1. Ease into goth. You shouldn't completely change your look in one day -- friends & family will freak out and nag you about it. If you have the personality for it, you will gradually look more goth over time.
   
2. Determine what style you are aiming for. Some people like a romantic look with tailored velvet jackets, lace and period items, while others prefer punk, with bondage pants and a spiked collar, and still others go cyber/futuristic with goggles, yarn extension, latex, and big industrial boots. There's not one single goth fashion, there are many branches.
   
3. Browse goth pictures and movies for inspiration. Look around and try to see what you want to incorporate into your wardrobe. Avoid copying someone else unless it is Halloween.
   
4. Go to thrift stores for cheap, original clothes, instead of buying manufactured goth clothes from a store like Hot Topic. They have nice items, but getting your entire wardrobe there is expensive, and way too commercial. Even mainstream clothing stores have basic pieces, (like pinstriped pants, black sweaters, and such), that will undergird your wardrobe much less expensively than specialty store buys.
   
5. Make your clothing, or at least consider altering the clothes you already have with bits of lace, ribbons, etc. You can get a good deal at a thrift store, but the cheapest clothes to buy are the ones already in your closet. Go crazy; make it artistic and unique.
   
6. Try tight clothes (both girls and guys). Boys, do not try wearing tight clothes unless you like looking a bit more feminine or it fits your body right and looks decent, if you aren't skinny or in shape its most likely not for you. Be warned, tight pants may get you called emo, but keep in mind emo scenester boys wear women's jeans, Goths and Deathrockers don't fall for that lame stuff, they buy cheap black jeans and alter them to fit tight or buy quality looking/fitting black stretch tight jeans from Lip-service, DogPile clothing or Tripp Clothing brands. If it doesn't work for you, stick with normal or loose fit clothes.
   
7. Wear band shirts. Try shirts by bands such as The Cure, Christian Death and Bauhaus.
   
8. Consider boots. Many goths have high, black boots. There are many different styles: choose one you actually like. Or don't -- it's not required. Goth is all about being original. I for one like boots and the bad boy look. Some romantic goths wear dress shoes every day
   
9. Get the hair. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to dye or excessively style your hair; there are many goths who represent the epitome of dark goth fashion but have natural light brown hair. Dye your hair you dont have to dye your black, blue, or purple.Goths have all hair colors wether its red,blonde, or brunette. People think that really big hair is goth,it doesnt have to be.Whether your hair is long or short just add a little gel or hairspray and play it up. It differs from person to person, however.Also find some goth bands,and their hairstyles as inspiration.
   
10. Color coordinate. Dark reds, violet, blue, green and white are often used as side colors to the general color black. Black isn't the only color that exists in the goth lifestyle.
    
11. Wear makeup appropriately. Goth makeup is often dramatic: heavy eyeliner, red lips, and dark shades with heavy application. Cat-eye eyeliner is practically a cliche, but it looks fabulous. Black lipstick is much less popular than it used to be. Regardless, there are no rules.
    
12. Complete your look with accessories. It could be an elegant choker, lace gloves, an SM bracelet, goggles, bat earrings, ribbons, etc.
    

• Be yourself; don't just follow what some other goth does.
  
• A few good quality items are much better than a large wardrobe of things you hate. Think quality over quantity. Get the basics: skirt, pants, boots, jacket, and then build from there. Don't buy something unless you love it and it fits perfectly. You will look and feel confident, which is essential in maintaining self esteem and defending your clothing style.
  

• Some people may treat you differently just because you look different. Don't bother with what those people think about you.
  
• There is a difference between goth and emo. The goth community knows the difference between real goths and poseur goths.
  
• There is a lot of androgyny in the scene, so you will have to get used to it. It does not mean someone is gay, bi, or anything else, for that matter. It's a fashion thing - don't assume you know a person's sexual orientation by just looking at their clothes.
  

• Buy Goth Clothes
  
• Gothic-Medieval Clothing
  

1. Know your face. Be aware of what you're working with. Know what you like, and what you want to learn to change. As with any makeup style, there's room to wiggle. Don't be afraid to tweak the makeup to your own face. Be aware that the eyes will be the focus of your new look.
   
2. When you buy your makeup remember that what you pay for is not always what you get. For the most part, expensive makeup is high quality, but not always, and it is just as common for something from a drug store to work well. The best thing to do when in need of makeup is to ask your friends and family what brands and lines they like best, and read product reviews in magazines or online.
   
3. Aquire some basic makeup. This should include:
   
   • Eyeliner pencil - Black and brown are the basic for this look but darker colors are acceptable (i.e. purple, blue).
     
   • Pale pink blush - Alter your blush color to fit in with your skin tone. White translucent powder can also be used to highlight cheekbones.
     
   • Chapstick - No color is nessacary, but lipstick shades that match your natural lip color are acceptable. You can also try bolder shades if you want to.
     
   
   
4. Foundation is optional. Do not powder your face completely white. If you want to, you can slightly lighten your face with white powder or a slightly white foundation.
   
5. Focus on your eyes. They are definitely an asset that you'll want to show off! There are a few things you will want to watch out for:
   
   • Don't apply too much eyeliner. A little will go a long way.
     
   • Expirement with colored eyeshadows - black is not the only color out there!
     
   
   
6. Eye shadow should complement the color of your eyes and make them stand out. Don't be afraid to try different colors and shades. If needed, consult a makeup artist, or go to your local mall and stop at one of the beauty counters.
   
   • For guys, eye makeup generally consists of a small amount of black eyeliner (optional); for girls, a slim line of eyeliner and a color eye shadow that highlights that of your eyes is universally flattering. Never be afraid to try new styles.
     
   • Winged eyes, liquid liner designs, and different colored liners are all great ways to distinguish yourself.
     
   • For a stereotypical goth style, brush black onto your lids, just high enough that you can see a little sliver of it when your eyes are open, and cover the rest of the space below your eyebrow with white. Apply mascara to the tips of your eyelashes, and line the bottom with thick black.
     
   
   
7. Experiment with your lip color. Lips are not as simple or limited as they seem like they might be. Something very stereotypically goth, but also very glamorous, bold and classic, is a dark red lip. Although this might not be sutable for day to day, it's a great way to dress yourself up. Stay away from glosses, stick to chap or lip stick. Color is not manditory.
   
8. Highlight your cheek. Light pink looks great, but make sure its subtle and matches your skin tone. Translucent powder can be applied to the top of your cheekbone to emphasize them.
   
9. Practice, practice, practice. You may wind up looking entirely ridiculous at first, but the more you work with it the better off you'll be. Ask a friend or family member with skills that you admire to help you, or go to a department store's makeup counter. The tips they give you, although they may not be subculture specific, will probably be valuable.
   

• If you do not have very full eye lashes, then the wrong masscara can make your situation worse, not better. Use a plumping masscara, and an eyelash curler if you're unhappy with plain masscara.
  
• Makeup should highlight your features, not hide your flaws! Be aware of what features you want to have shine, and try to draw positive attention to them!
  
• Gradually ease yourself into heavy makeup. It will be awkward for you and your friends if all of a sudden you start wearing heavy black eyeliner as opposed to the little/no makeup you used to wear.
  

• Be careful not to go too overboard. Looking like the bride of Frankenstein is never attractive, so go easy on the makeup.
  
• Some people may give you weird looks or treat you differently.
  
• If you do decide to use foundation, use a powder foundation or a mousse. For application, there are no rules as far as a tool. You can use a sponge or "wedge" but fingers work just as well. Pin as much of your hair back as you can. Get a very small amount and start in the center of your face. Use sweeping motions to blend all over. Make sure you don't have any bits uncovered. Include your eyelids and lips. Be very careful about your jawline, because if you mess up there, you look like you are wearing a mask or have a disease. Also be very careful of your eyebrows.
  

1. Obtain a suitable eyeliner. Guys will be more comfortable with a thicker eyeliner. It should be dark (preferably black) and lack any color tints, shiny, shimmery elements, pastels or frosts.
   
2. Check for allergic reactions by testing a small unnoticeable area first. Under your forearm or on your stomach is a good place to test it. If you experience weeping or a rash, do not use. Seek out a new eyeliner, possibly one with different base ingredients or a hypoallergenic eyeliner.
   
3. Draw a bold line along the base area of your eye. Be sure that the eyeliner does not "glob" or becomes too concentrated in one area. Draw a bold line along the upper eyelid.
   
4. Smudge it. Guys are not looking for perfection. Rather, guys are looking for dramatic effect. The smudges are what give "guy-liner" a rockstar look. Neat eyeliner on men tends to look creepy, not cool.
   
5. Smudge black eyeshadow over the eyelids. This can extend as far as the eyebrow if desired, but this step is only optional. This works well if you are a guy that likes to stand out at concerts.
   
6. Get eye-makeup remover. You need to take that stuff off each night before you sleep, or it will be all over the pillow and fogging up your eyes. Remove it each night with a gentle remover and wash off the cleaner.
   

• If you like the pale look, you can put on pale face-paint before you do the eyeliner.
  
• Apply any other eye makeup after putting on the eyeliner.
  
• Clown make-up works very well.
  
• The more imperfect this make up looks, the better. This is the guy style.
  
• Examples to copy from include Jared Leto (30 Seconds To Mars), Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance), Davey Havok, Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy), Ryan Ross (Panic! at the Disco), Brendon Urie (Panic! At the Disco), Brandon Flowers (The Killers) and Johnny Depp à la pirate.
  
• Get some self-sharpening eyeliner its a little more expensive but its worth it
  

• Don't borrow eyeliners. Infections are easily transferred, not to mention running the risk of using something you are allergic to.
  

1. Go slowly. If you suddenly leave the house one day in black fishnets, a Sisters of Mercy t-shirt, loads of eyeliner, a tattered skirt and Demonia boots when yesterday you were dressing prim and conservative, your parents will be caught off-gaurd, and may have good reason to flip. Try just a black shirt and pants/skirt for a couple weeks, then maybe add normal stockings, move on to fishnets, and so on. If you ease into it slowly, chances are she won't be as surprised (and perhaps disconcerted).
   
2. If you've tried hiding your goth leanings from your parents because you just know they won't understand, but suddenly find that you've been caught, explain your side of things rationally. It's you that has to be seen in public like this, not your mom or dad. Why does it bother them? Didn't they try any alternative life-styles when they were young? By all means, do not start yelling, shouting or screaming. However, it is also best not to bee too keen to compromise; you have your right to your own lifestyle, as they do theirs.
   
3. Try to disassociate your gothiness from any particular religious leanings as best you can, though this may be hard given the religious imagery often used in all things goth. Though Satanism is not, of course, associated with the goth scene, the 'rents may not know this. Try to explain as calmly as possible.
   
4. Don't hang out with "bad people" and expect your parents not to worry. Do your new gothy friends smoke/drink/do drugs? Can you blame your parents for being scared? They are right, if this happens.
   
5. Buy a thin black (floor length, preferably) jacket. Wear a bright colored shirt so mom doesn't think a bad thought at all, but put the jacket on when you go out. Your mom won't think about it twice, but you'll be in all black.
   
6. Eyeliner is okay to apply in front of you parents (if you're a girl), but if you want the "overboard" look, wait till you're outside.
   
7. Try to make your mom buy black clothes for you, but don't dress "all-black" too often. That's when your mom will flip out and she'll never buy any more clothes for you.
   
8. Don't dive straight into a Gothic lifestyle. Your parents might think you are going through a phase or have been put under too much pressure if you immediately start wearing black make-up and want to dye your hair black.
   

• Bring your clothes to school with you and get dressed there.
  
• Bring spare eyeliner and a mirror with you so you can add more when you are out.
  
• Dressing Goth does not make you superior in any way to other people. Keep that in mind. It's not okay to treat others badly just because they don't dress the way you do lest you gain the common "Gothier than Thou"syndrome
  
• Try not to hide it from your parents. Hiding it only reinforces the idea that there is something wrong with doing it. If you want to dress goth, dress goth.
  
• Don't dress goth because your friends do it, or for any other reasons other than your own personal preferences. Do it because you like how it looks. Never be anything that you're unhappy with.For goth sake do put meaning within your wardrobe and do not give in to post-modern corporatism
  
• You do not have to dress goth to listen to goth music.
  
• The best way to start out is to wear things with deep ironic or satirical meaning, but not black. Eventually start wearing darker clothes (purple, blue) and shirt your way to wearing black. Take everything one step at a time.
  
• If you find that you like both the Goth style and lighter things, that's okay. Goth is about being less label, more original.
  
• If your parents seriously flip out, lay off for a little. Pressing things now will just make all your lives harder in the future. (This is good general advice).
  
• Go very easy on the makeup at first, then when your parents and people around you get used to it you can use black lipstick and anything else you don't usually do.
  
• You don't have to wear too much makeup. Try to focus of one thing at a time. If you want dark lips then don't wear eye makeup, and if you want to emphasize your eyes, don't wear lipstick.
  
• A good thing to do if you have dark makeup, is to put your hair out of your eyes. Like a messy bun type thing. Use a few pairs of chopsticks to hold it in place (it's very quick so you can do it in school)
  
• Don't be afraid to wear bright colors! Even certain shades of pink can look goth if you do it right.
  
• Don't make any permanent body modifications unless your completely sure you want them. Even a hair cut isn't necessary. Be creative, use hair crocodile clip things to make your hair look really cool. Your hair does not have to be black!
  

• Only get piercings and tattoos from qualified professionals. You could contract illnesses (including HIV-AIDS!) if you attempt this yourself or allow someone else that really doesn't know what they're doing.
  
• DO NOT GO OVERBOARD. This results in a bad look and ticked off parents and peers.
  
• Don't yak about being goth, as it will make you seem like a "poser" if you tell everyone you meet. It's alright to say "yes" if asked, though.
  
• Don't be shy about your new look, express it to everyone you can, and get their feelings toward it. Parents excluded.
  
• Don't assume that your parents won't like it or will freak out. Some parents are a lot cooler than you think.
  
• Grandparents will probably not be so eager to accept your style as parents, as they have older ideas.
  
• Don't over do anything, take it slowly and easy and you'll be okay!
  
• Don't be goth just because of others. You need to feel that this is the right life style, and remember people will stare.
  
• Don't reveal too much skin.
  

• A large backpack for hiding clothes, jewelry, etc.
  
• Brighter Gothic clothes (dark purple, navy blue, etc.) So you have something to fall back on if you get into trouble.
  

• How to Be Goth
  
• How to Be Dark
  
• How to Do Goth Makeup
  
• How to Apply Corpsepaint
  

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1. Dress the part. Though it isn't mandatory, fashion is a big part of Goth Subculture. If you're interested in 'looking' Goth, then do a little bit of research on the topic. There's more to the fashion than just wearing black! There are many different styles of Gothic clothing. If you choose to dress in Gothic fashion, then find a style that suits who you are! Prominent gothic styles include 80's/old-school Goth, Corporate Goth, Cybergoth, Romantigoth (Romantic-Goth), and among many others. Make sure you do not use costume face paint, it looks horrible! Also, don't just copy a look, make it your own, combine elements of different styles, trying to be unique is a huge part of being Goth. You don't need to change all your clothes at the same time.
   
2. Listen to gothic music. Try a bit of Dark ambient, Darkwave, Electronic Body Music (EBM), Futurepop, Gothic rock, Industrial rock, Post-punk, or Synthpop. All are forms of Gothic-type or 'dark' music. Do some research about music that is part of Goth subculture. For starters, learn the basic sound of goth is. It tends to be very ambient, but though many confuse it, heavy metal isn't exactly gothic or artists such as Marilyn Manson, Slipknot, or Evanescence. But, listen to whatever you enjoy! That's the most important part of being goth by staying true to yourself.



3. Learn as much as you can. Start learning facts about Goth subculture on Peter Scathe's A History of Goth. This website will tell you everything about the subculture. Also, Please be honest if you don't know something that is related to the Goth subculture and do not pretend that you do know. Don't feel embarrassed in admitting that you do not know something. Remember that not even Elder Goths know everything.
   
4. Start Reading. Many Goths love to read. Books are produced to be read, so read them! Suggested authors include Anne Rice, Bram Stoker, Christopher Marlowe, Edgar Allan Poe, Lord Byron, Mary Shelley, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Storm Constantine, Ellen Schreiber, Stephanie Meyer, Melissa Marr and The Brontë sisters. But you can read some books that are from different authors and you don't have to read books from authors that are suggested here. A lot of goths like sci-fi or fantasy, but don't read something you're not interested in. Goths would rather learn about what you are interested in than discuss something you clearly only read to 'look goth'!
   
5. Go to other stores. There are stores out there other than Hot Topic! You can find some clothes that look incredibly gothy at many 'normal' stores.
   
   1. • There are numerous good-quality brands which produce specifically gothic clothing.
      • Develop the Attitude. Think deep thoughts try to avoid being a shallow person. If someone is giving you trouble then just walk away and don't be violent. Goths tend to be non-violent. Accept people for who they are and never criticize them on their musical taste or politics or whatever. Don't feel depressed all the time, smile and be polite toward normal people. Try to become more 'aware' of things; texture, light, color, sound.
        
      • Go to clubs. If you do decided to go to a Goth club then be prepared to have a very different experience from your normal life. Gothic clubs are where people come to be able to freely talk and express their feelings about post-modern society. The topics up for discussion may be ones that you consider taboo or inappropriate, as may be the actions.
        
      • Try to buy some magazines. There are some dark themed magazines that give you lots of information that are related to Goth subculture. Dark themed magazines are Asleep by Dawn Magazine, Deathrock Magazine, Drop Dead Magazine, and Gothic Beauty. Those magazines can give you good ideas and inspirations on outfits. Also, some interesting articles about music.
        
      • Have Fun. Don't force yourself to follow these guides that you forget about enjoying yourself. Remember that true goths don't live by 'rules' of society. Also, nowadays many goths are so concerned about impressing other goths (ex. showing that they know everything about the Goth subculture) that they forget about enjoying themselves. Do what makes you happy for example if you love listening to rap songs then go ahead listen to rap songs.
        
   
   
   Tips
   
   • Stay with your old friends. They don't have to be goth. Keep it varied. Keep in mind, however, that some of your friends may find the new you to be offensive or just too strange and may stop hanging out with you. Not all of your friends will appreciate your gothic life choices.
     
   • Don't listen to a band you don't simply like just because they're gothic. On the same note, don't limit yourself to just gothic music. Just because your favourite artist is a pop or hip-hop artist, it doesn't mean you should stop listening to them!
     
   • Psychologists have noticed that gothic youths tend to be more intelligent than the average young person and go on to become adults with very technical, complicated, creative and high paying jobs.
     
   • If other goths call you a poser, and you think they're right, try asking for their help instead of being mad. It might seem like you're trying too hard, too quickly.
     
   • Join any sport or extra curricular activity you enjoy, enjoying these things does not and will not change a gothic lifestyle.
     
   • If you're not white and pale, you are not prevented from joining the gothic lifestyle. Dark or sallow skin does not preclude looking like a consumptive poet or member of the undead, and you can carry off the kind of dark looks your paler peers will envy. Not having black hair doesn't matter either.
     
   • A few people in the goth scene are into witchcraft or vampirism. You also aren't required to convince anyone that you're a vampire, but if this is what you want to do, then you can if you like. You don't have to be, but at least be tolerant of those that are. There are plenty of Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Pagans etc. within the gothic community, so you are allowed to believe in whatever you like.
     
   • A good history of the early goth/punk/industrial scene, as well as creepy one shots can be found in RE/Search publications.
     
   • Consider Europe. Goth is still taken seriously there, the magazines are good, and the German festival Wave Gotik Treffen is the best industrial, experimental, goth event going.
     
   • Don't obsess about yourself. Being a Goth does not make you worthy of attention, and phony Goths (who abound) are often looked down upon not because they are different but because they are divorced from reality.
     
   • Wearing the stereotypical thick make-up and piercings is a personal preference, not a requirement.
     
   • Some classical items of Gothic clothing are combat boots, torn t-shirts, mini skirts, fishnet tights, striped tights, sweeping dresses and mini dresses for the ladies. For the guys torn t-shirts, combat boots, band tees, dark trousers and studed belts.
     
   
   
   Warnings
   
   • Many people will label you strange sorts of(e.g., self-mutilation, Satanism or homosexual/bi-sexual).
     
   • If someone asks, "Are you a goth?", it is acceptable to either say "yes" or ignore the question, sarcastic remarks are also okay, but do not be too mean or nobody will want to be your friend. However, it is highly frowned upon to go about announcing that you're a goth without being asked. It's also rather entertaining to say "No." and watch their reactions. Most 'real' goths are very modest about their goth credibility.
     Much of society will view you as different, which may be why you decided to become gothic. If you can't handle this, maybe the gothic lifestyle isn't for you.
     Goth has always had a bad reputation among the mainstream, so try to keep that in mind.
     Don't go overboard! Trying too hard will give the impression that you're a poser: a disgrace in any rock subculture.
     There are those in the Goth scene that are just as closed minded and prejudiced as those outside of it. Don't expect that every Goth you meet will be an open minded intellectual. Every crowd has its bad eggs.
     Dressing goth will not make you goth, you have to to be goth in the mental state. as well as other things
     Remember that goth is an ALTERNATIVE lifestyle. Homosexuals and Bisexuals are accepted, as well as pagans and people that just don't fit in normal society.
     Many members of the Gothic Community will look down on you for wearing the fashion lines or shopping at the stores listed above, as they see those options as "too commercial" and "selling-out." The best method to 'dressing Goth' is to make your own clothes (DIY).