Things that you must know to identify Gothic fashion

Gothic style has been quite fairly exploited in the modern mass culture. And most have a very vague notion about it. Yet, the Gothic influence is growing exponentially in modern fashion, absorbing the latest trends, as well as affecting them.

Some myths and truths about the Gothic fashion

One of the biggest and most commonly found misconceptions is that gothic clothing must be BLACK! It is true that black is the prevalent colour in Gothic style but it is untrue that it is the only colour accepted in Gothic fashion. Not all black dresses belong to the Gothic fashion. There are instances where a white dress is attributed to Gothic fashion, and a black dress remains just a regular black dress.

What makes an outfit a Gothic outfit?

Gothic style should appear to the past or future

Corsets, hats with feathers, and long vintage gowns are one of the main attributes of the Gothic fashion. Seeing the trend of Gothic clothing it is easy to understand that they get inspired from fashion trends of the past years and decades. On the other hand, the outfits and accessories worn by Cyber Goths appeal to the future, post-apocalyptic world.

No tolerance for warm colours

Gothic fashion is cool and dark. As they consider themselves as the “children of the night”, Goths do not wear pastel or other light shades. They prefer gothic accessories made of white metals like white gold, silver or other metal alloys. The white colour symbolises the cold light of the moon, and thus the affinity towards white metal.

Usage of precious stones is rarely seen in Gothic accessories. The only exception is diamonds and sapphires.

The shades of black still remains the most popular colour choice of Gothic fashion. The colour symbolises mourning, along with suffering and pain. The outfits made from velvet, satin and other thicker fabrics emphasise the dark hues and make them look more dramatic.

Gothic fashion is revolutionary and tough

According to the fashion historian Valery Steele, Gothic is an epithet that is associated historically with gory images of death, decay and destruction. The word was abusive pointing to negative interpretations, and something darker, barbaric, gloomy and creepy. And these negative connotations made it an ideal choice to be a rebellious symbol.

Features of Gothic Fashion to help you identify and know the fashion statement better

Suppose you are amid a crowd and someone asked you to identify the Goths. How would you do that? Well, this is how:

• Predominance of black in outfits with contrasting highlights. For example, red, violet, blue inserts, white inlays and so on;

• For Goths, other darker shades like Purple, blue, burgundy, works fine too;

• Straight or flowing lines, clear silhouettes are a prevailing element in the clothes;

• The Goth women either wear vintage or super modern dresses with complex cuts;

• They rock gothic jacket women’s, voluminous skirts, both maxi and mini, and include elements of mesh, lace and jabot;

• Women flaunt harness belts and corsets, on top of their outfits, effortlessly;

• For Gothic clothing, the main materials are velvet, silk, leather, denim, organza, brocade, and sometimes, taffeta. The luxe fabrics and their radiance add to the glamour of the Gothic costumes. Mesh and lace, found in stockings, shirts, gloves and so on are also an essential element.

• As per gothic footwear is concerned, besides the traditional, heavy unisex boots, goth girls flaunt boots with lace, and high stilettoes. You can even spot women in army shoes or boots with fairly high platform or block heels. A stout platform, abundance of metal insertions, embellishments, buckles and obviously dark colours are hallmarks of gothic shoes.

• Goths are very fond of accessories like eccentric hats with veils, large backpacks, long gloves, gothic candle holder, mugs and skulls as room décor. Goths are also very fond of chokers and a lace or velvet umbrella to protect them from the sun.

• Goths love wearing pewter rings in white metals. Yellow metals are a big no-no! Gothic jewellery mainly consists of bracelets, rings, pendants, crosses, dragons, cats, roses, skulls and so on.

• Goths pull off the vivid contrast of pale face and dark hair. While straight black hair is a classic Gothic look, a slightly dirty look is common for both men and women. The Romantic Goths gravitate to lush and curly hairstyles. Many Goths prefer dying their hair to ashy or red colours.

• Last but not the least, Gothic makeup deserves a special mention. Gothic makeup has a thick layer of white face powder, intense dark eye makeup, black, dark maroon or red lips. Nails too have red or black nail polish.