Hey there, Littiez! If you’re ready to discover the dark and fascinating world of goth fashion, you’re in the right place. Gothic fashion, often simply called “goth,” isn’t just a style – it’s a lifestyle, an attitude, and a way to express yourself. With more than 52M posts on TikTok and 2M posts on IG, especially goth clothing seems it will keep its popularity for a long while. In this blog post, we’re going to explore 19 different types of goth fashion, from the soft and sweet Pastel Goth to the edgy and intense Trad Goth. But before we jump into the specifics, let’s chat about where this amazing style came from and how it has evolved over time.

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What is Goth?

Goth is a  subculture of Punk, and was originated in the 1970s-1980s in the UK. It is mainly a style of rock music and a unique clothing trend of its time. Goths are known with wearing black and having a deep connection with dark themes such as d*ath and cemeteries, and they also like witchcraft.

What is Gothic Fashion?

Gothic fashion is a unique clothing style worn by goth community. It mainly includes black but there are also specific goth styles that embrace the other colors such as Pastel Goth.

Picture this: it’s the late 1970s, and the post-punk music scene is exploding with new, darker sounds. Bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bauhaus, and The Cure are leading the way with their haunting goth music and dramatic looks. This is where gothic fashion was born. These goth bands weren’t just making music – they were creating a whole new subculture that embraced the beauty of darkness, mystery, and a bit of melancholy.

Gothic fashion didn’t just stop at the music scene. It started to grow and change, taking inspiration from different historical periods like the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Imagine blending the DIY punk attitude with elegant lace, corsets, and a love for all things vintage. This mix created a style that’s both rebellious and romantic. Over the years, goth fashion has continued to evolve, bringing in new motifs and styles while staying true to its dark and dramatic roots. That was how goth outfits were created with its culture.

This Goth Family Tree infographic illustrates the diverse branches of gothic fashion, from Trad Goth and Cyber Goth to Victorian Goth. It's a visual journey through the evolution of goth subcultures, showing how each style uniquely blends elements of history, modern rebellion, and aesthetic clothing styles.

Basics of Gothic Fashion

So, what makes goth fashion so unique especially for goth girls? Here are some key elements:

• Colors: Mostly black, with pops of deep purples, reds, and sometimes white.
• Clothing: Think corsets, lace, leather, velvet, and fishnet stockings. The more dramatic, the better!
• Accessories: Chokers, silver jewelry, and sometimes religious or occult symbols.
• Makeup: Dark eyeliner and eyeshadow, pale foundation, and sometimes black lipstick for that striking look.

Gothic Tradition: Not a Passing Trend

Gothic fashion has left its mark on mainstream culture, influencing everything from high fashion to music videos and movies. Designers and artists around the world have embraced the dark and dramatic elements of goth, bringing them into the spotlight. This style isn’t just a passing trend – it’s a powerful form of self-expression that continues to captivate new generations. Whether it’s on the runway or in your favorite horror movie, gothic fashion always finds a way to stand out.

Now that we’ve got a good grasp on what goth culture is and where it came from, let’s dive into different goth styles that have emerged over the years. First up, let’s talk about the enchanting and colorful world of Pastel Goth.

Pastel Goth

What is Pastel Goth?

Pastel Goth, a.k.a. Kawaii Goth or Spooky Kawaii, is a subculture that blends traditional goth aesthetics with pastel colors and kawaii (cute) elements. It often features black clothing and accessories combined with pastel colors, creating a contrast between dark and light. Common elements include pastel-colored hair, black chokers, platform shoes, and cute yet eerie motifs like skulls or bats.

How to Be Pastel Goth

Becoming a Pastel Goth is all about balance. Here are some tips to help you nail the look:

1. Colors: Pastel tones such as lavender, baby pink, mint green, and light blue. 
2. Clothing: Black dresses, fishnet stockings, and platform boots.
3. Accessories: Cute accessories like hair bows, cute pins, pastel jewelry, clear phone cases and faux-fur headbands, kawaii plushies.
4. Makeup: Dark eyeliner and eyeshadow, glittery highlights, heart-shaped face stickers, pastel-colored nail polish.
5. Hair: Multiple colors at the same time, many hair accessories such as hair pins, and tiny hair clips.

Trad Goth

What is Trad Goth?

Traditional Goth, or Trad Goth, refers to the original goth style influenced by post-punk and gothic rock music. It emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is characterized by dark, punk-influenced clothing, dramatic makeup, and an affinity for post-punk and gothic rock music. Common elements include dark clothing, ripped jeans, faux-leather skorts, band t-shirts, dramatic makeup, and teased hair.

How to Be Trad Goth

To rock the Trad Goth style, here’s what you need:

1. Colors: Black, smoke, and dark purple.
2. Clothing: Band tees, faux-leather jackets, long skirts, and ripped tights.
3. Accessories: Silver jewelry, cross earrings, choker collars, fake piercings, and anything with an ankh symbol such as an ankh necklace. 
4. Makeup: Dark eyeliner and eyeshadow, pale foundation and dark lipstick are the main elements of the Trad Goth makeup style.
5. Hair: Tease your hair to add volume, or go for a sleek, slicked-back look. Big and crimped hair are also a classic choice.

Cybergoth

What is Cybergoth?

Cybergoth combines goth and rave cultures, featuring futuristic and industrial elements. It is characterized by vibrant neon colors, synthetic materials, white platform boots, and cybernetic accessories like goggles and gas masks. The style often includes electronic music influences and dramatic makeup. Also, it has some resemblences with Cyberpunk clothing but you shouldn't forget that these two are different aesthetics.

How to Be Cybergoth

Here are some tips to master the Cybergoth look:

1. Colors: Bright neon colors such as neon greens, pinks, and blues and of course, black. 
2. Clothing: Shiny, reflective fabrics, reflective pieces, halter tops, bodysuits, patchwork jeans, bolero jackets, platform boots.
3. Accessories: Industrial goggles, gas masks, futuristic sunglasses, hand chains, finger bracelets, biohazard bags.
4. Makeup: Veeeeeery thin gothbrows, neon eyeshadow and lipstick, pale foundation and drawing lines on your face with eyeliner.
5. Hair: Cyberlox hair extensions (synthetic dreadlocks), neon hair color mixed with black. You can use both your real hair and synthetic hair.

Victorian Goth

What is Victorian Goth?

Victorian Goth is a subculture that draws inspiration from the Victorian era, characterized by its dark romanticism and elaborate fashion. It includes elements such as long dresses, black corsets, lace gloves, and top hats. Accessories often feature vintage pocket watches, parasols, and ornate jewelry, reflecting a deep appreciation for historical elegance and a melancholic aesthetic. This fashion has deep effects on Dark Academia clothing.

How to Be Victorian Goth

To achieve the Victorian Goth style, focus on these elements:

1. Colors: Black, dark purple, burgundy.
2. Clothing: Corsets, lace tops, maxi skirts, vests, polonaises, cravats, tulle skirts.
3. Accessories: Antique jewelry, silver rings, top hats, lacy parasols, lace chokers, neck ruffs.
4. Makeup: Bold liquid eyeliner, shaved and penciled eyebrows, pale lips, dark smokey eye.
5. Hair: Big hair with bobby pins, dreads, or extensions. It should be flat with a center part. 

Romantic Goth

What is Romantic Goth?

Romantic Goth is a subculture that emphasizes the dark, dramatic, and poetic aspects of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Remember Morticia Addams? She is a perfect Romantic Goth with her attitude, style, makeup, and hair. This style is characterized by elaborate clothing such as goth dresses, lace, velvet, corsets, and flowing skirts. Accessories often include chokers, cameo brooches, and body jewelry. The style reflects a deep appreciation for gothic literature, art, and melancholic music, combining elements of historical elegance with a dark, romantic allure.

How to Be Romantic Goth

To embody the Romantic Goth style, follow these tips:

1. Colors: Burgundy, black, red, white, jewel tones.
2. Clothing: A-line skirts, corsets, suits, billowy sleeves.
3. Accessories: Lace gloves, dead roses, heart earrings, antique jewelries with dark colored stones, cat-eye glasses, chokers, platform goth boots. 
4. Makeup: Smokey eyes, winged eyeliner, pale powder, thin eyebrows.
5. Hair: Long, shiny black hair, just like Morticia Addams. 

Soft Goth

What is Soft Goth?

Soft Goth is a subculture that blends traditional goth aesthetics with a softer, more approachable look. It incorporates dark clothing and Soft Girl clothing features such as accessories with lighter, often pastel, elements and a more relaxed, casual style. Common features include goth lingeries, black dresses, oversized crop sweaters, lace, and subtle gothic motifs like crosses and moons, combined with minimalistic makeup and natural hairstyles. This style offers a more subdued and versatile approach to goth fashion, balancing edginess with a touch of softness. You can also do your makeup with a soft touch on gothic shades. Read our Soft Goth Makeup Guide to learn more!

How to Be Soft Goth

Here’s how to achieve the Soft Goth look:

1. Colors: Muted colurs such as gray, black, dusty rose, olive green, faded lavender, and soft pastels.
2. Clothing: Maxi pleated skirts, cable-knit sweaters, mini dresses, cross jeans, cropped cardigans.
3. Accessories: Simple accessories like pendants, bow fishnet tights, nail charms, pearls with black details, devil heart necklaces.
4. Makeup: Natural tones, smokey eyes, bold lips.
5. Hair: Pastel hair colors, long and messy hair.

Hippie Goth

What is Hippie Goth?

Hippie Goth is a subculture that combines the free-spirited, bohemian elements of the hippie movement with the dark, mystical aesthetics of goth culture. It features flowing, often vintage-inspired clothing such as maxi dresses, flare pants, and plaid shirts, peasant tops in dark or muted colors. Accessories include layered jewelry, wide-brimmed hats, snake chains, and elements like crystals, feathers, and occult symbols. The style also embraces Fairy Grunge elements such as connection to nature, spirituality, and a relaxed, ethereal vibe, merging peace-loving ideals with a gothic edge.

How to Be Hippie Goth

To master the Hippie Goth look, consider these tips:

1. Colors: Black, deep purple, dark green, and pastels.
2. Clothing: Long ruffle skirts, baggy jeans, harem pants, knit sweaters, crochet dresses, jumpsuits, bandana shorts.
3. Accessories: Layered necklaces, bat wings earrings, septum piercings, seed bead bracelets, retro sunglasses, bandanas, crossbody bags.
4. Makeup: Lots of blush, fake freckles, face painting, eye crystals, pastel eyeshadow.
5. Hair: Long, loose waves with flowers or beads on.

Gothic Lolita

What is Gothic Lolita?

Gothic Loita, also known as Lolita Goth, is a subculture that combines the dark, elegant elements of goth fashion with the cute, doll-like aesthetics of Lolita fashion. It features Victorian and Rococo-inspired clothing such as frilly aesthetic dresses, lace, petticoats, and bonnets, often in black or dark colors. Accessories include parasols, ornate jewelry, belly chains, and platform shoes. The style emphasizes modesty and intricacy, creating a sophisticated yet youthful appearance that blends gothic darkness with a whimsical, vintage charm. You can think that this aesthetic is kind of a mix of Coquette clothing with goth details.

How to Be Gothic Lolita

To achieve the Gothic Lolita style, focus on these elements:

1. Colors: Black, dark purple, maroon, deep pink, navy blue.
2. Clothing: Corset dresses with lace details, thigh-high socks, sheer blouses, pleated mini skirts.
3. Accessories: Bows, lace gloves, faux-fur leg warmers, bat earrings, skull necklaces, coffin bracelets, clear backpacks.
4. Makeup: Red or purple lipstick, powdered face, fake freckles, winged eyeliner.
5. Hair: Mainly short curled hair, pigtails, using headdresses.

Nu-Goth

What is Nu-Goth?

Nu-Goth, aka Hipster Goth, is a modern subculture that blends traditional goth aesthetics with contemporary fashion trends and minimalism. It features a mix of black clothing with sleek, trendy pieces like high-waisted jeans, black crop tops, and oversized sweaters. Accessories often include chokers, wide-brimmed hats, and minimalist jewelry. The style is kind of mixing Acubi fashion with goth details and incorporates elements of witchcraft and occult symbolism, such as pentagrams and moons, often paired with simple, monochromatic makeup.

How to Be Nu-Goth

To nail the Nu-Goth look, here are some tips:

1. Colors: Black, grey, white.
2. Clothing: Black skinny jeans, oversized sweaters, round oversized hats,  cross leggings.
3. Accessories: Pentagram necklaces, slogan socks, pendants, crystal rings, mystical jewelry, round sunglasses, cross phone cases.
4. Makeup: Bold eyeliner, bold brows, pale foundation, dark lips.
5. Hair: Black or any dark colored ratty hair. It must look effortless.

Perky Goth

What is Perky Goth?

Perky Goth is a subculture that combines the dark aesthetics of traditional goth with a cheerful and energetic twist. It features bright colors mixed with typical gothic black, playful accessories like bows, colorful hair, and fun patterns. Clothing often includes fishnet stockings, tutus, brown faux-fur leather jackets, and black graphic tees with whimsical or ironic prints. The style embraces a lighthearted and positive attitude, often incorporating elements of pop culture and a sense of humor, creating a vibrant and upbeat take on goth fashion.

How to Be Perky Goth

To embrace the Perky Goth style, follow these steps:

1. Colors: Bright colors such as neon or pastel and of course, black.
2. Clothing: Vintage shirts, black jean shorts, fishnet tights, and pieces including dark shades such as a dark green mini skirt.
3. Accessories: Colorful hair clips, lace bows, beads, clear phone cases and clear bags.
4. Makeup: Dramatic eye makeup, fake freckles, mixing pastel and black such as neon winged eyeliner and black or any dark colored lipstick.
5. Hair: Pigtails with ballies, double breads with hair accessories such as knives and skulls.

Glam Goth

What is Glam Goth?

Glam Goth is a subculture that merges the dark, mysterious elements of goth with the glitz and glamour of high fashion. It features luxurious fabrics like velvet, faux-leather, and satin, often adorned with sequins, studs, and metallic accents. The style includes dramatic makeup with bold, glittery eyeshadow, dark lipstick, and intricate hairstyles. Clothing typically involves form-fitting silhouettes, satin blouses, corsets, velvet skirts and high heels, creating a look that is both edgy and elegant. Glam Goth celebrates opulence and extravagance, blending gothic darkness with a touch of sparkle and sophistication.

How to Be Glam Goth

To perfect the Glam Goth look, try these tips:

1. Colors: Glitters, black, any kind of pastel.
2. Clothing: Sheer blouses, maxi dresses, faux-leather jackets, platform boots, ripped jeans and tights.
3. Accessories: Silver chain bracelets, studded belts, clear phone cases, corsets, beanies, and metallic accessories, designer bags.
4. Makeup: Dark eyeshadow, bold eyeliner, bold eyebrows, and striking lipstick colors.
5. Hair: Massive hair with srtiking hair accessories such as a black bridal veil.

Vampire Goth

What is Vampire Goth?

Vampire Goth, aka Vamp Goth, is a subculture that draws inspiration from classic vampire lore, combining gothic aesthetics with a dark, romantic, and aristocratic flair. It features clothing reminiscent of 19th-century vampire fiction, including long, flowing capes, velvet tops, lace blouses, basic goth shoes, and high-collared shirts. Accessories often include fangs, ornate jewelry, silver cross necklaces, and Victorian-inspired items like pocket watches and brooches. The style emphasizes pale makeup with dark, dramatic eyes and lips, creating a mysterious and timeless look that evokes the allure and elegance of legendary vampires.

How to Be Vampire Goth

To achieve the Vampire Goth look, follow these steps:

1. Colores: Deep red, burgundy, black, white.
2. Clothing: Capes, lace gloves, tailcoats, baroque collars, suit vests, faux-leather dresses.
3. Accessories: Fangs, bat dangle earrings, silver medallion necklaces, platform oxford shoes, bat sunglasses, cross necklaces.
4. Makeup: Pale makeup, dark eyes, and blood-red lipstick.
5. Hair: Dark-colored, long, and straight most of the time. They hair must never be frizzy, should look like a statue.

Punk Goth

What is Punk Goth?

Punk Goth, or De*throck, combines punk's rebellious style with goth's dark aesthetics. It features torn fishnets, studded faux-leather belts, band t-shirts, and bold hairstyles like mohawks. Accessories include spikes, chains, and dramatic makeup with heavy eyeliner, blending gritty punk elements with gothic darkness.

How to Be Punk Goth

To master the Punk Goth look, try these tips:

1. Colors: Black, deep red, bright purple, silver.
2. Clothing: Ripped black jeans, combat boots, skull caps, band shirts, corsets, checkered pants, sweater vests with skull details.
3. Accessories: Studded belts and bags, silver ring sets, spider earrings, fishnet socks, skull caps.
4. Makeup: Smokey eyes, black lipstick, pale foundation, heavy eyeliner and mascara.
5. Hair: The most popular ones are the spiked hair and mohawk with a variety of colors.

Emo Goth

What is Emo Goth?

Emo Goth blends the emotional intensity of emo with goth's dark aesthetics. Green Day, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, and Linkin Park are the most famous groups embracing Emo elements. This style features black clothing, low-rise jeans, band t-shirts, and layered haircuts with long bangs. Accessories often include studded belts, wristbands, and dark makeup with heavy eyeliner, combining emo's expressive style with gothic elements. Although some people think that they should decine on emo vs goth styles, it actually can be a kind of an aesthetic.

How to Be Emo Goth

To achieve the Emo Goth look, follow these tips:

1. Colors: Black, red, white.
2. Clothing: Low-rise jeans, band t-shirts, black and white striped shirts, canvas shoes, Vans, plaid pants, tight hoodies.
3. Accessories: Checkered wristbands, studded belts, fingerless gloves, piercings on the face, braided bracelets.
4. Makeup: Thick eyeliner, thin eyebrows, red lips, pale foundation.
5. Hair: Layered haircuts with any color. Straight hair with any length and side-swept bangs.

Steampunk Goth

What is Steampunk Goth?

Steampunk Goth combines Victorian-inspired fashion with industrial and futuristic elements. It features corsets, top hats, lace, and goggles, often in dark colors. Accessories include gears, and clockwork designs, blending gothic darkness with steampunk's mechanical aesthetic.

How to Be Steampunk Goth

To embrace the Steampunk Goth style, focus on these elements:

1. Colors: Black, red, dark green, bronze, copper.
2. Clothing: Faux-leather corsets, chunky platform boots, capes, long sleeve crop tops.
3. Accessories: Faux leather messenger bags, top hats, black phone cases, googles, cogs, suspenders, faux leather gloves. 
4. Makeup: Metallic makeup, colored eyeliners, jelly lipsticks, colorful mascara.
5. Hair: Neon colors, double buns, or just a simple but chic buzzcut.

Health Goth

What is Health Goth?

Health Goth merges gothic aesthetics with athletic wear with the components of biotechnology, fitness, and brand clothing. It features black sportswear, black swimsuits, mesh tops, leggings, comfy cotton sweatpants, and sneakers. Accessories often include sleek, minimalist designs and high-tech fabrics, combining a dark, edgy look with a focus on fitness and functionality.

How to Be Health Goth

To achieve the Health Goth look, follow these tips:

1. Colors: Black and white.
2. Clothing: Sportswear, leggings, denim shorts, faux-leather bodysuits, comfy hoodies, futuristic jackets, sport bras, tank tops. 
3. Accessories: Caps, gym towels, hydro flasks, cell phone armbads, magnetic wristbands, smart watches, chunky sneakers.
4. Makeup: Natural makeup, no make up if possible.
5. Hair: High ponytail, boxer braids, topknot.

Mall Goth

What is Mall Goth?

Mall Goth, these guys are also called Spooky Kids, is a subculture that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s, blending 90's goth aesthetics with mainstream fashion. It features black clothing from mall stores, band t-shirts, denim cargo skirts, and platform boots. Accessories include chokers, fishnet gloves, and spiked jewelry, creating an accessible, commercialized version of goth style. Mall Goth clothes are available in clothing brands like Hot Topic.

How to Be Mall Goth

To embrace the Mall Goth style, consider these elements:

1. Colors: Black, red, purple, grey.
2. Clothing: Tripp pants, band tees, checkered pants, striped sweaters, fishnet tops, cargo skirts.
3. Accessories: Silver chains, faux-leather belted bags, studded belts, platform sneakers, lip rings, chain necklaces, face masks, razor blace bracelets.
4. Makeup: Liquid liners, thin eyebrows, pale foundation, dark shades of lipstick.
5. Hair: Colorful hair, mullets, pig tails.

Military Goth

What is Military Goth?

Military Goth combines gothic fashion with military-inspired elements. It features dark, structured clothing like trench coats, combat boots, camouflage mini skirts, and cargo pants. Accessories include military insignias, belts, and aviator goggles, blending gothic darkness with a disciplined, martial aesthetic.

How to Be Military Goth

To achieve the Military Goth look, follow these steps:

1. Colors: Black, navy blue, forest green, deep red.
2. Clothing: Camouflage jackets, combat boots, flannel shirts, tailcoats, waistcoats, tie front crop tops.
3. Accessories: Silver and gold buttons, military pins, canvas belts, beanie hats, tactical gears, skull caps.
4. Makeup: Not using extreme colors, nude lipstick, neutral-tone eye shade.
5. Hair: Ponytails, braids, twists,  bun, or locks.

Gothabilly

What is Gothabilly?

Gothabilly, also called Hellbilly, is a subculture that blends gothic aesthetics with rockabilly style. It features vintage-inspired clothing such as pin-up dresses, high-waisted skirts, and leather jackets in dark colors. Accessories include polka dots, small makeup bags, skull motifs on bandana pieces, and cat-eye sunglasses. The style combines the retro, rebellious spirit of rockabilly with the dark, eerie elements of goth.

How to Be Gothabilly

To embrace the Gothabilly style, consider these tips:

1. Colors: Red, black, white, gray.
2. Clothing: Pin-up style dresses, vintage sweatshirts, thigh-high socks, corsets, top hats, velvet blazers, faux-leather jackets, satin cargo pants, pencil skirts.
3. Accessories: Platform high heels, antique jewelry, garters, tattoos, piercings.
4. Makeup: Tattooed eyebrows, hella thick concealer, bold red lipstick, darker lip liners.
5. Hair: Fringe bangs, pompadours, deathhawk, victory rolls.

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Goth fashion has captivated and inspired countless individuals since its emergence in the late 1970s. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to constantly evolve while maintaining a core set of values centered around individuality, creativity, and a fascination with the darker aspects of life. From the early days of Trad Goth to the colorful twists of Pastel Goth and Perky Goth, each substyle offers a unique way to express personal identity and explore different facets of the goth aesthetic. Although it has resemblences with grunge clothing, goth fashios is much more.

In conclusion, goth fashion remains a vibrant and dynamic subculture that evolves with the times while maintaining its distinctive charm including goth hairstyles and makeup. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of Victorian Goth, the futuristic vibes of Cyber Goth, or the cheerful spirit of Perky Goth, there’s a place for everyone in the ever-expanding world of goth fashion.

If you like Goth styles and want to learn more about others such as Acubi aesthetic guide, check out our aesthetic blogs, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube!

Check our how to be aesthetic guide to slay wherever you are. Additionally, take a look at our different types of aesthetic guide to discover different types of aesthetics. Comment below if you wanna be the most gothic girl of all times!

 

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About The Author

Buse Gul

Buse is a freelance content creator at Litlookz Studio and an EFL teacher. She's a coffeeholic cat mom and aesthetic style lover.