Okay, so I’ve been diving deep into the world of gothic medieval fashion lately, and let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride! I wanted to share my whole process, from the initial spark of interest to actually putting together some looks.
Getting Started: The Inspiration Phase
First, I scoured the internet for some references. You know, just getting a general feel for the aesthetic. I looked at a ton of paintings, illustrations, and even some historical reenactment photos.
- I started with basic searches like “medieval clothing” and “gothic fashion.”
- Then I refined my search, looking specifically for things like “14th-century dresses” or “gothic architectural details in clothing.” That last one really helped!
- I created a huge mood board, literally just a bunch of images that I felt captured the vibe I was going for. Dark colors, dramatic silhouettes, pointed details, and heavy fabrics… you get the idea.

Digging Deeper: Research, Research, Research!
Next, I felt like I needed a bit more grounding. It wasn’t enough to just look at pretty pictures. I wanted to understand why things looked the way they did.
- I read some articles about the history of medieval fashion. It’s amazing how much social status and even laws dictated what people wore!
- I learned about the different types of fabrics that were common – lots of wool, linen, and velvet (if you were fancy!).
- I discovered all these cool terms, like “houppelande” (a big, flowing robe) and “wimple” (a head covering). It’s like learning a whole new language!
Experimenting: Trying Things Out (and Failing Sometimes!)
Now for the fun part – actually trying to recreate some of these looks! This is where things got messy (in a good way, mostly).

- I started by hitting up some thrift stores. It’s amazing what you can find! I scored a long, black velvet skirt that was perfect.
- I tried to modify some existing clothes. For example, I added some pointed sleeves to a plain black dress. It… didn’t exactly go as planned, but hey, that’s part of the process, right?
- I experimented with layering. A long-sleeved shirt under a sleeveless dress, a cloak over everything… it’s all about building up that dramatic silhouette.
Putting It All Together: Creating My Own Gothic Medieval Looks
Finally, I felt confident enough to start putting together some complete outfits.
- My favorite look so far involves that thrifted velvet skirt, a tight-fitting black top, and a long, hooded cloak. I added a silver pendant with a gothic-style cross to complete the look.
- I’ve also been playing around with different hairstyles. Braids, buns, and even just letting my hair hang loose – it all depends on the specific outfit.
- I’m still learning, and I’m definitely not a professional, but it’s been so much fun exploring this style. It’s like stepping back in time, but with a modern twist!
So, that’s my journey into gothic medieval fashion so far. I hope this inspires you to try something new, too! It is not that hard and can be a lot of fun!