Gothic Clothing, Fashion And Make-Up - How To Get The "Goth Look"!

Ask most people the question "What is Goth fashion" and the answer would probably contain the words "long black clothes", "eyeliner" and "vampires"!

But there's a LOT more to Goth fashion than that!

It's true that lots of Goths do tend to favour black, but this is often used as a base colour and contrasted with bright, bold colours for clothing, hair, make-up and accessories.



The term "Gothic Fashion" encompasses a broad range of styles and fabrics.

Gothic clothing can both hide the body shape with loose, flowing clothes and emphasise it with tight corsets and trousers. It can be severe and agressive with it's use of leather, PVC, studs, laces, buckles and zips and also delicate and sensual with luxurious fabrics such as velvet, lace and satin. Often the two extremes are combined.

There's no one "Goth look". There are no restrictions. Goths wear what they feel like wearing and freely experiment by mixing and matching until they achieve a look that they feel comfortable with.

Gothic fashion encompasses many distinct and diverse Goth styles, beliefs, cultures and lifestyles including Cyber Goths, Romantic Goths, Vampire Goths, Cabaret Goths and Aristocrat, Dandy, Medieval, Victorian, Edwardian and Steampunk fashion.

Goth fashion has no boundaries. It welcomes everyone on equal terms, regardless of gender, size or age.

It is diverse, stylish and individual - no-one makes a unique personal statement like a Goth...and that's what makes Gothic fashion so great!

Starting in the late 1970's and early 1980's, goth became not just a musical style but also a fashion movement, influenced by contemporary goth musicians such as Siouxsie & The Banshees, The Cure, Bauhaus, Southern Death Cult, The Damned, Sisters of Mercy, The Mission and Fields of the Nephilim.



The Cure

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The look was typified by elaborately back-combed "big hair" dyed jet black and sometimes shaved at the sides to form a wide "Mohican".

Skin was always deathly pale and early goths wore tight black clothes, pointed boots and lots of silver jewellery often using religious designs from early European and ancient Egyptian culture such as Coptic and Celtic crosses and Ankhs.

They teamed this with black leather biker jackets, skin-tight black jeans, mini skirts and T-shirts, black fishnet stockings and black sunglasses.

Some goths mixed elements of goth fashion with the New Romantic style, incorporating loose, white ruffled shirts and flowing scarves.

In the early 1990's , the media interest in goth music waned, but the goth subculture rooted in the goth clubs and independent record labels survived.

It was greatly boosted by a series of hit films with a "dark Gothic" feel such as "The Crow", "Edward Scissorhands" and "Interview With the Vampire" and this focused a great deal of new interest onto the goth scene.





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Since then goth fashion has evolved and diversified as new elements have been added to make an ecelctic mix of styles.

Many goths now wear clothes influenced by 18th or early 19th century fashion in fabrics such as silk, velvet and lace.

Combat trousers and chunky platform boots, striped tights and leggings and neon colours now mix with the traditional goth black base colour and styles have been incorporated from other subcultures such as Cyberpunk. Techno and the BDSM and fetish scene.

Hair now tends to be longer and straighter as the teased big hair look of the 1980's has given way to new ideas. Other styles such as brightly coloured hair extensions and pony tails are now part of the goth look, as are tattoos and body piercings.

For the uninitiated, the image of the "Vampire Goth" is stereotypical.

It's the popular image of goths...teenagers who eagerly soak up the latest vampire themed literature, films and TV series and walk around dressed like an extra from "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" or proclaiming that they're "in love" with characters from Stephenie Mayer's "Twilight" series!

But the roots of "Vampire Goth" go back much further than that.

The description "Gothic Fiction" was first used way back in the late 18th century to apply to a genre of literature that combines elements of both horror and romance.

Often referred to as "Gothick Horror", common themes are foggy graveyards, crumbling castles, remote haunted houses, attics, vampires, demons, evil monks, skeletons, hidden family secrets, virginal damsels in distress and a dashing romantic hero figure!

Many classics of literature fall into the "Gothic" category, such as Dracula, Frankenstein, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre , The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Phantom of the Opera, most of Edgar Allan Poe's work etc!

In more modern times, the popularity of this genre has continued with Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles and numerous other novels, series, films and TV shows along similar themes.






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Vampire Goths use a lot of the imagery and clothing styles used in Gothic Fiction/Gothick Horror.






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Vampire goths usually try to look like vampires - ranging from the beautiful to the grotesque.

Common fashion elements are primarily black clothing with red accents, cloaks, long, straight hair, pale, pale skin, long red fingernails, fangs and often the use of make-up to simulate blood.

For some, it's just fun to dress up...for others, it's more than that and the desire to "be" a vampire is real...

I've lumped quite a few related styles together here as they have generally common elements.

Generally speaking, this style includes genuine antique clothing or clothing inspired by historical styles.

It includes items such as formal gowns, corsets, bodices, petticoats, and bustles for women and suits with waistcoats, coats, spats and military uniforms for men.

Hats are worn by both genders.

Victorian and Edwardian goths often carry related accessories such as parasols, evening bags and walking canes.

Aristocrat/Madam styles include long sleeve blouses and shirts, long skirts, trousers and corsets that are styled similarly for men and women and are focused on androgyny and elegance.

Especially in the case of steampunk fashion, retro styles are frequently mixed with anachronisms with a modern material such as PVC clothing worn with antique flying goggles or a top hat etc.

If the default image of a goth is black//vampire/retro, then cyber goth can be considered the opposite end of the goth spectrum.

Cyber goths favour bright neon colours mixed with black clothing often made from reflective or shiny materials such as rubber or PVC to create a "futuristic" effect.

This is worn with huge platform shoes and boots and industrial and technical influenced accessories such as goggles, gas masks, medical masks and prosthetics.

Hair can be streaked with contrasting colours and hair extensions are often used which are usually brightly coloured and sometimes made of artificial materials such as plastic tubing, wool or electrical wire.

Make-up is futuristic and may incorporate fluorescent or metallic colours. Coloured contact lenses are used to give a cybernetic effect.

Many cyber goths have multiple body piercings and sometimes other forms of body modification.

"Lolita" fashion is BIG in Japan.

It originated in the 1970's and refers to a look that is inspired by Victorian children's clothing. Over time, the original "little girl" elements of Lolita fashion have been added to and several "Lolita subcultures" have developed.

Gothic Lolita fashion mixes the Japanese Lolita style with aspects of Gothic fashion.



In Gothic Lolita fashion, the clothes still consist of knee length skirts or dresses, blouses, layered petticoats, tights or knee length socks, rocking horse shoes or high heeled shoes or platform boots worn with headresses or hats, but these are in darker colours than other forms of Lolita fashion. Black, dark blue or purple with white accents are the norm.

Gothic Lolita accessories include jewellery based on religious symbols such as crosses and ankhs, with bags and purses in "morbid" shapes and designs such as coffins, skulls, bats etc. Frilly parasols and lace gloves and mittens in dark colours are often used.

Make up tends to be heavier and darker than other Lolita styles, with dark eyeliner, smokey eyes and red, purple or black lipstick used to provide a dramatic look.

Hair tends to be worn long and as Japanese hair is usually dark, it is often bleached, streaked or coloured to provide a contrast.

How to Do Goth Makeup
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit


Makeup can add a lot to your success as a Goth. This includes basic steps for characteristic Goth makeup.


Steps
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.

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.

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.
Lipstick- Lipstick shades that match your natural lip color are acceptable. You can also try bolder shades if you want to.

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.

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.

Focus on your eyes.
They are definitely an asset that you'll want to show off! There are a few things you need 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 colour out there!
* 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.

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 dark red lips. 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 mandatory.

Highlight your cheekbones
Light pink looks great, but make sure its subtle and matches your skin tone. Translucent powder can be applied to the top of your cheekbones to emphasize them.

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.

Tips
If you do not have very full eye lashes, then the wrong mascara can make your situation worse, not better. Use a plumping mascara, and an eyelash curler if you're unhappy with plain mascara.

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.

Warnings
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.

How to Apply Eyeliner (Men)
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Defining a guys' eyes is slightly different from adding eyeliner on a woman. For a guy, you are aiming for more of a standout effect rather than a beautifying one that the gals are seeking. Here are some suggestions for adding eyeliner to a guy's face. This is especially suitable for Goths or fans of certain bands.


Steps

* 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.

* 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.

* 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.

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.

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.

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.

Tips

* 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

Warning

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

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