Okay, so, “Catholic Gothic Fashion.” I’ve always been drawn to the darker, more dramatic side of things, and I’ve seen this aesthetic popping up all over my Pinterest and Instagram feeds. So, I decided, why not give it a shot myself? It’s not like I’m a stranger to black clothing, right?
First, I scoured my closet. I already had a bunch of black clothes, but I needed to figure out what pieces could actually work for this. I pulled out a long, black, lace-trimmed skirt that I’d gotten at a thrift store ages ago, and a black velvet top that I usually wear around the holidays. I also found a pair of chunky, black boots that I thought could add the right kind of “gothic” vibe.
Next, I needed some accessories. I didn’t want to go full-on costume-y, though, you know? I wanted something that felt a little more everyday-wearable. I dug through my jewelry box and found a silver cross necklace my grandma gave me. It’s a little tarnished, but I think that adds to the look. I also found a rosary-style beaded necklace, and some simple silver rings.
The Experiment
I tried on the skirt and top together. Okay, not bad! It definitely felt dark and a little romantic. I added the cross necklace, and that instantly gave it more of that “Catholic” influence I was going for. The rosary necklace, though, felt a little too much, so I left that out.
The boots were perfect. They grounded the whole look and made it feel less precious. I added a black, wide-brimmed hat I had lying around, just to see how it looked. Okay, maybe a little extra, but I kind of liked it!
- First Attempt: Skirt, top, cross necklace, boots. This felt like a good starting point.
- Second Attempt: Added the hat. More dramatic, but maybe too much for everyday.
- Third Attempt: Swapped the velvet top for a black, fitted turtleneck. This felt more streamlined and modern.
I wore the skirt/turtleneck/boots/necklace combo out to a coffee shop, and I actually got a couple of compliments! I felt pretty good about it. It was definitely a statement, but it didn’t feel like I was trying too hard, which is always a risk with these kinds of things.
So, yeah, my little Catholic Gothic fashion experiment? I’d say it was a success! It was fun to play around with different pieces and see what worked. I definitely plan to keep incorporating some of these elements into my everyday style. It’s all about finding that balance between dramatic and wearable, you know?
