Okay, so I’ve been wanting to nail that “trad goth” look for a while now. It’s not just about throwing on any black clothes, you know? There’s a vibe, a history to it. So I decided to really do it, document the whole process, mess-ups and all.
Digging Through the Closet (and the Internet)
First, I rummaged through my closet. I already have a decent amount of black, but was I goth enough? Probably not. I had some basic black skirts, a few fishnet tops I’d impulse-bought, and a pair of boots that were almost there.
Then, I hit the internet. Lots of scrolling through images, trying to figure out the key elements. I noticed a few things that kept popping up:
- Lots of layers. Think lace, velvet, fishnet, all piled on.
- Specific shapes. Flowy skirts, tight tops, maybe a corset if you’re feeling brave.
- Accessories are key. Crosses, chokers, silver jewelry, the works.
- Makeup is a must. Pale skin, dark eyes, dark lips. The classic goth look.
The First Attempt (and the Failures)
My first try? Kinda rough. I put on a black skater skirt, a black band t-shirt (which, in retrospect, isn’t very trad goth), and the fishnet top. I added my boots and a simple cross necklace. I even attempted some dark eye makeup, but it ended up looking more “raccoon” than “romantic undead.”
I looked in the mirror. Nope. Not quite there. Too…casual? Too much band tee, not enough drama.
Tweaking and Trying Again
So, I swapped the band tee for a black lace top I found buried in the back of my drawer. Much better! I layered a long, black, flowy cardigan over it. Still felt a bit plain, so I dug out a wide, black belt with a silver buckle to cinch in my waist and add some shape.
The makeup needed work. I watched a few YouTube tutorials (thank goodness for those!). I learned that blending is key. Seriously. My first attempt was all harsh lines. This time, I spent more time softening the edges of the eyeshadow, and it made a huge difference.
I added a darker lipstick – a deep burgundy instead of the almost-black I tried before. I also found some silver rings and a more elaborate cross necklace to complete the style.
The (Almost) Final Result
Okay, this was closer. The layers felt right, the silhouette was good, and the accessories helped pull it all together. The makeup was still a bit shaky, but definitely an improvement.
I took some photos (because, documentation!). I still see things I want to improve – maybe find a better skirt, invest in a real corset, practice that eyeliner – but it felt like a solid first step into the trad goth world. It’s a process, a journey, not just a costume. And I’m kind of excited to keep exploring it.
