Gloomy romanticism - gothic style of clothing

The aura of dark romanticism and mystery that envelops the Goth subculture causes mixed reactions. He attracts some, repels others, but certainly leaves no one indifferent. To try on an image in this style requires a certain courage and ability to present yourself. Simply dressing up in black clothes will not make the impression that representatives of the subculture usually cause. This is a mixture of surprise, admiration and even some apprehension - these young people and girls with their pale faces and darkly beautiful images are so similar to the heroes of fantasy films and horror films.

History of the Gothic style of clothing

Those wardrobe items that modern “men in black” amaze ordinary people with have little in common with what noble people who lived in Europe in the 12th–15th centuries wore. But it is precisely this period that belongs to the Gothic period. Today, representatives of the subculture dress mainly in the so-called neo-Gothic genre. Their clothing styles copy wardrobe items from the 17th–18th centuries.

Reference. The concept of “Gothic” comes from the name of the Gothic tribe, or barbarians. By the way, this is what everyone who lived on the territory of modern Europe was called in the Middle Ages. Only the Romans were not considered barbarians. The style, which was most clearly expressed in architecture, was considered disproportionate, contrary to classical rules.

France became the birthplace of Gothic clothing. Wardrobe items of those times were characterized by elongated proportions, pointed shapes, thin corseted silhouettes, and trains. Dark color began to predominate later - initially, brightness and an abundance of ornaments were welcomed. It was at this time that tailoring turned from just a craft into an art.

In the subsequent Renaissance, this style of clothing lost its relevance. It appeared for a rather short time in the 18th–19th centuries. This is the neo-Gothic style that is worn now. In the 20th century, the “resurrection” of the style took place in the 70s. Today, as a rule, representatives of the Goth subculture dress this way. The basis of their philosophy is an interest in the otherworldly, secrets and riddles. Through darkly beautiful clothes and accessories, they demonstrate their attitude to life and their own originality.

Features and directions of Gothic

There are many subspecies of this interesting style. However, they share common features:

• the predominance of black color in the images;
• the use of dark colors - purple, blue, burgundy;
• contrasting accents;
• clarity of silhouette, straight, sharp cut lines;
• extravagance of elements;
• the use of details imitating medieval or clothing of the 18th–19th centuries, for example, a corset with lacing, a frill;
• multi-layered, complex styles;
• combination of different textures;
• specific attributes that evoke associations with death and witchcraft;
• the use of only silver jewelry - they symbolize the cold, deathly radiance of the night luminary;
• spectacular contrasting makeup - pale face, bright red, as if bloody, lips, emphasis on the eyes.
  

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Subspecies

In the process of development, this multifaceted style was divided into several directions. There are a lot of them and understanding the specifics of each of them is a difficult and lengthy task. Let's highlight a few:

1. Antique or classic. A form of clothing characteristic of English aristocrats of the late 18th–19th centuries. Frock coats, camisoles, tailcoats, corsets and skirts with frames, an abundance of lace elements and draperies, lacing, veils.
2. Vamp. Has many similarities with the previous one. However, it stands out due to the presence of characteristic vampire-themed details in the image. In clothing, a combination of black and bright red colors is preferable.
3. Gypsy. Their wardrobe items imitate the outfits of ancient sorcerers and fortune tellers. These are voluminous shirts and blouses, spacious pants, multi-layered skirts, headbands, hats, shawls. Black color does not dominate; bright or dark shades of red and blue are widely used.
4. Cyber. Feature - dark tones are combined with catchy, acidic ones. The looks are distinguished by an abundance of metal accessories of technogenic design.
5. Corporate. Can be called the “softest” direction. It allows you to express your philosophy without going beyond the dress code. A black suit, a snow-white shirt or blouse, a lace collar, a few “modest” accessories of the appropriate theme - the image of a corporate goth has been created.
   

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Reference. Clothing collections in this genre appear on the catwalks quite regularly. The darkly sophisticated aesthetic attracts fashion houses such as Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Givenchy, Versace and others. Celebrities also demonstrate images in this direction. The most striking include Lady Gaga and Taylor Momsen. The Olsen sisters, Kristen Stewart, Angelina Jolie, and Eva Green often choose similar outfits.

How to create a gothic look

Is it necessary to have a corresponding worldview and belong to a subculture in order to dress in darkly romantic clothes? We will not seek an answer to this question within the framework of this article. Let’s just try to figure out what wardrobe items and accessories will help create a gothic look. Of course, this is, first of all, clothes predominantly black in the style of any of the past eras:

• maxi dresses with trains;
• outer corsets;
• frock coats, tailcoats, camisoles of characteristic styles;
• fluffy multi-layered skirts.
  

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In addition, leather items will help create an atmospheric look. They look especially impressive in combination with lace items and clothes with frills. Dresses can be not only maxi, but also elegant, knee-length, but with the characteristic attributes of past centuries - bodices, lacing, frills, and exquisite ornaments.

To create an image, elements with “sharp” details are perfect - raincoats, capes or even sweatshirts with pointed hoods, jagged edges on skirts or dresses, and other things.

If “total black” does not suit you, then it is quite acceptable to dilute the image with dark shades of crimson, blue, and purple. Suitable materials, in addition to the mentioned lace and leather, are velvet, satinAs, chiffon, silk, taffeta, organza, vinyl.

Universal shoes for men and women - army boots. For ladies, high models with laces, Cossacks, ankle boots or shoes with platforms or chunky heels are also suitable. The bags are mostly leather with characteristic “mystical” attributes. All accessories - chains, rings, bracelets and other jewelry must be made only of white metal in a design that matches the style.

People never cease to be attracted to mysteries, mysticism, and the other world. That is why there will always be adherents of this subculture, imbued with dark romanticism and mystery, and the fashion for gothic clothing will return again and again. Even if you don’t dare try on this look in everyday life, these outfits are quite suitable for a themed party.