Gothic Clothing - More Than Just a Trend
Gothic clothing is best described as black clothing which is accessorized with silver or pewter jewelry and pale skin. One who wears gothic clothing usually will wear either gowns or corsets, veils, eyeliner, black fingers, and fishnet stockings. Also popular with gothic clothing are tight fitting trousers, boots or shoes that are pointy, and anything with buckles on it. Usually people who wear this type of clothing are influenced to express their personal style, and it’s very important for them to do so. You may sometimes see someone dressed very formally or in a way that’s specific to the event that they are attending.
Gothic clothing is usually a simple style but can also be very elaborate. It’s not uncommon to see various piercings on someone and very elaborate makeup on both males and females. Their hair is often dyed black and sometime combed in a way to give them a “ratty” appearance.
There are many ideas about what is considered “goth” or “gothy” and this type of fashion is a big part of the identity. A person’s styles, including their clothes, hair, makeup and accessories, is a factor as to whether or not they will be looked at as being authentic or fake by others who are into it. Overall though, the core of the fashion is basically whatever a person likes.
Another style of gothic clothing is the “romance” or “classic” look. This is the elegant style which involves chiffon petticoats, antique lace, brocade or corsets. Most individuals who wear gothic clothing are inspired to incorporate this style into it somehow either in a big or small way.
A wonderful aspect of gothic clothing for women is that a person of any body type can wear it, unlike mainstream fashion which focuses on a certain type of body type. Women who are voluptuous and sensual are often looked at as prized qualities and extremely sexy and beautiful. A famous female role model of this type of fashion was Theda Bera. She was a 1920’s woman known for her dark eyeshades, curves and onscreen presence.
As you’ve read on this page, gothic clothing is easily recognized and is often contrasted with boldly colored clothes, hair and makeup put together with metallic and leather accessories. It further emphasizes the personal power that an individual has and their awareness that their alternative “non-natural” fashion choices are going to get a strong reaction from those who are non-Goths.