Okay, so I’ve been seeing “trad goth” looks popping up all over my feed lately, mostly on girls. But then I stumbled upon “male trad goth” and, like, mind blown. It’s not just fishnets and eyeliner, dudes! It’s a whole vibe, and I had to try it.
Phase 1: The Deep Dive (aka Obsessive Research)
First, I scoured the internet. I mean, hours. Pinterest boards, Tumblr blogs, random articles…you name it, I probably looked at it. I needed to figure out what makes a “trad goth” guy trad. It’s not just throwing on a black shirt and calling it a day.
I quickly realized that it needed some key elements:
- Black, duh. But not just any black. We’re talking different textures, maybe some subtle patterns.
- Shirts: Lots of button-downs, sometimes with ruffles or a slightly Victorian feel. Band tees are okay, but they gotta be the right bands.
- Pants: Black jeans, definitely. But also maybe some dressier black trousers. Fit is key – not too baggy, not skin-tight.
- Jackets: Long coats, leather jackets (but not too biker-y), maybe a velvet blazer if you’re feeling fancy.
- Shoes: Boots! Docs, combat boots, creepers…anything with a bit of a chunky sole.
- Accessories: Silver jewelry, maybe a cross or two, rings, belts…but don’t overdo it.
- Hair: Some guys had it long, some short, often with some kind of styling.
Phase 2: Raiding My Closet (and Maybe Buying a Few Things)
I started by looking at what I already owned. Turns out, I had a few things that could work. A black button-down shirt, some black jeans that weren’t totally faded, and a pair of old Docs that I’d forgotten about. Score!
But I definitely needed some more pieces. I hit up a few thrift stores, you know, trying to be budget-conscious. I found a surprisingly cool long black coat – it’s got this slightly worn look that’s perfect. Also snagged a couple of darker band tees that fit the aesthetic.
And yes, I may have splurged a little on a new pair of boots. But hey, they’re an investment, right?
Phase 3: Putting It All Together (and Feeling a Little Awkward)
Okay, so this was the tricky part. I tried on a few different combinations. First, the button-down with the jeans and Docs. It felt…okay. Like a good starting point, but not quite there.
Then I added the long coat. Better! It added that dramatic flair I was looking for. I could style my hair differently to make my overall look more in line with what I was going for.
I experimented with adding a silver chain and a couple of rings. It’s all about finding the right balance – you don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard, but you also don’t want to look like you just rolled out of bed.
I walked around my apartment for a while, trying to get used to the look. Honestly, I felt a little self-conscious at first. It’s definitely a bolder style than I usually go for.
Phase 4: The Verdict (and Future Plans)
After wearing the outfit around the house for a bit, and tweaking a few things, I think I nailed it. It is a cool and unique look for me!
It’s definitely a look I’ll be rocking again. Maybe not every day, but for certain occasions? Absolutely. I might even invest in a velvet blazer next. Or some more boots. Who am I kidding, I’m definitely getting more boots.
So, yeah, that’s my “male trad goth” journey. It was fun, a little challenging, and definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. If you’re thinking about trying it, I say go for it! Just be prepared to spend some time finding the right pieces and figuring out what works for you.
