions:)
I know a lot of people with the gothic look and wear it well. This is certainly the time of year for it!
Love that you can say that some wear the Gothic look well. It is just a style, and does look good on some.
This is wonderful idea for halloween. I got my costume already though. If theres an 80s theme party, I will wear something like this.
That sounds like a perfect idea!
I’ve got quite a few friends who really rock gothic fashion; it’s never been something I felt would look “good” on me but I’ve always loved to see it on others! The pops of color against a lot of black, really helps the bright color stand out (such as bright red hair, or a beautiful violet corset). Great article! 🙂
Thanks for the kind words, and great point about the pops of color with black. Will have to try that myself.