Elegant Goth Outfits | Gothic Costumes

Goth outfit or costume is a big part of the goth subculture which started in England in the late 1970s to early 1980s. The movement spread to other parts of Europe, especially Germany, and to the US. It was influenced to a large degree by Gothic novels and horror movies, especially those that involved vampires. Gothic rock and goth bands gained popularity among young people.

The Goth attire, hairdo, and make up of those rock groups had a great influence on the fans. Black, purple, and occasionally deep red were the most popular colors. Guys and girls had black hair, white make up with black lipstick and nail polish.

Although there were no hard and fast rules regarding goth costumes, the most common gothic attire consisted of long, velvet dresses and fishnet stockings for women, and frilly shirts for men. In addition to goth clothing, silver jewelry, silver buckles, and studded dog collars were typical accessories.

The goth look was unique in a dark and perhaps even morbid and macabre way that some young guys and girls wearing goth outfits became objects of mockery and even bullying. Sadly, this still happens today as there are misconceptions about Goths like they commit violence, self mutilation, do drugs, and worship Satan. While there may be Goths that do those things, so are there people from all walks of life.

Being a Goth is about individuality, freedom of expression, rejecting the norm (nothing wrong with that), and making friends with like-minded people. Some may wonder why you are wearing a goth costume when it's not Halloween, and you need to explain that it's not exactly a costume but an outfit that you wear as a unique way to express yourself.