In middle school, no matter how much you deny it now or tried to hide it then, there was probably a part of you that thought it would be super cool to be goth. There’s something mysterious about the all-black look, something powerful about that edgy glamour. Middle school goth may have been overdramatic and a bit too tacky, but there’s a way to incorporate the edgy allure of the goth look without bring back cringe-worthy middle school memories. Here are seven tips to get your started.
1. All black, all the time. Rule No. 1 of any goth look is that it has to be black. The good news about this is that black looks good on everyone. Don’t let the idea of an all-black outfit intimidate you. Once you get past this initial step, you’re basically halfway there.
2. Eyeliner is your friend. Don’t shy away from gratuitous amounts of black eyeliner. The only thing stopping you from pulling off a flawless dark smoky eye is your own inhibitions. Mess up your winged eyeliner? Draw over it. It’s up to you to decide when to stop. Only want a little bit of drama? Just go with eyeliner and mascara. Want to vamp it up to full goth-babe status? Embrace the smoky eye look.
3. Don’t be scared of a dark lip.Most people will tell you that if you’re going all out on the eyes, you need to ease up on the lips. I’m here to tell you that in the rules of goth fashion, there’s no such thing as too much darkness. Of course, if you prefer one or the other, there’s no shame in sticking to what makes you feel comfortable.
4. Tights make it easier. Let’s get practical now. The all-black outfit, while stylish and fabulous, is not exactly comfortable in the Florida heat. But adding black tights to an outfit instantly makes it edgier. If you just want a bit of edge, add them to your regular outfit. They can work under a skirt, dress or shorts — whatever will show them off. If you want the full-on dark look, pair them with black boots and a black outfit.
5. Lace adds a classic look.Want to add some edge to your wardrobe but are worried you can’t pull it off? An easy way to channel that edgy look but still maintain an air of elegance and sophistication is by wearing black lace. Lace in general is very feminine and classy, so for those looking for a dark look in the likeness of Morticia Addams, black lace is the way to go.
6. Add patterns to individualize.If solid black seems too dark and dreary for you, try mixing the solids up with patterns to individualize your goth look. Polka dots, floral, paisley, chevron or checkered — all come in darker tones that fit with the edgy vibe you’re trying to pull off. Even tees with fun logos or graphics can be accessorized to be edgy. Have some fun mixing up the black items in your wardrobe to create a one-of-a-kind look!
7. Don’t forget the final touches.If you really want to go the extra mile with your edgy look, try dark nail polish. If you’re really daring and want to add some color to your hair, try temporary hair dye or hair chalk for a look that’ll wash out in the shower. Most metallic accessories will pair well with the goth look, but for extra authenticity, look for spikes, crosses and roses.
From Wednesday and Morticia Addams to the witches from American Horror Story: Coven, the fashion inspiration for a perfect goth look is everywhere. Have fun with your all-black look and enjoy the power it gives you!