Photo by Robbie Noble on Unsplash

Gothic Style 101: Class is Now in Session! 🔔

Are you ready to dive into our Gothic Style 101 Guide? Are you willing to embrace your dark side and create a gothic look that belongs to you? Whether you’re new to gothic subculture or a professional goth, this guide is sure to provide new value to you.

Lesson 1: Choose What Reflects Your Personality

There are many different styles within the gothic subculture, including Victorian, punk, industrial, and cybergoth, just to name a few. You must consider which styles appeal to you and how you want to express your personality through your fashion.

• Victorian style is inspired by the Victorian era, so it incorporates fashion elements such as lace, velvet & corsets. This style is often seen as more elegant & romantic. It is known for its use of dark colors and heavy fabrics.

• Punk style is heavily influenced by the punk movement. As a result, it incorporates elements such as studs, spikes & leather. Furthermore, it’s often seen as more rebellious and edgy, and it’s characterized by its use of bold colors and prints.

• Industrial style is largely inspired by the industrial music scene, so it incorporates elements such as metal, mesh & chains. It’s often seen as more dark and gritty, and it’s known for its use of monochromatic colors and heavy hardware.

• Cybergoth style is heavily influenced by cyberpunk and industrial music. In turn, this style often incorporates neon colors, chrome, plastic accents & cybernetics-inspired clothing. Evidently, this style is more futuristic and technology-inspired.

It’s important to note that these styles are not mutually exclusive. You can mix and match them together to create a unique look to express your personality. As such, merging different styles is a great way to showcase your creativity.

Photo by Pavel Pjatakov on Unsplash

Lesson 2: Invest in Staple Gothic Clothing

Every Gothic Style 101 Student’s attire must have a few key pieces. Such as a leather jacket, a pair of combat boots, and a black corset. You can find these items at gothic fashion stores or online marketplaces.

First up, the leather jacket. This staple piece can be worn with a variety of outfits and adds a touch of edge and attitude. Dress it up with a dress for a rebellious look or keep it casual with jeans.

Next, a pair of combat boots. These bad boys will add an element of toughness and rebellion to any outfit. Moreover, they come in a variety of materials like leather, suede, or canvas. Of course, they can be embellished with studs, spikes, or chains too.

And finally, the black corset. This versatile piece can be worn on its own as a top. Moreover, you can layer it under other clothes for a touch of gothic elegance too. It’s often made from a variety of fabrics like leather, satin, or lace. Consequently, a corset can be tight-laced for an hourglass silhouette or worn more loose as outerwear as well.

Gothic Style Black Corset by Charmian

Cinch into this must-have gothic corset

Lesson 3: Incorporate Dark, Edgy Details

Gothic Style 101 Fashion often incorporates elements such as chains, spikes, and studs. In additional to your key pieces, these further add more dimensions of edge and rebellion to your style.

Add some chains to your belt or hang them off of a leather jacket for a rebellious look. Spikes and studs can be found on a variety of clothing items such as boots, jackets, and corsets. As a result, adding a touch of toughness and rebellion to an outfit.

And for the DIYers out there, why not add some embellishments to your clothing and accessories yourself? It’s a fun and creative way to make your clothing unique to your own style. Just make sure they’re securely attached and not sharp or dangerous.

It’s worth noting that these embellishments aren’t just limited to gothic fashion. Moreover, you can find them in other subcultures like punk, rock, and alternative fashion. So go forth and add some attitude to your attire with chains, spikes, and studs!

Gothic Style Chain Leather Strap Harness by Asooll

Suit up in your own exoskeleton of straps and chains

Lesson 4: Experiment with Different Makeup Styles

Gothic makeup ranges from bold and dramatic to subtle and ethereal. Consider using dark lipsticks, black eyeshadow, and thzick eyeliner to create a gothic look. Of course, you can try out more unconventional makeup styles too.

For a classic gothic look, try dark lipsticks, black eyeshadow, and thick eyeliner. Go for a bold black lipstick or a dark shade of red, purple or even green. Furthermore, use black eyeshadow to create a smoky, mysterious look, and thick eyeliner to accentuate your eyes. It often creates a dramatic effect.

But why stop at the classics? Goth makeup can also include unconventional and alternative styles, like bold and bright colors, glitter, and unusual designs. Think colorful and dark lipsticks, bold and brightly-colored eye shadows, or glittery and metallic accents. This creates a playful, eclectic look that’s perfect for expressing your individuality and standing out from the crowd.

And don’t forget the finishing touches like heavy contouring, false lashes, and bold brows to create a more dramatic effect.

Keep in mind that makeup should be applied in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Furthermore, consider your skin type and take care to use products that won’t cause irritation or other issues. So go forth and play with dark colors, bold designs and unleash your inner gothic diva!

Lesson 5: Accessorize with Gothic Style Jewelry

Gothic fashion often includes statement jewelry such as chokers, large crosses, and pentagrams. You can try incorporating items such as skull bracelets, bat wing earrings, and spiderweb rings. Such elements as there will add a gothic touch to your outfits.

Make a bold statement by wearing chokers which are available in materials such as velvet, leather, or metal. Add a touch of edge and rebellion by incorporating chains, spikes, or studs into the design.

Gothic Style Rose Briar Choker by Alchemy of England

elevate your gothic style with this black roses choker necklace

Lesson 6: Create Depth and Texture by Layering

Gothic fashion often includes layering different clothing items to create a unique look. Try pairing a lace corset over a long-sleeved shirt, or layering a leather jacket over a dress. Experiment with different textures and fabrics to add depth and interest to your outfits.

Try pairing a lace corset over a long-sleeved shirt for a look that’s both elegant and tough. Or layer a leather jacket over a dress for a casual yet rebellious look. The possibilities are endless!

But why stop at just one layer? Add depth and interest to your outfits by experimenting with different textures and fabrics. Layer a velvet dress over a lace corset or a satin blouse over a leather jacket. The result is a unique and dynamic look that reflects your personal style.

And don’t forget to consider the weather and season when layering your clothes. You don’t want to overdo it and end up hot and uncomfortable. So go forth and layer away, and create gothic outfits that are truly one-of-a-kind!

Gothic Style Black Leather Jacket by Chouyatou

Suit up in this stylish punk leather jacket

Lesson 7: Mix and Match Different Gothic Styles

Gothic fashion is all about expressing your individuality, so don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles to create a look that’s truly your own. You can blend different gothic styles such as Victorian and punk. You can even incorporate elements of other subcultures like steampunk or cyberpunk into your style too.

Why not try blending Victorian and punk styles? Victorian gothic style is all about lace, velvet, and corsets, and exudes elegance and romance. Punk gothic style, on the other hand, is all about studs, spikes, and leather and exudes rebellion and edginess. By blending these two styles, you can create a unique look that’s both elegant and rebellious.

Feeling adventurous? Incorporate elements of other subcultures like steampunk or cyberpunk. Steampunk combines elements of Victorian-era technology and aesthetic, like gears, cogs, and steam-powered machinery. Cyberpunk combines elements of science fiction and punk, featuring advanced technology and cybernetics in a dystopian setting. By incorporating elements of these subcultures into your gothic fashion, you can create a unique and individual look that’s truly out of this world.

The key is to stay true to yourself and choose styles that reflect your personal style. And don’t be afraid to experiment, it’s all part of the fun! So go forth and mix and match different gothic styles to create a look that’s truly your own!

Gothic Style Victorian Skirt by Charmian

Mix in this elegant victorian steampunk skirt with your style

Graduation: Gothic Style 101

You’ve reach the end of our comprehensive style guide, so it’s time to for you to graduate now! Remember, the most important thing is to have fun with your gothic style and let it reflect your unique personality. With these tips, you’ll be able to create a gothic look that’s all your own. Happy styling!