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…The name was bad, I know. I chose it exclusively because I view Goth as the mother of all subcultures. The subculture to outlast them all, if you will. Regardless, this right here is probably the most complex subculture I have attempted to explain yet. There is absolutely no way that I can both explain every single facet of Gothic culture and stay within my required word limit, but never-you-fear, dear reader.
This subculture, unlike many of its modern counterparts, began in the 18th century, with the movement of romanticism. Known for its shadowy aesthetic and macabre demeanor, Goth draws its influences from the gothic trends of yesteryear. Goth style did not initially begin as exclusively a fashion trend. It began as a lifestyle. It continues to be a lifestyle. Architecture, art, literature, fashion… you name an aspect of civilization and there’s probably a gothic version somewhere.
The Subgenres
There is a reason, for sure, that I refer to Goth as the mother of all subcultures. This would be because of the insane expansive web of different types of goth that any given person could be. For example, as pictured above from left to right: Neo-Victorian Goth, Modern Goth, and Cyberpunk Goth.
Three distinct styles, but all under the blanket of “Goth”. Rather than overload you with every single type of Goth that you could be, how about I gently introduce you to a few of them and then give you some terms to explore?
We begin with the aforementioned Cyberpunk Goth, or Cybergoth. Unlike its counterparts, Cybergoth style tends to draw from a different color palette, including bright flashes of neon and post apocalyptic inspired clothing pieces, making for an overall energetic and intensified version of the goth experience.
Modern Goth is, very simply, just that. Taking modern styles, aesthetics, and fashion trends and simply adding a touch of the macabre with the dark color palette. Modern Goths are unfortunately frequently mistaken for Emos, but as I made clear in my first blog post this is not the case. The music, art, lifestyle, and general execution is entirely different despite the multiple similarities in general style. Often popular among those who lead lives where the more out-there fashions are unacceptable, Modern Goth is a look that is stylish and generally accessible.
The Hippie Goth is a style that is often overlooked, but is honestly one of my personal favorites. Obviously drawing its influences from the boho fashion popularized by the free love movement in the 60s, it involves flowy or natural looking clothing, loose hair, moderate jewelry and a care-free attitude. There are, obviously, many many many more styles of goth, but below I have included a general list for those who might be curious.
~ Trad (or traditional) Goth
~ Romantic Goth
~ Victorian/Neo-Victorian Goth
~ Vampire Goth
~ Tribal Goth
~ Pastel Goth
~ Casual Goth
My Personal Experience
Now- I myself have not personally dabbled in the lovely macabre influences of Gothic culture, but I have tested the style out on several occasions. Sometimes you just have a Goth friend that wants to make you look like a little bat and you say yes and it’s all okay. The example I have for you today, however, was my own attempt at a more undead-goth inspired look. Not too shabby if you ask me, but I’m not actually Goth so I’m not really an expert on the subject.
It may not have been a great attempt, but here’s the thing; It didn’t have to be. The wonderful thing about Goth, and all of her spin-offs, is that with such variety in a subculture there’s no one who can’t participate at least a little. Unlike Emo, the subculture is based less in how you feel emotionally and expressing that, and more on expressing the type of life that you lead and the media that you like to consume. Always having it with you, and always having a conversation piece on you so that when someone asks you about it you can talk to them for three hours non-stop.
The Globe Wardrobe 