Gothic style in clothing he belongs to the category of extraordinary. It always attracts the attention of passers-by; it is difficult to confuse it with something else. The Gothic style requires a lot - usually it consists not only in the features of clothing, but also presupposes its own philosophy. It would be more true that with the help of an external image, Goths try to manifest their inner state. Gothic style clothing came to the modern world from the Middle Ages. Today it has acquired its own characteristics and has been somewhat transformed.
Features of the Gothic style
The Gothic style of clothing first appeared in the 12th century in Europe. Then it gradually developed and transformed until the 16th century. After this, in the same Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, there was a fashion for “neo-Gothic”. It was precisely this that served as the basis for the modern Gothic style, which began to spread in the late 70s of the last century.
Such clothing is typical for people belonging to the Goth subculture, which replaced the punks. In this order, a pattern is clearly visible. After the stormy anarchism, the challenge state system Depression sets in due to the fact that all attempts to change the world have been fruitless. Both of these styles are characteristic of young people, and they carry within them rather an internal state that manifests itself in such an open way. The gothic style, like punk, is inherent in youthful maximalism. They contain challenge and disagreement. Usually, over the years there is a rethinking and change of style. Therefore, Goths over 30 years old are rare.
Among the features related to appearance clothes in the Gothic style, one can highlight primarily color preferences. The dominant color in the entire image is black. It is present in clothing, makeup, and accessories.
The Gothic style has strict boundaries and limitations, but this does not prevent you from creating unique images. Each goth looks special and unique, and at the same time adheres to specific rules, making it impossible for a representative of this subculture to be confused with someone else.
A distinctive feature of the Gothic style is also sophistication and aristocracy, which can be seen in various elements - these are headdresses, corsets, and fluffy skirts. The whole image as a whole, with all its originality, looks harmonious and stylish. In particular, this can be explained by the fact that Goths are mostly creative people. It is for this reason that they can afford to wear such extravagant outfits and hairstyles.
red accents and sheer skirt
How is the Gothic image created?
In order to create a complete Gothic image, it is necessary to move in certain circles or have the same mood and attitude towards the world that is inherent in the Goths. In this case, all that remains is to express your emotions in clothes. However, there are certain rules according to which the Gothic image is created.
Materials
The first thing you should pay attention to is the materials. Clothes in the Gothic style are most often made of velvet, satin and other materials, on which the black color looks most deep and noble. There is often a trim made of lace and light transparent materials. Goths often use leather in jewelry and clothing items.
Wardrobe
Corsets are almost always present in a woman's Gothic wardrobe - they are most often worn over other clothes. Dresses and skirts can be of any length, but the most common are midi or maxi models. Sometimes girls wear trousers.
Black stockings or fishnet tights are a characteristic attribute of the Gothic style. In addition, long lace gloves, a stylish hat and a black veil can complement the look.
As for shoes, in this case, high, heavy boots, decorated with metal elements and straps with high flat soles, would be appropriate - they are worn by both girls and boys. Representatives of the fair sex who adhere to the Gothic style often use boots and high-heeled shoes. In general, their images always look seductive and feminine.
Moreover, many elements are universal. In addition to shoes, representatives of both sexes can use old, shabby T-shirts, vests, and jackets in their wardrobe.
In the cold season, Goths wear cloaks and coats - mostly long, exclusively black. However, their image looks most vibrant in the summer, when it is possible to create a unique multi-layered outfit that, despite its complexity, always looks stylish, harmonious and holistic.
Accessories, hairstyle, makeup
Clothing in the Gothic style is unthinkable without certain additions. As for accessories, leather items with metal spikes, silver pendants and chains, and rings are most often used as jewelry. In this subculture, gold and colored colors are never used. gems. Each element should be made in cool, predominantly black colors. That is why jade, pearls, agate, black opal and similar stones would be appropriate. Decorations are most often made in the form of ornaments, a crucifix, an Egyptian cross.
The makeup, which is typical for both sexes, also predominates in black tones against a background of pale skin. The tone is created using light powder; blush is not used. Eyes are lined with black pencil; shadows are not always used. Lips can be painted with either black or dark burgundy lipstick.
Hair should be predominantly long - both for girls and boys. The color is naturally black, sometimes with coloring applied. As for hairstyles, goths often leave their hair loose or make original haircuts, shaving their temples and making intricate patterns on them.
Goth manicure is most often done with black varnish, but other dark, cool shades are also appropriate. At the same time, slight negligence is not forbidden, which will add color to the image.
In general, the Gothic image is unique and original. He is chosen by bright personalities who carry a challenge in their attire. Not every person can muster the courage to try it on themselves. If you like this trend, but you are not ready to take such steps, then you can add a small accent to your usual wardrobe with the help of a fluffy black mid-length skirt, a corset or matching jewelry. To add a special mood, choose all other elements in cool, dim colors.
During the time of architectural Gothic, the color black, which is attributed to this style today, was not in sight - at most gray. Aniline dyes gave the world black color only in late XIX century. Modern gothic in fashion is a subcultural product, and those same goths brought it to the world of fashion long hair, smoky eyes, in shoes from Demonia or New Rock and raincoats from X-Tra-X. This “dark”, dark side associated with mysticism and unusual heavy music.
The roots of the culture do not go as deep as the roots of architectural Gothic - just in the very Victorian era, when women fell in love with wearing black clothes, ghost stories and all sorts of mysticism, and Mary Shelley wrote her “Frankenstein”. Then came stories about vampires.
In the photo: a still from the film “Frankenstein”, 1994
The classic gothic image in cinema is the magnificent Morticia from the famous film “The Addams Family”. Interview with the Vampire can also be considered gothic. Neverland (one of the exemplary films about vampires and werewolves in our time) is designed in a gothic style, but modern.
In the photo: Patricia Adams in the television series, model on
What to call gothic today has already been determined by representatives of the subculture: black color first of all, sometimes in dramatic combinations with red, blue, purple and tartan. Long clothes, leather, corsets, hats, high platforms, lots of belts, accessories, pins, this is a “noir” aesthetic: skulls, ghosts and mummies, crosses and pentagrams, dragons and snakes. This is hair of rich colors: black, red, red, blue, purple.
If we talk about high gothic, then there is already a sample of it, the tone has already been set, and this is the EGL style, created by the Japanese musician Mana - first for himself and the group Malice Miser, and then became the basis of his own fashion brand - and the “key” to new style.
In the photo: dresses and jewelry Moi-meme-Moitie
And absolute unisex, which over the past 15 years has been actively preached by Japanese rock musicians, who could appear on stage in both men's and women's outfits. Mana himself, for example, often prefers dresses and is one of the style icons in Japan.
Shoes in this style are mainly on high platforms and solid high heels, a little “doll-like”, but increased to human proportions. The difference with ordinary Gothic is the aristocratic aesthetics.
In the photo: looks from the shows of Givenchy, Victor&Rolf, YSL
In the informal visual kei subculture, the style is called EGL - Elegant Gothic Lolita, within which aristocrats are distinguished (primarily this is a male trend, as well as the style of adult women, based on Victorian fashion) and lolitas and oji (in Japanese, “prince”). , dressing in a children's doll style.
It is in this style that “high gothic”—let’s call it that—appeared on the catwalks this season. Take a look at Moi-meme-Moitie's cross jewelery and compare it to this season's collections, especially the baroque cross jewellery. Precious tiaras in princess hairstyles. Cuffs are clips on the entire ear.
Black color and floor-length dresses decorated with “crow” feathers; Victorian capes, medieval ruffles or Victorian long cuffs on the sleeves, lush jabots, corset laces, shoes on tall thick platforms with wide heels - everything that has been coming out of Mana’s pen for the past ten years is in tune with what was released on the catwalk designers.
In the photo: look from the Gianfranco Ferre show, Patricia Adams, look from the Vanesa Bruno show
Elements of gothic style and “noir” are familiar to us from a number of famous fashion houses, for example, Alexander McQueen and Philipp Plein. Gaultier uses the fetish side of Gothic, and John Galliano has been seen in the aristocratic side. Yes, and Karl Lagerfeld last year showed in his winter collection wonderful and absolutely “subcultural” collars and cuffs with ruffles, ideal for the image of a gothic aristocrat. However, he has been repeatedly seen borrowing interesting elements from Asian fashion - having a keen sense of what will be fashionable and what will impress the public, Lagerfeld chooses all the most interesting things. And he’s right about that!
In addition, it includes not only complex dresses, but also large number iconic accessories - and it’s much easier to fit them into your everyday wardrobe.
Gothic is one of the few styles based on certain types of subcultures. It is used by young people who consider themselves to be part of the movement of the same name. The Gothic style in clothing today is distinguished by a noticeable predominance of black. To find out more about this unique fashion, let’s first plunge into ancient times.
Gothic style in clothing of the Middle Ages
Gothic in architecture, painting, and sculpture appears to be incredibly beautiful, filled with solemn gloom and cold severity. It is characterized by elongated shapes, pointed arches, and vaulted ceilings. Gothic is considered to be the art of the period XII-XVI centuries. It became a natural result of the development of the medieval world. The emergence of a new style could not but affect other areas of life, including clothing.
The history of the birth of a new era began with the period of modernization of military equipment of medieval knights. Heavy chain mail was replaced by lighter armor. Clothes for civilian population also underwent enormous changes, turning from spacious, shapeless shirts into products of complex shapes that hug the figure. This happened thanks to the widespread use of steel scissors in tailoring.
It was then that the foundations of cut were laid, which had a significant influence on future shapes women's clothing. It now has a division into a narrow bodice and a skirt, which expands thanks to additional inserts. Triangular cutouts on the chest and back, stand-up collars, long sleeves with cuffs, and shoes with pointed toes echoed the elongated Gothic proportions of architectural structures.
People's ability to create patterns for clothing parts has completely deprived styles of dependence on the width of the woven fabric. The suit consisted of several separate elements connected to each other by means of a seam. Now the clothes enveloped the figure, fitting tightly to it and repeating the contours. During the Middle Ages, the fundamental foundations of future European fashion were laid, which later became an important social aspect in human society.
Subculture of the 20th century
Increased interest in Gothic appeared in the late 70s of the last century. Among young people, the punk style, characterized by revolutionary and anarchic principles, gradually faded away. Rebellious moods gave way to decadent experiences, which were clearly reflected in the music and appearance of the supporters of the new subculture.
The black color of clothing symbolized mourning for a life filled with pain and suffering. The inevitability of the end of existence attracted the newly-minted Goths to the secrets of the afterlife. Sad romantics often chose cemeteries as their meeting places.
Elements of sadomasochism - spikes, whips, leather collars - were widely used as attributes of the style. They expressed an expression of bodily suffering that is considered the norm for the gothic subculture.
Over time, the Gothic movement divided into separate movements expressing special preferences and interests. What remained common to all types was a pronounced aristocratic style, attraction to art and a depressive mood.
Features of the Gothic style of clothing (photo)
A typical Goth outfit consists of black clothes in extravagant styles. The main materials for sewing are silk, velvet, denim, leather, lace. Organza, brocade, taffeta, and lurex are also widely used. Their shine and radiance serve as a spectacular decoration for costumes.
In a woman's gothic wardrobe there will always be leather trousers, dark T-shirts, raincoats and skirts, mostly midi and maxi lengths.
Tight leather corsets that seductively highlight the figure are a must for girls. They are usually worn over a shirt or dress. The corset came to us from the Middle Ages and Victorian era, when it was considered fashionable to shape a woman’s torso hourglass. Ancient structures were rigid, rough and caused a lot of inconvenience. They made breathing difficult and often caused women to faint. Modern models are distinguished by elasticity and comfort. They do not compress the body, but only follow the contours of an elegant silhouette.
The Gothic style in men's clothing is characterized by pronounced femininity, and therefore is in many ways similar to the wardrobe of sad ladies. Mostly these are leather trousers, black shirts, shapeless robes, and hats. Long raincoats are made of leather or thick fabric.
Fans of the dark subculture are offered shoes of the average type - heavy high-lace-up boots, platform shoes. Women can spice up their outfit with high boots or ankle boots made of shiny black leather.
Accessories for gothic looks
Goth girls decorate their outfits with lace gloves, umbrellas, velvet handbags, and hats. Hats come with wide brims or have a small, elegant shape, complemented by a mesh veil.
Goths love fabrics made in the form of a fishing net or transparent lace. Women's skirts, shirts, capes or robes are sewn from them. All these products are, of course, black.
Typical signs of sad images are white metal accessories. This is usually silver or inexpensive alloys. Sometimes white gold jewelry is used. The color is a symbol of the cold Moon; it well emphasizes the contrast of a pale face and dark decoration.
For adherents of any orientation, decorations in the form of crosses, skulls, and bats are considered necessary elements of style. Punk goths prefer metal chains, bracelets and spikes. Piercings can often be seen on their faces and torsos.
How to create a fashionable look
Gothic style in modern clothing includes various trends: antique, Victorian, Renaissance, corporate, vampire, cyber or punk goth. Each of them has a special composition of clothing and a set of accessories. Based on one’s own inclinations, a specific wardrobe is formed.
- Black trousers. Buy jeans or leather pants. Skinny models are more suitable for a slender figure. To others suitable option are loose-fitting trousers.
- Leather corset. This is a mandatory element of the Gothic Lolita image. It looks great with jeans or a full, layered skirt trimmed with lace. An off-the-shoulder pirate-style shirt is recommended underneath. The result is a daring and touching image at the same time.
- Velvet jacket. Gives a solid look to supporters of the most ancient styles.
- T-shirts with branded logos. To wear such clothes, you need to be a true fan of a gothic rock band.
- Leather shoes. Boots with chunky flat soles or high-heeled boots – the choice is up to the goth. The color is predominantly black, although there are also blood red models.
- Accessories. A spiked collar and leather bracelets are a universal set for a representative of any gothic trend.
In addition to the wardrobe, specific makeup is required for goths. Moreover, this is a mandatory element of the image for women and men. The eyes, thickly outlined with black, should clearly stand out on a whitened face. Scarlet or blue-black lipstick is applied to the lips.
The very concept of “Gothic” means a movement in art that reigned from the thirteenth to the fifteenth centuries. Initially, this is an architectural style and when traveling around European countries, you can see many historical buildings in this style. Its distinctive features are multi-colored stained glass windows, large openwork towers and the noticeable elongation of all structures. The interior design also has noticeable features of the Gothic style. He is characterized by grandeur and grace. Characteristic features are openwork patterns, pointed vaults, stone lace carvings, and the main decoration is a stained glass window - a rose. This style was called dark and gloomy already during the Renaissance, which came to replace it in the fifteenth century.
During the Middle Ages
However, the Gothic style is present not only in architecture, interior design, but also in clothing. This style became popular among young boys and girls who were passionate about the Goth subculture. It should be noted that the style of clothing that modern Goths adhere to differs significantly from the clothing of medieval Europe. Gothic fascinates with its gloomy majesty, coldness and severity. This style of clothing originated in France in the Middle Ages and then spread throughout Europe.
The medieval style was characterized by a clear division into the classes of feudal lords, peasants and townspeople. Each outfit was characterized by contrasting differences depending on social status. The feudal lords' clothing was made of silk with long trains. The main features were an elongated silhouette, and, consequently, pointed hats and the same shoes. Black color had not yet taken over fashion and mostly bright shades and different patterns with images of plants prevailed.
Clothing for women of the Middle Ages was also characterized by an elongated waist silhouette and a tight corset with lacing on the side or back. The bottom of the dress was completed by a wide skirt with a train. Its length depended on the social status of the lady. Draping on the skirt in the abdominal area has come into fashion. The cloaks were rounded and fastened with a buckle at the front. Basically, the edges of the clothes had a pointed shape.
Men's suit at that time it existed in two forms. The first option was loose-fitting and very long, the second, on the contrary, fitted the figure and was quite short. Short suits were mainly worn by young men. Gradually, a short jacket with tapered sleeves is coming into fashion; in addition to it, trousers in the form of stockings began to be worn.
Men from noble families also wore a similar suit, but it differed in the shape of the sleeves. The narrow bodice was complemented by flared flaps on the sides. The cloak model was very simple and consisted of a piece of fabric with a hole for the head. This cloak was called an amice. This model was usually not sewn on the sides, but if it was stitched and there were holes for the arms, then such a cloak was called a surcoat. Similar models were available in both long and short versions.
Revival of style
The era of the Gothic style in clothing is replaced by the Renaissance and Renaissance. Gothic would only be revived for a short time at the end of the eighteenth and beginning of the nineteenth centuries. But this period will be very fleeting.
Gothic will manifest itself more brightly and catchily in the late seventies of the twentieth century. In our concept, the Gothic style is the style of the Goths, the youth subculture. Only distant characteristic features will remain from the images of the Middle Ages. The style will contain cold gloom, excessive severity, and an interest in mysticism. Modern clothes are more reminiscent gothic cathedrals, i.e. architectural direction.
Music and fashion for a long time have a huge influence on each other. So, with the advent of a new direction in music - gothic rock, the style gained a second wind.
By the beginning of the eighties of the twentieth century, its own Gothic style and fashion was formed. The main characteristics of this trend to date are black color and voluminous silver accessories. One more distinctive feature is the style of applying makeup for both girls and young people - whitish powder and a thick layer of eyeliner on the eyes. Everyone's hair must be black.
Clothing is stylized during the short revival of the style in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Mandatory elements in modern clothing are long black dresses, satin or leather gloves, and an abundance of lace. Men have hats in the form of cylinders and tailcoats in their wardrobe.
Sometimes the clothes of the Goths resemble metalheads - a lot of leather clothes, chains and an abundance of metal jewelry. On modern Goths you can see collars and bracelets with metal spikes, which serve as jewelry. Goths love to use the vamp style in their makeup, which involves red or black nail polish, black eye shadow and eyeliner.
Fans of this style can also be seen in the office. Basically, such people stand out by wearing black clothes and the presence of discreet metal jewelry.
Distinctive features in clothing
If we summarize all the special features of this style, then it is possible to see the characteristic features of this direction.
- The predominance of clear lines in clothing.
- Clothes with a straight silhouette.
- Availability of outfits made of velvet, satin, taffeta, leather and brocade.
- The predominance of plain black clothing with a microscopic presence of burgundy, purple, blue and green colors.
- Various lengths of skirts and dresses. From ultra-short to maxi options.
- Presence of vintage items.
- Leather clothing in the form of trousers and jackets - leather jackets.
- Black hair and emphasis on the eyes.
- What does a modern goth's wardrobe consist of?
U modern man The question of how to dress does not even arise, because mass market stores and showrooms abound in the presence of various textures and styles.
- Trousers made of leather or fabric. Such models are preferred by girls with ideal proportions.
- Corsets are perhaps a classic of the genre for every self-respecting goth. This piece of clothing perfectly emphasizes the waist and makes your look sexy and attractive. It is worn over a blouse or on a naked body.
- Lace dresses serve as an excellent outfit for a festive occasion or a special celebration. The length of such a dress can be absolutely any, but the waist and neckline area must be emphasized.
- Everyone knows T-shirts with images of bones, skulls, crows or spiders. Every self-respecting goth has such a wardrobe item.
- Suits are perhaps the most standard option, consisting of a pencil skirt and a fitted jacket.
- Outerwear consists of leather or fabric raincoats, flared at the bottom and with a large hood.
Favorite decorations of modern goths.
The modern Gothic style has much more in common with “neo-Gothic” than with “Gothic” 17-18. First of all, it is characterized by the use of black color.
It is allowed to dilute the ensemble with red or maroon.
Fabrics for making clothes can be very different: cotton, lurex, lace, silk, velvet, leather, vinyl and so on. Girls often wear corsets as part of their clothing or over a dress or T-shirt. You can wear both trousers and skirts. The length of the skirts is usually below the knee. Coats and raincoats are used as outerwear.
Goth men prefer to wear tight jeans, dark T-shirts, hoodies, and raincoats. Besides, they sometimes wear skirts.
When it comes to footwear, Goths prefer massive boots, like Grinders and Martins, and boots with a high platform. Girls in some cases complement their outfit with high-heeled shoes, boots or ankle boots. Shoe color is black.
The most famous clothing brands that refer to the Gothic style are: Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Viktor&Rolf.
Accessories
Goths tend to use accessories only made of silver, less often white gold. The shine of this metal perfectly sets off pale skin and is associated with moonlight.
Precious stones are practically not used in jewelry, and few of them are suitable for the Gothic style.
The exceptions are diamonds and sapphires. But you can see quite often: opals, agates, rock crystal and many others. One way or another, all stones that are black, white or cold in color.
Most rings, necklaces and chokers have some symbolism. Crosses are especially popular. Some people like collars with leather bracelets. Elements of garden-maza can often be seen in the Gothic style. A similar situation concerns the bandage.
Goth girls tend to wear hats with veils and lace gloves.
Hair and makeup
Makeup is an integral part of the gothic look. To emphasize the whiteness of their skin, Goths use light powder. Eyes are lined with black, and this applies to both boys and girls. Lips are painted with dark burgundy matte lipstick. Nail color is black, negligence and sloppy manicure is allowed.
Goths' hair is usually dyed black, although blond can also be seen. It is best if the hair is long, straight, falling from the shoulders.
