Okay, so I’ve been getting really into gothic fashion lately, specifically for guys. It’s not just about throwing on a black t-shirt and calling it a day. There’s, like, a whole vibe to it. I wanted to try it out and see if I could pull it off, and document the whole messy process.
Phase 1: The Deep Dive (aka Pinterest Overload)
First, I spent, no joke, hours scrolling through Pinterest. I made a board, then another, then like five more. I was looking at everything – Victorian stuff, modern goth, cyberpunk-ish looks, even some romantic goth. It was a lot. I quickly learned there are a ton of sub-styles within gothic fashion. Overwhelming? Absolutely.
Phase 2: Baby Steps (aka My Closet is Boring)
Next, I looked at my own closet. Spoiler alert: it was mostly sad, beige, and very, very not gothic. I did have a few black t-shirts, some ripped jeans (accidentally ripped, not fashionably ripped), and a pair of boots that were kind of… combat-boot-adjacent. Not exactly a strong starting point.
Phase 3: The First Attempt (aka Disaster Zone)
My first attempt was… rough. I put on a black t-shirt, the ripped jeans, and the boots. I looked in the mirror and… yeah, I just looked like I was going to a casual barbecue, not a vampire’s ball. I tried adding a black hoodie. Still no. It was missing… something. Everything.
Phase 4: Accessorize! (aka The Power of a Necklace)
Back to Pinterest! I realized I needed accessories. I ordered a few things online – a simple silver chain with a cross pendant, a couple of rings (one with a skull, because why not?), and a black belt with a silver buckle. I also found a long, black, slightly-too-big-for-me coat at a thrift store. Score!
Phase 5: Putting it Together (aka Almost There?)
This time, I put on the black t-shirt, black jeans (I bought a new pair – intentionally ripped this time), the boots, and the thrift store coat. Then, I added the accessories. The chain, the rings, the belt. Okay, now we were getting somewhere! The coat made a huge difference – it gave the whole outfit a more dramatic, flowy feel. The accessories added that little bit of edge I was missing.
Phase 6: The Final Verdict (aka I Might Actually Like This)
I looked in the mirror again. This time, I didn’t cringe. I actually… kind of liked it? It wasn’t perfect, and I definitely felt a little self-conscious at first, but it was a start. I felt like I was expressing a different side of myself. I’m definitely going to keep experimenting with different pieces and styles. Maybe some darker eyeliner next time? We’ll see!
Phase7: what I tried.
- Layering: I learned that layering is key. A long-sleeved black shirt under a black t-shirt, or a vest over a button-down, adds depth and visual interest.
- Texture: Mixing textures is also important. Leather, velvet, lace, even denim – combining different materials keeps the all-black look from being boring.
- Shoes:Boots are a must.
It’s a journey, not a destination, right? Still figuring things out, but it’s been fun so far!
