The Gothic Lifestyle


The Gothic Look(s)



How you dress tends to identify you as a member of a group like you. It can be a bit shallow but that is the way it tends to be. In the case of gothic fashion, it's not as important to lifestylers as it is to those who have to make the scene. I'm a little skittish about publishing this because I feel it could lead to further stereotyping from the main culture and we all know there enough of that already. It could also contribute to setting one group of Goths against another. I'm putting this out anyway and I hope people receive it with the original purpose intended. For one, we tend to make too much of ourselves, take ourselves a bit too seriously. I'd like to lighten things up and at the same time show diversity within the community.

Corporate Hitman Goth

This looks sharp in the workplace if the hair is allowed to lie naturally, or is pulled back into a bun in the case of females. Off duty, think of "Men in Black" or "Reservoir Dogs" with stiff hair and shades - maybe an earring or two. You can pull the look off the rack in stores, which is a plus - just get the suits in black with black or charcoal shirts. The attitude is harder to pull off; you have to have that air of self-importance and that quiet sense of power.

Cyber-Goth

The look is techno with a touch of the old punk scene. Their home would be industrial with the largest most complex computer imaginable. Attitude, geek, with a dark twist.

Fetish Goth

Here Rocky Horror Picture Show and Hot Topic had a bad accident in the closet. Basically, if you look like a bondage babe or boi you got it. Not everyone is into the fetish they wear; it's sometimes done for shock value. Of course the 'tude is one that says you need to either accept them or get over it.

Industrial Goth

Another style that can come right off the rack. Jeans and t-shirts with maybe a touch of leather...chains...yes chains are good for this look. Put on some boots and there you go. It borders on punk and rivet head. Some will tear the shirts or jeans. There can be a lot of similarities between this and cyber Goth, but these people usually aren't as geeky or nerdy. They probably know a lot but won't bore you with it and they tend to have a great appreciation for music as well.

Comfort Goth

Easy, cheap, common and the most flexible choice of gothy duds. Black jeans or skirts, loose or tight, long or short, paired with black t-shirts. Band names or cool sayings may or may not be included. If you want to know what the basic attitude of the person is, read the t-shirts.

Military Goth

Black/White camo, black paramilitary pants with large pockets and combat boots. Black t-shirts or turtlenecks with nothing written on them. The look says �I�m the commando of darkness� and the person who is wearing it is trying to show a strong and fearless personality. Most of the time, the people who wear it are pacifists and often have an "I don't care about the world or anything else" attitude. Irony rules.

Vampy Goth

Cloaks, fangs...these vamps or wanna-bes prefer to look like Dracula or his bride. It's kinda hard to work in an office like that but it's fun to crawl the pubs dressed as a Morticia mock-up. It also is funny to make people stare at you if you go to the mall this way. These Goths are the ones who might ACTUALLY be preoccupied with death and they are also usually drama queens (or kings as the case may be).

Graveyard/Grunge Goth

They like torn clothing, wild unstyled hair (no not the typical wild hair but hair that looks matted with...never mind), and dark sunken eyes looking out from a very white face. The look is successful if they look like they clawed their way out of their coffin or got in a very bad fight several years ago and never changed. Ladies like torn hosiery and unravelling skirts. The attitude that goes with this is quiet, pensive and somewhat cautious. You get the feeling that part of the person's soul is either missing, dead or ruined beyond repair.

Stripper Goth

Highly sensual. Not really sure *why* one would want to dress like that but maybe it's a parody of society or something.

Cashed out Goth

This is also a cheap and easy look. People look like clones of Johnny Cash or Fields of the Nephilim. They wear black jeans, black belts, leather jackets, button down shirts and boots, usually not platform. I've seen people call this western Goth but since they don't wear cowboy hats or western boots I don't. Like the cowboy though, these people tend to be strong minded and hard working.

Gypsy Goth

Made popular by Stevie Nicks, there's a lot of lace, airy fabric and crinkle skirts. In addition, you might see scarves, lace gloves and a lot of jewellery. Gypsy Goths might also wear jewel tones with their black and not think about it much. These are usually feminine girls with a good sense of fun. This is one of my favourite gothic looks and the one that is most prominent in my wardrobe right now.

Glitter/Fairy Goth

This is frilly and sickeningly cute. There is glitter and rhinestones, bows and skirts that look like tutus. Out of all the Goths, these are the perkiest and probably also the most energetic. Hot Topic started carrying the Hello Kitty and Strawberry Shortcake and Tinkerbelle stuff for these gals. Often this is a very innocent and naive person, even into adulthood. It is however most popular among the younger set and as they grow older they take on some other style

Spice Goth

Remember Baby Spice with the Pony Tails on either side of the head? Imagine what would happen if this person mated with My Pretty Pony. This is very popular, though I never figured out why, and you can get a rag dolly weave in this style. People who wear this are often very sociable and have a good sense of fun.

Hippy Goth

Basically, this type prefers clothes from the 1960s style, in a Gothic palette. These Goths are earthy, spiritual in some way and thoughtful.

Antiquity Goth

It's one of the most expensive styles and my absolute favourite. Sometimes it's called dandy Goth and other times people label it according to the time period people like to dress from. We are people who feel we belong in another time. We will wear anything from medieval times right up to the flapper wear of the 1920s (though I look really stupid in a flapper dress). We usually are romantic, have a fascination with history and/or role-playing as well as spirituality, idealism, and (sigh) drama.
- Medieval Goth
- Victorian Goth
- Edwardian Goth
- Renn Faire Goth
- Shakespearian Goth
- Flapper/Zoot Goth

Romance Goth

I didn't put this in with the antiquity Goths, though antiquity Goths would certainly fit this also. However, Romance Goths will also wear modern fashions as long as they can get the look they want. Guys will wear a modern button down white, crimson or black silk shirt. Girls will wear any feminine top and skirts with smaller shoes than most Goth types wear. The kilted look might also go here, for guys and gals. Similar to antiquities as well they wear their hearts on their sleeves.

Disclaimer: Most of us do not wear one style alone. The gypsy section of my wardrobe is larger because it tends to fit into the work place just a little better. We are all also individuals and will mix and match our styles to match our inward condition, our careers (not everyone is lucky enough to work in an art studio, star bucks or Hot Topic forever) and whatever catches our eye one day. It's all good.


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