The Goths, like many youth subcultures, emerged from music. The first was music, then style and ideology. The Goths came from the punks. By the end of the 1970s, the violent and open protest of young people against the foundations of society, expressed through punk culture, weakened and gave way to pessimistic sentiments.

Goths are no longer an open protest, but a withdrawal into oneself, into one's inner world, a withdrawal from society. And if punk was widespread among young people from the outskirts, then representatives of the middle class became goths.

The Goth subculture appears in the late 1970s in the UK. Among the Goths in the 1980s, such musical groups as, for example, Bauhaus, Southern Death Cult, Siouxsie and the Banshees enjoyed popularity.

The word goth was also, most likely, used to refer to a group of young people in terms of characterizing their musical preferences - the music is rough, clearly non-classical, that is, from English gothic in the meaning of barbaric, rough. Of course, by tradition, journalists came up with the name for the new youth movement.

Despite common beliefs, the Goths are by no means Satanists or a generally destructive youth subculture. As many years of practice have shown, after all, the subculture of the Goths, which emerged in the late 1970s, exists to this day, designers, programmers and journalists will grow from young people in the future. Such young people are actively interested in literature and art, among them there are a lot of humanitarians. The Goths are characterized by an interest in the occult, there is also a vampire theme in the Gothic, but most of the ready are either agnostics or atheists, there are also adherents of Christianity among them.

Today there are many varieties of the Goth subculture - antique, Renaissance, Victorian, cyber-goths, corporate goths, vampires. You can find among the adherents of the Gothic subculture today and not only young people - the average age is ready from 14 to 45 years.

Gothic style clothing and accessories

Initially, the Goths had much in common in their clothes and hairstyles with the punks who gave birth to them. So, just like the punks, they used safety pins, the goths also borrowed piercings from the punks. In the 1980s, the main hairstyles of the Goths were mohawks or hairstyles in the form of tall "thorns".

Today, clothes are ready - of course, black clothes using materials such as leather, lace, silk, velvet, brocade.

Goth girls can wear leather pants, mini or maxi skirts, black dresses, an important element is a corset, the outerwear of a Goth - long leather or textile raincoats. In general, the formation of the female style in the Goth subculture was greatly influenced by the image of the “femme fatale”, which originated in the Victorian era, and later became popular thanks to films in the noir genre.

The male version of the Gothic wardrobe is black shirts and hoodies, leather pants, long raincoats.

Shoes are ready - heavy high boots like "grinders", shoes with a high platform, girls can wear high-heeled shoes and boots.

The classic hairstyle is ready - long, perfectly smooth and straight black hair, loose over the shoulders, without jewelry and accessories, both for girls and boys. In general, with regard to the image of a young man in the Goth subculture, he must be quite feminine.

Make-up and accessories play an important role in the costume.

- this is a black eyeliner, dark shadows, dark shades of matte lipstick, the whiteness of the face is emphasized with the help of powder, the nails are covered with black varnish. Makeup is a must for both girls and boys.

As for accessories, these are most often jewelry made of silver - the metal of the moon, white gold and platinum can also be used. In general, accessories should be white, which looks good on a black background. Of the stones, the Goths prefer semi-precious stones - black opal, agate and jade, cold topaz, rock crystal. They can wear pearls.

Goth jewelry necessarily have their own specific symbolism. They can wear ankh (the ancient Egyptian symbol of immortality), various crosses, for example, Celtic ones, ornaments with images of bats, symbols of death, figures of dragons and cats. Also, the Goths often wear leather bracelets and collars with metal spikes as jewelry.

The Gothic style of clothing itself actually has nothing to do with medieval gothic costume... In the Middle Ages, townspeople and aristocrats, dressed in the Gothic style, wore costumes of bright colors and bizarre shapes - shoes with long noses, long caps in the shape of pyramids, bells could be sewn onto clothes as decoration.

Therefore, if the Goths borrowed something from - then this is only the symbolism of Gothic architecture. The costume of modern Goths itself is much more connected with the costume of Victorian England of the 19th century and, of course, with the literature of this period. In addition to punk, the formation of the Goth subculture was greatly influenced by 19th century English literature, as well as vampire themes, also from the 19th century.

The gothic style of clothing mesmerizes with its dark glamor, originality and cold romance. Admirers of the Gothic style look sometimes romantic, sometimes defiant, sometimes discouraging, and sometimes even frightening.
The Gothic style in clothing originated a long time ago, and is characterized as a trend in fashion, when things in the wardrobe resembled clothing of a certain historical era - most often the dark and gray Middle Ages or the Victorian era.

In the 21st century, Gothic clothing has evolved into a bright, colorful style, consisting of different trends, forming subspecies that have features of different historical eras and even fantastic, post-apocalyptic worlds. All these types of clothing are intertwined in a unique, inimitable, amazing Gothic style.

Gothic style in clothes mesmerizes with its dark glamor

Subspecies of the Gothic style and their differences

Historical - completely imitating the style of clothing of a particular era, this trend fascinates with refined historicism, scrupulous accuracy of details.

Historical Gothic style - the style of the eras

Corporate gothic - fans of the gothic style in clothes, working in the office have formed their own gothic style in clothes. They wear strict long skirts and dresses, dark colors with silk and lace blouses of strict cuts, their appearance resembles the governesses of the 19th century.

Corporate Gothic style for office workers who love Gothic

- This species is characterized by imitation in clothing, and in general appearance of fairies. Clothing in this trend of Gothic has not typical, very bright, light colors of clothing and hair. Makeup in this style should also correspond to the idea of \u200b\u200bhow a fairy should look.

Fairy Gothic - turn your look into a fairy

Cyber \u200b\u200bGothic - for this current in the "dark river" of the Gothic style, it is typical to use in the created image of clothes made of leather, latex, vinyl decorated with all kinds of chains, wires, wires, rings and rivets. And so that they are not confused with supporters of the rock style, connoisseurs of the Gothic style of this direction dye their hair in acid colors, or, which is safer and easier, they add multi-colored curls to braids, tails and hairstyles.

Cyber \u200b\u200bGothic Gothic Clothing - Leather, Latex & Vinyl

Androgynous Gothic Style - unisex, so you can say about this trend. All clothes, accessories, makeup, hairstyle have such a cut and look that it is difficult to guess who it is - a girl or a young man, so skillfully the fans hide their gender.

- most optimized for practical use in everyday life, this is how many teenagers dress: black T-shirts, dresses, sweaters and cardigans; black or blue jeans, shorts; sunglasses. Clothing, in general, has a baggy appearance, hiding the features of the figure, as was expected in the Middle Ages. Many metal accessories with Gothic symbols - monograms, skulls, crosses, emblems with the image of roses, bats, hearts, voluminous cardigans, again black, bright makeup.

Bright elements of the Gothic style in clothes and accessories

Elements of clothing that are necessarily present in the Gothic style: long dresses and loose-fitting skirts, corsets, camisoles, capes, loose, oversized cardigans, and from fabric, preference is given to lace, velvet, silk, satin, mesh, leather.
The look of clothing should be attractive, but not sexy. Clothes have many decorative elements, frills, ruffles, flounces, the method of layering is often used. Pants in the Gothic style have a fitted cut, or tight-fitting - this is historically required.
Accessories have a unique Gothic look: fans, handbags - small totes and pouches, gloves, jewelry emulating the symbols of the era, and lace-up shoes.

Gothic clothing colors

Black, contrary to popular belief, is not the only color in the Gothic style, but the most common. Along with black things, the following colors are used in the Gothic style: gray, red, white, saturated and muted pine green, purple, blue, burgundy.

The Gothic style can be compared to a game, while it is such a game that must be played to the end, you cannot make a Gothic hairdo and put on a business suit, it will look ridiculous. , in this, it is necessary to observe but in the Gothic style - this is especially clearly seen. Clothes, hairstyle, makeup, accessories - must strictly match each other, otherwise the image will not turn out as unique as it should be.

The gothic style of dress is extraordinary. He always attracts the attention of passers-by, it is difficult to confuse him with something else. The Gothic style obliges 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, the Goths try to manifest their inner state. Gothic clothing came to the modern world from the Middle Ages. Today it has acquired its own characteristics and has changed somewhat.

Features of the Gothic style

The Gothic style of dress first appeared in the 12th century in Europe. Then it gradually developed and transformed until the 16th century. After that, in the same Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, there was a fashion for "neo-Gothic". It was she who served as the basis for the modern Gothic style, which began to spread in the late 70s of the last century.

Such clothes are typical for people belonging to the Goth subculture, which replaced punks. In this order, a pattern is clearly visible. After stormy anarchism, a challenge to the state system, a depression sets in due to the fact that all attempts to change the world were fruitless. Both of these styles are inherent in young people, and they rather carry an inner state that manifests itself in such an open way. Gothic style, like punk, is inherent in youthful maximalism. There is challenge and disagreement in them. Usually, over the years, there is a rethinking and change of style. Therefore, Goths over 30 years old are not common.

Among the features related to the appearance of clothes in the Gothic style, one can distinguish primarily color preferences. The dominant color in the whole look is black. It is present in clothing, makeup, and accessories.

The Gothic style has strict frames and restrictions, but this does not prevent you from creating unique images. Each goth looks especially and unique, and at the same time, adheres to specific rules, thanks to which the representative of this subculture cannot be confused with someone else.

A distinctive feature of the Gothic style is also sophistication, aristocracy, which are visible in various elements - these are hats, corsets, and fluffy skirts. The whole image as a whole, for 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

set in black fabric and leather

top with thin straps, patent leather boots, pleated skirt, neckerchief and long gloves

translucent skirt, leather jacket and unusual headdress

open areas of the shoulders and legs

fluffy light skirt with corset

How is a gothic look created?

In order to create a complete Gothic image, you need to rotate in certain circles or have the same mood and attitude to the world that is inherent in the Goths. In this case, it remains only to express your emotions in clothes. However, there are certain rules according to which a Gothic image is created.

Materials

The first thing to look out for is the materials. Gothic clothing is most often made of velvet, satin and other materials, on which black looks the most deep and noble. Often there is a trim of lace and light transparent materials. The Goths often use leather in jewelry and clothing.

Wardrobe

In women's gothic wardrobe, corsets are almost always present - they are most often worn over other clothes. Dresses and skirts can be of any length, but midi or maxi models are most common. Sometimes girls wear pants.

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 on high flat soles, are appropriate - they are worn by both girls and guys. The fair sex, adhering to the Gothic style, often use boots and high heels. 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, the Goths wear cloaks and coats - mostly long, exclusively black. However, their image looks most striking in the summer, when there is an opportunity to create a unique multi-layered outfit, which, despite its complexity, looks invariably stylish, harmonious and holistic.

off shoulder black maxi dress

multi-layered decoration on the neck and slanting hem

cross print

massive decoration on the neck and belt in the same style

combination of long gloves with high boots

below the knee skirt and open arms

in order for things to look harmonious, an appropriate make-up, proper styling and a set of accessories are required

Accessories, hairstyle, makeup

Gothic clothing is unthinkable without certain additions. As for accessories, leather products with metal spikes, silver pendants and chains, and rings are most often used as jewelry. Gold and colored precious stones are never used in this subculture. Each element should be done in cold, mostly black colors. That is why jade, pearls, agate, black opal and similar stones will be appropriate. Decorations are most often made in the form of ornaments, a crucifix, an Egyptian cross.

The make-up, which is typical for both sexes, is also dominated by black tones against the background of pale skin. The tone is given with a light powder; no blush is used. Eyes are drawn with black pencil, shadows are not always applied. The lips can be painted with both black and maroon lipstick.

Hair should be predominantly long - for both girls and boys. The color is naturally black, sometimes with coloring. As for hairstyles, Goths often leave their hair loose or make original haircuts, shaving their whiskey and performing intricate patterns on them.

Goth manicure is most often performed with black varnish, but other dark cold shades are also appropriate. At the same time, slight negligence is not prohibited, 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 everyone can have the courage to try it on themselves. If you like this trend, but are not ready for such steps, then you can add a little accent to your usual wardrobe with a fluffy black mid-length skirt, a corset or appropriate jewelry. To add a special mood, choose all other elements in a cool, soft color scheme.

At the time of the architectural Gothic, black, which is attributed to this style today, was not even in sight - maximum gray. Aniline dyes gave the world black only at the end of the 19th century. Modern Gothic in fashion is a subcultural product, and the very Goths with long hair, smoky eyes, in Demonia or New Rock shoes and X-Tra-X raincoats. 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 the Gothic architecture - just in the very Victorian era, when women loved to wear black clothes, ghost stories and all kinds of mysticism, and Mary Shelley wrote her "Frankenstein". Then came the vampire stories.

Photo: still from the movie "Frankenstein", 1994

The classic gothic look in cinema is the gorgeous Morticia from the acclaimed Addams Family movie. The "Interview with the Vampire" can already be attributed to the Gothic. In a gothic style, but modern, Neverland is decorated (one of the exemplary films about vampires and werewolves in our time).

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 is primarily, sometimes in dramatic combinations with red, blue, purple and with a Scottish check. Long clothes, leather, corsets, hats, high platforms, many belts, accessories, pins, this is "noir" - aesthetics: skulls, ghosts and mummies, crosses and pentagrams, dragons and snakes. This hair is saturated colors: black, red, red, blue, purple.

If we talk about high Gothic, then its sample is already there, the tone has already been set, and this is the EGL style, created by the Japanese musician Mana - first for himself and the Malice Miser group, and then became the basis of his own fashion brand - and the key to new style.

Photo: Moi-meme-Moitie dresses and jewelry

And absolute unisex, which for the last 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 - mostly on high platforms and solid high heels, a little "doll", but increased to human proportions. The difference with ordinary Gothic is in the aristocratic aesthetics.

In the photo: looks at 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 (first of all, this is a male trend, as well as the style of adult women, based on Victorian fashion) and lolita and oji (in Japanese "prince") dressing in the style of children and dolls.

It is in this style that "High Gothic" - we will call it that - has flashed on the catwalks this season. Check out Moi-meme-Moitie's cross jewelry - and compare to this season's collections, especially the baroque cross jewelry. Precious tiaras in princess hairstyles. Ear cuffs - clips for the whole ear.

Black color and dresses to the floor, decorated with "raven" feathers; Victorian capes, medieval ruffles or Victorian long cuffs on the sleeves, lush frill, corset lacing, shoes on tall, thick platforms with wide heels - everything that has been coming out of Mana's pen for the second decade is consonant with what was released on the catwalk designers.

In the photo: the image at the Gianfranco Ferre show, Patricia Adams, the image at the Vanesa Bruno show

Elements of gothic style and "noir" are familiar to us at 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. And last year Karl Lagerfeld 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 of Asian fashion - having a subtle sense of what will be fashionable and what will impress the public, Lagerfeld chooses all the most interesting. And in this he is right!

In addition, it includes not only sophisticated dresses, but also a large number of iconic accessories, which are much easier to fit into your everyday wardrobe.

Philosophy is ready causes an ambiguous reaction from society. Extravagant images of black things make you turn around. By choosinggothic style in clothes, it must be remembered that it is not only things that create the necessary aura of the goth. The inner state of mind, thoughts expressed in black clothes, makeup and accessories - this is a true Gothic image.

The Gothic trend, which originated in the twelfth century, has managed not only to survive to this day, but also to preserve its main distinctive features: unusual beauty, solemn gloom and cold austerity.Each century has left its mark on the Gothic style in clothing. In the era of feudalism and the omnipotence of the church, symbols of striving for God were clearly expressed in everything - refined silhouettes, sharp corners.D otic style in medieval clothing - these are pointed hats and pointed shoes, corsets, trains.

The era of the feudal lords was replaced by the era of the Renaissance, in which (oddly enough) the theme of the afterlife and death was actively promoted and boldly expressed in clothing. So, the color of mourning - black, became the main one for the Gothic image.

Most vividly gothic clothing proved itself in the 70s of the XX century characteristic features of which are also inherent in the Gothic image of our days:

• clear, concise lines;
• corset, frill collar, abundance of lace, lacing;
• materials for clothing - leather, brocade, satin, velvet;
• the main color is black. Sometimes slight blotches of burgundy, purple, blue and green are possible;
• fluffy skirts of various lengths (from ultra-short mini to maxi);
• vintage items (occupy a special place in the wardrobe);
• leather clothing and accessories;
• black hair color;
• rough shoes;
• non-standard accessories.

Variants and types of things

Modern gothic style of clothing assumes the presence of things in black. But, despite the monotony of color, the choice of things to create the image of the Goth is very diverse.

For men

The basis of moderngothic style clothing - individuality. For this reason, society is ready to be very diverse:

• distinctive black Goths-punks (Goths of the old time) are ripped jeans, leather jackets, leather jackets, mohawks;
• for goths-androgens (a direction implying asexuality of a creature), pronounced makeup, leather accessories, corsets are inherent;
• pagan Goths prefer hooded cloaks, amulets of stone and wood;
• goth fetishists prefer clothes made from artificial materials: vinyl, latex, artificial leather;
• cyber \u200b\u200bGoths are distinguished by their bright makeup and hair color;
• goth-vampires are easy enough to recognize by their white shirts with lace and frill collars, velvet long jackets;
• stylish sophisticated goth romantics wear clothes of a certain era.

Main elementsclothes gothic style for men:

• T-shirts in black. Allowed prints in the formdark anime pictures, photos of rock bands, original ornaments. T-shirts in mesh are good (they unobtrusively emphasize the sexuality of a man). For lovers of the classics, black shirts of a straight cut are ideal, as well as Victorian-style shirts;
• black jeans are better if these jeans are worn. Also, special attention should be paid to leather pants. In the hot season, the Gothic style in men's clothing allows cropped trousers or black shorts;
• goth shoes men - army boots, pointed chelsea boots, black high-top sneakers;
• in the cold season, men are ready to have a wide selection of outerwear: leather jackets, leather jackets, wool coats, sweatshirts with zippers.

For women

Choice gothic clothes for girls huge. Everyone will be able to choose the combination of things that best reflects her moodand worldview:

• for very young girls ready adolescents will like a set of clothes consisting of a black T-shirt (with a print), a plaid skirt (in dark colors), a leather jacket and boots on a massive platform. Leather accessories complement perfect image goth;
• for young girls and middle-aged women, a black dress, high boots and stylish silver jewelry will help create the image of a goth;
• emphasize perfect figure goth women will help puffy skirts with lace and sexy corsets. Shoes on a massive platform, stylish silver jewelry will complement the image;
• elegant, exquisitely beautiful black velvet dresses are a win-win option. When combined with high platform boots with lacing and a leather band around the neck, this Goth look is relevant in any situation;
• the image of an informal Goth: a black T-shirt, a long skirt, a chunky-knit sweater on top, ankle boots are shod on their feet. Leather collars with spikes and pendants, glasses in a round frame are ideal as accessories;
• casual look, for a Goth woman: black leggings combined with an elongated T-shirt or sweater, boots or suede boots. The bag is black, large enough to complement the outfit;
• light, sexy image of a young Goth woman: a black corset, a fluffy skirt with lace trim, nylon mesh tights, stiletto heels. Silver jewelry, numerous bracelets, pendants are well suited as accessories;
• clothes in the Gothic style for the autumn cold: black leather shorts, worn over warm tights, a loose-fitting black T-shirt, a loose chunky knit jacket. Over the tights, you can wear socks and massive boots;
• an unusual combination of clothing elements that perfectly emphasize the moderngothic style in clothes: black leggings with a pentagram, shoes or high boots with steady heels, black T-shirt, knee-length coat. Jewelry is chosen with great care. Black leather bracelets and silver rings are ideal;
• the extremely feminine image of a goth girl consists of a black corset, lace bolero, black short skirt, stockings, high boots with lacing.

Selection of accessories and emphasis on makeup

Correctly selected shoes, accessories, make-up will help to maintain the integrity of the image of a Goth or Gotessa, harmony.

Footwear

Perfectly highlight the non-standard goth outfit:

• boots on a wide, massive platform;
• high army ankle boots;
• sandals made of rough leather with a wide, massive heel;
• pointed-toed pumps with high heels.

Accessories

A goth look will not be complete if the right decorations are not chosen. Stylish leather bracelets or headbands with metal spikes, silver pendants, ornate rings and earrings are ideal as accessories.

It should be noted that items made of gold and precious stones are unacceptable in the Gothic style.

All accessories are made mainly in black colors. Each piece is an embodiment of a non-standard idea. Most often, earrings, rings, pendants are made in the form of a cross, crucifix, and unusual ornaments. It is allowed to use inserts made of stones: jade, agate, pearls (black), opal.

A goth bag is a backpack or a graceful travel bag.Hats - hats with wide brim, small hats.The gothic style feature is a black lace umbrella.

Makeup and hairstyles

Particular attention is paid to the hairstyle when creating the Goth image. Hair is predominantly long (for both men and women). Hair color - black (coloring is sometimes allowed). The classic goth hairstyle is straight hair parted in the middle. Only for women who want to create the image of a romantic goth, curls and lush hairstyles are permissible. Goth men can shave their whiskey with intricate designs.

Goth makeup is a dense base of white on the face, no blush. Manicure should be done in dark colors. A special chic is a slight carelessness in hairstyle and make-up, giving a special flavor to the image of the Goth.

Goth image original and unique... It is ideal for bright personalities who challenge society with all their thoughts and actions. Not everyone will be able to try on the image of a goth, but if they have the courage, dark clothes, custom accessories and makeup will help create a unique gothic style of eternity.

Video

Photo