Are you looking to transition to a gothic style? Whether you’re a gothic newbie or an experienced fashionista, it’s important to have the right wardrobe essentials. From versatile staples to statement pieces, these nine items will help you create chic and edgy gothic looks. Keep reading to find out what wardrobe essentials you need to transition to goth!
Gothic fashion is all about indulging in the darker elements of style and aesthetic. It’s about pulling away from the mainstream and embracing a style that can set you apart. But, how can you make a transition from normal to goth? Well, here are some wardrobe essentials that can help you get started:
Pewter Rings
If you like using jewelry to express your inner emotions, then investing in gothic jewelry is a smart choice. Not only are their styles unique and expressive, but they can also be free and liberating. Take, for instance, the pewter rings, which are a classic gothic accessory. They can have meaningful dark symbols engraved on the side or they can be gem-encrusted skulls. The fantastic thing about them is that they can be anything you want them to be.
When choosing a ring, just remember that it is also about the statement and the messages that you want to get across. After all, gothic style is all about deviating from the mainstream. Rather than spending a lot of money on dull gold bands, you should invest on rings that would show off your personality. For instance, if you love the dark, a pewter skull ring is an exquisite way to convey who you are. It may be simple, but when paired with a beautiful Gothic dress, it can definitely send you back in time.
Black Corsets
When you think about corsets, the first image that comes to mind may be women clinging to 18th-century women who clung to bed posts, while their corsets were tightened. Sometimes these corsets were so tight that they would make women faint. In short, it was a symbol of oppression. However, times have changed. In the 21st century, corsets have endured the test of time and gothic women have embraced it. No, we are not talking about Victorian era corsets, but loose corsets that are both stylish and comfortable. It is not meant to be too tight, so there is no pressure. But, why wear them?
Corsets are great way to define and to highlight the shape of your waist. So, if you are going to pull this off glamorously, you may need to hit the gym. Since the oversized bottoms help make your stomach look thinner, black corsets also look great when paired with gothic staples such as long ruffled skirts. So, you don't need to be ultra-thin, but you definitely have to play with proportions and textures. After all, it's all about achieving a realistic hour glass figure. When incorporating it into your gothic wardrobe, dark colors are preferable (but not required!), and a bit of lace is a necessity!
Leather Jackets
Nothing worth it ever comes easy. The same is true with gothic fashion. If you want to make the transition, then be prepared to invest on style staples such as a plain black leather jacket. Leather jackets are awesome because they are comfortable and they go well with almost any gothic look. Try them with combat boots, graphic tees, or assassin hoodies and you'll notice that your signature leather jacket will always add a finishing touch. Plus, since winter is coming, it's smart to own a jacket which shields you from the elements and portrays your personal style.
Both bomber leather jackets and rocker leather jackets are hot gothic staples but before you purchase either of those, be sure that it's black. If you're on a budget, it is smart to invest in a color which you could wear with any piece in your gothic wardrobe. When it comes to wearing them, you don't need specific style tips. Either you can wear it on top off your graphic tees, or you can just casually drape it around your shoulders, the trick is to just be yourself. So, don't worry if you're wearing spiked high heels or tight black dresses; when donning leather jackets anything is possible.
Combat boots
Not so sure about your gothic footwear? Well, since you're just starting out the goth trend then that's very understandable. Lucky for you, the only shoe you'll ever need is a nice pair of combat boots. Of course, you can wear high-heeled boots and studded heels, but we'll talk about that some other time. Just remember that the most basic thing you need for your gothic transition is a pair of combat boots (or three!). The amazing thing about combat boots is not just the fact that they're badass and comfy, but they also never go out of style. So, be ready to purchase chunky and rugged combat boots to always complete your gothic ensembles.
But, what color should you buy? Well, black isn't the only color for goths. This means that you are free to try purple or indigo. Not surprisingly, you can also invest in lighter colors if your into gothic subcultures such as steampunk goth, pastel goth, and cyber goth, which makes use of bright neon colors. The key to slaying with combat boots is to wear it with gothic dresses, skirts, and black pants. Just remember to not go too overboard, the trick is to look subversive and not like a battle-ready assassin.
Graphic Tees
Skulls are one of the main symbols of gothic fashion. It can trace its history back to the Victorian era when skulls were worn while mourning. So, it makes perfect sense that today skulls stand for life and death. For goths who love contemplating about life's purpose, skull tees are a meaningful choice. After all, graphic tees are supposed to add a personal touch to your gothic outfit. Whether it's a dark quote or printed pattern of a tomb, the print should help you make a statement. One example of this wardrobe essential done well is Frances Cobain's striking graphic shirt, which featured a graphic print of television personality Elvira: Mistress Of The Dark - played by Cassandra Peterson. It's a great use of graphic tees because it says something about the individual, and that's what graphic tees are all about.
Black Leggings
Black leggings are perfect for any occasion. You can wear them while working, shopping, studying and everywhere else. Exhibit A-- Ashley Olsen-- her leggings go perfectly well with faux leather and knee high boots. And for fitness fashion models? Well, there's Bella Hadid with her black leggings paired with a bomber jacket and Nike sneakers. The point is that they're a dependable style staple.
If you're off to class, then pair off your favorite skull tee or long-sleeved shirt with black leggings. Or, if you're off to the office, then combine it with a blazer and a formal tank top. And when it comes to footwear, go with high heels instead of flats! After all, you need to look badass but professional.
Assassin Hoodies
Before the December 2016, Assassin's Creed movie arrives you should gear up and get ready to buy your own assassin hoodie. After all, there's nothing like an outfit that can make you feel like a badass assassin. The great thing about this cotton zip-up hoodie is that it is simple, classy and strikingly stylish. Plus, it’s a great style staple for the upcoming winter months. That is if you want to wear a hoodie that can stand out from everyone else's.
But, while Desmond Miles isn't a goth, the assassin hoodie can mesh well with a gothic look. Try it out with studded jeans and your signature combat boots. Or, you can opt to wear an assassin hoodie a diagonal zip up and an arm warmer and pair it off with skull-patterned skinny leggings for the upcoming winter months. For accessories, put on gothic alchemy rings and studded bracelets, to incorporate your gothic personality. The key to this trend is to be a confident badass assassin.
Studded Bracelet
Are you looking for an accessory that can complete your rebellious gothic look? If you are, then studded bracelets are the way to go. After all, it’s a simple accessory that goes well with any gothic styled outfit. But, should the wristband be black and should the studs be silver, like any old gothic stereotype? The answer is NO. The wristband can be any color since Goth isn't about black and white. There are many modern kinds of goth that cater to neon-colored or pastel-colored looks. Moreover, the studs can speak for themselves, whatever color they might be. When accessorizing, you can wear a variety of studded bracelets, or you can stick to one thick leather bracelet. The trick is to make sure that the color of the accessory complements your outfit.
Gothic Dresses
When thinking about gothic dresses, the first thing that comes to mind is long Victorian-style ruffled gowns. In today’s world, not all gothic dresses are meant to make you look like a princess, since others can give the look and feel of a sexy professional. For instance, check out a short lace black dress, which you can pair off with a formal blazer. It’s simple, yet simply irresistible.
Got any more gothic wardrobe essentials? Let us know by commenting down below!
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Cover photo courtesy of : Maria Rants About Stuff