When we talk about Goth culture, there are so many variations that come to mind. Those who don’t know much about Goth fashion usually imagine people bathed in black clothes and typical Gothic accessories.
A part of Gothic culture has high sensual, sexy outfits with tight corsets, fishnets, and flashy makeup. But Goth fashion has had a long trail of evolution since its origin during the Middle Ages.
Goth influenc-es can be found everywhere—sculpture, paintings, architecture, and of course, cloth-es and accessori-es. Goth culture has a significant impact on lifestyle. Even now, you can see distinctive features of Gothic influence in pop culture inspired by its gloomy, dark aesthetic.
When did it start?
The influences of Gothic culture can be trac-ed back to the 13th century all over Europe. The architecture had captivating designs with tall pointed arches and big windows—the kind that you normally see in horror movies!
During the 1700s, a new genre of literature came into the picture that combined horror with a dark romanticism. This was Goth fiction. From there, Goth music was inspired. And just like that, by the 1880s, celebrating the darker aspects of life, Goth fashion was born.
Early Goth fashion had a sense of elegance in dark and moody clothes with rebellious aesthetics combined with Victorian romance.
Pale skin with corsets, long elegant dresses formed the base of clothing. The Gothic accessories were more inspired by punk. Leather jackets, dark makeup completed the look.
Commonly known as the “Children of the moon,” Goth fashion took Europe and the world by storm. High-end designers like Alexander McQueen, Jean-Paul started experimenting with this fashion in runway collections.
Later, during the late 1980s, more designers like Balenciaga, Thom Browne, Valentino, and others brought their own interpretation of traditional Goth.
Features of the Gothic style in the Middle Ages
If you look at the Gothic style of the Middle Ages carefully, certain elements become quite clear.
In terms of architecture, pointed arches, stained glass windows, gloominess, the celebration of death, pointed framework, and mythical monsters.
The use of these features is often reflect-ed in the clothes. During Queen Victoria’s era, Goth was introduc-ed as a lifestyle. It was associated with Nobel class women who could afford expensive fabric, like silk or velvet.
With men, the attributes of Goth fashion came to
- Velvet coats
- Pointed high-hats
- Sharp elongated shoes
- Standing collars
- Lush sleeves of frock coats
- Sharp cuffs
Back then, colours were preferr-ed by the Goth style. Burgundy, Lilac, Blue, and Green were associat-ed with Goth culture. Even floral patterns were appreciat-ed. Black became prevalent much later.
Modern Goth
With modern Goth, the variation in style became a lot more diverse. Modern Goth originated on the street during the 1970s. The colour black became unanimous with Goth culture. Accessorising with Goth accessories like gothic handbags and jewellery became super popular.
Fashion motifs like bats, coffins, vampires, skulls, mirrors, and other mystical elements were featured in these accessories. A supernatural feel with modern romanticism became synonymous with Goth culture.
Today, Goth fashion has influences of androgyny. The male Gothic style is similar to female ones. Males intensively use dark eyes and gloomy makeup.
The basics of Gothic fashion include:
- Black silk shirts
- Leather Goth trousers
- White blouses with jabot collars
- Long coats
- Leather jackets
- Hats
- Pale skin with dark makeup
- Silver jewellery carrying Gothic symbols, skull earrings, spiders, bats, etc
These details of Gothic fashion even play a role in other fashion subcultures. The silhouettes are more simplistic, mature cuts. Statement accessories are preferr-ed, along with body piercing and tattoos.
Modern blazers, baggy pants with chains, slip dresses, miniskirts with thigh-high boots, and choppy hair are a gothic statement look.
Gothic style has been rethought many times over the past decades. Now, you don’t need medieval costumes for this fashion. Bold, appealing Gothic clothes and accessories from Jordash Clothing will help you to achieve your inner Gothic fashionista.
