Buzz
Gothic style gets glamorous!
Zoonar/ThinkstockFor those unafraid of the dark, mainstream fashion is taking a fascinating turn — in a brooding, mysterious direction. Gothic elements are pervasive, and if you admire the elegant, Victorian aesthetic, you don’t need black lipstick or numerous piercings to embrace the trend.
Hollywood is amplifying the gothic craze with hits like *The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo* and the *Twilight* saga. If you’ve long been drawn to the rich fabrics, bold metallic details, and delicate lace of gothic attire, this could be your moment to stand out. Discover five gothic fashion trends dominating runways and proving that darkness can be strikingly stylish.
5: Say it with Leather
Leather is this season's most versatile and stylish fabric, making waves in both gothic and mainstream fashion. While it’s a favorite for shoes and accessories, this year calls for adding a leather skirt and over-the-knee boots to your wardrobe.
Gothic fashion enthusiasts understand how a leather bustier can elevate a black lace blouse to irresistible heights. This year, wide leather corset belts are widely available, perfect for adding flair to everyday outfits. Leather is also making its mark on blazer sleeves, collars, and striking outerwear designs. If you haven’t yet experienced the luxurious appeal of black leather, now is the time to dive in.
Black fishnet stockings are a must for enhancing the authenticity and energy of your gothic look. Designers in Paris and New York are showcasing how fishnets create a textured contrast with buckled booties. They also pair stunningly with red heels, especially in an all-black ensemble.
4: Asian Gothic
The coat showcased at the Proenza Schouler runway event features distinct Asian-inspired elements in its design.
Edward James/WireImage/Getty ImagesAnime heroines are not only inspiring young girls but also shaping fashion trends. This season, Asian gothic touches were prominent on the red carpet. Take, for instance, Proenza Schouler’s bold collection, which blends ceremonial warrior aesthetics with intricate, stylized patterns. If you’re intrigued by the idea of pairing Asian artistry with classic black attire, explore historical influences and incorporate traditional Asian elements into your gothic wardrobe.
3: The Cape
For those who love dramatic flair, capes are set to dominate this year’s fashion scene. Options range from oversized, structured, and floor-length designs to shorter, flowing styles. Leather accents on capes and outerwear are particularly popular, offering a modern, tailored look in some designs and a distinctly Victorian vibe in others. The possibilities are endless.
2: Emphasize Your Eyebrows
Embrace this trend with creative eye decorations.
Purestock/ThinkstockWhile enhancing your eyes is essential, don’t overlook your eyebrows. Runway trends are showcasing bold eyebrow embellishments using glitter, sequins, and crystals. Dramatic eyebrows create a striking effect, especially when paired with dark hair and monochromatic outfits. If piercings aren’t your style, consider experimenting with eyebrow accents. Prada recently embraced this look in Milan, and you might find it equally appealing.
1: Gold Gothic and More
Gothic fashion transcends the color black, incorporating subtle, storytelling motifs—often eerie or dark—to elevate an outfit’s appeal. Marchesa exemplified this in her fall 2012 collection with stunning gold designs. Georgina Chapman’s intricately crafted gold and silver ensembles blended femininity with macabre details like skeletons, subtly showcasing gothic influences. Imagine a spider nestled in a delicate teacup—unexpected and unsettling, yet captivating.
Marchesa wasn’t alone in weaving gothic elements into her designs. Vera Wang introduced spiderweb-patterned fabrics in her sheaths and incorporated jeweled chainmail into her eveningwear, adding a touch of dark allure to her creations.
