All about goth - YouLookFab Forum

Nadya

I remember very much enjoying an article by Sarah Vowell on her foray into the goth subculture. I couldn't find it online, but I found an audio version. https://www.thisamericanlife.o...../act-one-0

Sounds like fun!

2 days ago

Irina

Veteran

For me goth means teenage angst and rebellion. Although not that popular anymore, I still see young people in goth clothes and makeup in our city. Good for them. The only thing I dislike about it is super chunky shoes.

2 days ago

Runcarla

Veteran

There’s a small group of goth folks in my community. Black, ripped tights, combat boots, black or burgundy hair, tats,
piercings, and very pale skin or foundation with dark eye make-up and dark lippy more purple than red. Guys sometimes have emo or manga style long bang that cover one eye, baggy pants, chains and keys.

I don’t think I’ve seen a goth over 35, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist!

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2 days ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I was just reading about goth somewhere - it is in the zeitgeist. Although I was a mostly black wearing, gloomy faced teen-ager I was not specifically goth. In those pre-internet days we had less company from which to choose. I would definitely look at Wednesday's outfits for inspo.

2 days ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Carol, you need a quick trip to Seattle! Goth style is alive and well here - across all genders and ages. Here, goths have a rocker and plaid hard edge to them too. A bit of Punk thrown in the mix. Makes sense. This is grungy Seattle

2 days ago

Bijou

Veteran

If you Google Harajuku Goth Style - you will get lots of inspiration. In Japan there is all sorts of different Goth / Lolita subcultures such as Pastel Goth Fashion.

2 days ago

Star

Veteran

The responses here cover it but do want to add that boots do not have to be clunky, they can be super pointy. Think 'witchy'. So all black, maybe some dark burgundy, a dress or skirt, black leather. Jewellery is an important factor. I suggest you google goth jewellery. Dark eye makeup but a pale foundation. Dark lips and nails, again black or dark burgundy.

2 days ago

Lisa

Veteran

I always think black clothes and pale skin for goth. It’s all about a high contrast look. Sounds like a fun event you’re invited too!

2 days ago

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Hmm I think Goth has evolved into many iterations. It's always been linked to some form of rebellion though:

In the UK, I'd see it manifest as Victorian Romanticism (think black velvet & lace chokers) or Gothic Rock (similar to the Trad examples Carla linked above) with a nod to punk (makes sense, given the UK origins of that music movement).

In Hong Kong though, I see 'all-black' looks mostly in Techwear (which looks like dystopian streetwear to me, but you Google to see if you agree lol). When I first got here though, I saw a lot more Visual Kei (no doubt influenced by Japanese styles and Glam Rock).

Historically speaking, the Goths were actually a Germanic family. Some branches (like the Visigoths) actually looted Rome at one point.
Since Goths originated as 'outsiders' in this way, Gothic was even used (retroactively) as a derogatory term to mean 'barbaric' or destructive:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z8dwqfr

Gothic stories were seen as shockingly unconventional at the time - either 'demonic' (about ghosts/ devils/ vampires etc) or about younger folk escaping oppressive traditions. Hence the rebellious Gothic fashion to match

2 days ago

Star

Veteran

To add on that the Gothic period was the medieval period from 12th to 17th century. That this is a formal ball maybe the dress code is more period related than a rebellious teen's interpretation. I imagine (with the emphasis on imagine) dresses with corseted waists and puffy shoulders. Maybe googling would be better.

2 days ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Agreed that there are a number of interpretations of goth! I’ve seen goth style in my area ever since the 80s. You can go femme goth if you prefer — pointy/witchy shoes and the sort of ragged Victorian nightgown vibe, with dark makeup and messy upswept hair. Think Helena Bonham Carter.

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1 day ago

Suntiger

Active Member

Sounds like fun!
I think of black hair, pale skin, deep lipstick, clothes in black, purple, burgundy, lace/fishnet/ripped tights, silver jewelry- crosses/ pentagrams/ skulls/huggie hoops/ spikes, fingerless gloves (lace, fishnet), rose motifs, black velvet chokers, black or red nails, corset tops.
I've definitely been witchy at times (like going as Morticia for Addams Family play) and wear lots of black- but never really goth. Since my overall coloring is dark and low contrast, black just looks normal and quiet on me!

1 day ago

Helena

Veteran

I was never goth but did have goth-adjacent friends in high school and went to the goth club with them a few times (that was interesting, but given I didn't really fit in at all, I was never made to feel unwelcome, which I appreciated!).

My favourite goth-esque look right now has to be Nadja from "What We Do In The Shadows" ... she is as stunning as she is hilarious!

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1 day ago

judy

Veteran

Oh that sounds like such a fun night, and very doable, whichever direction you go with it.

I was never Goth, but I remember one couple I knew of, go ALL IN, and I do mean head to toe, all day everyday, for it overnight after seeing Talking Heads for the first time in 1977. Their outfits were fabulous!

1 day ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What a fascinating thread. I have enjoyed all this history! I was thinking Helena Bonham Carter, too, and even Vivienne Westwood style, though that is more punk, I guess, but in any case, black and rips and maybe some Victoriana. Should be fun! Show us what you come up with!

1 day ago

DonnaF

Veteran

If you want pale skin without investing in foundation, you may want to try physical sunscreen, especially ones that don’t even try to claim that they don’t leave a ghostly cast.

1 day ago

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