When most people hear the word "gothic," they imagine a picture of young women dressed in all black and girls dressed in deliberately sexy outfits with tight corsets, puffy skirts, and flashy makeup. However, the Gothic style was not always like this. Its roots go back to the Middle Ages, during the persecution of knights and witches.
Gothic style can be seen in almost everything: architecture, sculpture, painting, and, of course, clothes. He had a significant influence on fashion at that time. Modern fashion also uses elements of this style: you can see the distinctive features of Gothic clothing in the collections of famous designers, not to mention those inspired by the somber aesthetics of many subcultures.
History and features of gothic clothing
The gloomy, strict, and at the same time magnificent beauty of Gothic clothing originates from a rather difficult period of history called the Dark Ages. However, Gothic got its name later, in the Renaissance. For thinkers of that time, all clothing made in the Gothic style seemed unconventional and disproportionately wrong. Therefore, they got the name "Gothic tribe" associated with these features.
Gothic elements were quite common in the interiors of the Victorian era, in all their luxury and splendor. Gothic vaulted windows and tall pointed peaks that adorn not only the façades but also the interiors helped achieve the effect.
Gothic elements were quite common in the interiors of the Victorian era, in all their luxury and splendor. Gothic vaulted windows and tall pointed peaks that adorn not only the façades but also the interiors helped achieve the effect.
Gothic style in the Middle Ages
If you look at Notre Dame Cathedral, the main signs of the Gothic style will become clear:
- Pointed arches.
- Stained glass windows.
- Gloom.
- Pointed, elongated forms.
- Legendary monsters that frighten passersby.
All these features are reflected in the clothes. In the Dark Ages and during the reign of Queen Victoria, there was a strong distinction between estates. It was expressed not only in the way of life, but also in clothes. Women from lower classes could not wear clothes made of expensive fabrics such as silk or velvet. Neither of them could wear trains. It was a sign of nobility. The higher the status of a train's owner, the longer the train.
Oddly, long-toed shoes, sometimes reaching half a meter, were also common in medieval gothic.
Oddly, long-toed shoes, sometimes reaching half a meter, were also common in medieval gothic.
Natural features of women's Gothic clothing of that time:
- Velvet.
- Women's pointed high hats.
- Long, pointed-toe shoes.
- A collar that stands.
- Sharp cuffs.
- Caftans.
Modern Gothic
The modern Gothic style appeared on the streets in the 1970s and 1980s. People were fed up with the punks, and the mood of despair and decadence remained in the air. Black became popular, which only added to the gloom and oppressive severity of the Gothic style.
In modern fashion, there are several trends in Gothic clothing, but each is characterized by features such as black and an abundance of black. Gothic silver jewelry. The materials most commonly used to create clothing are leather, knit, velvet, silk, and even vinyl. Color combinations, in general, are depressing: for example, red, or black with white. It emphasizes gloom and solemnity and makes the image more catchy.
The staple of this alternative clothing style can be seen in Goth's wardrobe. This subculture originated in the 1970s. They follow style in everything: not only in clothes but also in hairstyles, makeup, music preferences, and books.
In modern fashion, there are several trends in Gothic clothing, but each is characterized by features such as black and an abundance of black. Gothic silver jewelry. The materials most commonly used to create clothing are leather, knit, velvet, silk, and even vinyl. Color combinations, in general, are depressing: for example, red, or black with white. It emphasizes gloom and solemnity and makes the image more catchy.
The staple of this alternative clothing style can be seen in Goth's wardrobe. This subculture originated in the 1970s. They follow style in everything: not only in clothes but also in hairstyles, makeup, music preferences, and books.
Goths: a modern reading of the Gothic Style
No matter how cyclical fashion is, it undergoes many changes when it comes back from the depths of the centuries. However, you can still see the idea behind modern gothic fashion. When you think of Goths, the first thing that comes to mind is gothic architecture. Because gothic clothing and architecture have a lot in common: gloom, solemnity, multi-layeredness, tragic majesty, and with it, magnetic appeal.
Female gothic clothing is very similar to male gothic clothing. Female goths use make-up and heavily paint the eyes black.
At the same time, clothes can be stylized into medieval dresses with gloves, tailcoats, men's pointed hats, cylinders, lace cuffs, and other elements of romanticism inherent in neo-Gothic. We have to thank Queen Victoria for the luxury of clothing here. Victorian gowns with a gothic bias may have wild features such as chains and necklace collars.
A basic Gothic woman's wardrobe should include the following items:
Female gothic clothing is very similar to male gothic clothing. Female goths use make-up and heavily paint the eyes black.
At the same time, clothes can be stylized into medieval dresses with gloves, tailcoats, men's pointed hats, cylinders, lace cuffs, and other elements of romanticism inherent in neo-Gothic. We have to thank Queen Victoria for the luxury of clothing here. Victorian gowns with a gothic bias may have wild features such as chains and necklace collars.
A basic Gothic woman's wardrobe should include the following items:
- Black shirts.
- Leather pants.
- White blouses with jacket collars.
- Long coats.
- Hats.
- Gloomy makeup: pale face and dark hair.
- Silver jewelry with gothic symbols: cross necklace, skull earring, rose, spider, dragon, bat, etc.
Where to buy Goth clothes?
Gothic clothing has been rethought many times over the past decades. However, it has always been loved by everyone: subcultures, fashionistas, and designers. After all, you don't have to wear all-over medieval costumes or be a Goth. It is enough to use Gothic-style accessories to look bold, attractive, gothic, and relevant. With our large collection of Gothic jewelry, Maverick Feather will help you with these.