Image via Complex Original
When street goths look for style inspiration, they usually can find new insights on Tumblr, on the runways of labels like Rick Owens and Alexandre Plokhov, or in the 'fits of celebs who have been known to rock the look, like A$AP Rocky or Kanye West. But a big omission street goths make is not looking back at the true source of this now widely-known trend—actual goths.
Gothic art and architecture date back to the 12th century, while gothic fiction gained popularity in the 18th century. There were also the kids in high school who were clearly the goths. And while it may seem unlikely, a lot of them can offer inspiration and advise on how to nail the street goth look. Now we're not saying you should wear make-up or the wool frocks of the Medieval Ages, but there are definitely real life lessons to be gleaned from these guys. If you're looking for ways to inject freshness into your shadowy 'fit, these are Street Goth Style Tips You Can Learn From Actual Goths.
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An element of luxury can take you from all-black-everything punk to street goth gawd.
The goth: Uncle Fester
Occupation: Electricity generator
Height of style: Mid-'60s
Uncle Fester constantly had on a floor-length fur coat with a dope collar, which only looked even more plush in contrast with his pale domepiece.
Go oversize with your silhouette and get your drizzy drape on.
The goth: Russian Orthodox priest
Occupation: Priest
Height of style: 13th century - 2013
While these priests aren't technically goth, we've definitely seen this look at NYFW before. The sick beard and soul-penetrating gaze are bonuses. The gnarled walking stick is to smack the haters who simply can't comprehend your next-level look.
When in doubt, go all-black and all-leather everything.
The goth: Marilyn Manson
Occupation: Rockstar
Height of style: Late '90s
It might make you hot and cranky, but that'll only lend itself to your brooding aesthetic.
Mixing in contrasting white details can give a fresh spin to all-murdered-out-everything.
The goth: Horace Walpole
Occupation: Writer; Politician; Art historian
Height of style: Late 18th century
Somtimes the all-black look needs a rest, but since street goths are allergic to color, infusing some snow-white items can give a refreshing update to your merked-out 'fit. Horace Walpole, the innovator of gothic fiction, did this with lacy shirt cuffs; We advise you do it with an extra-longe white tee or coke-white kicks.
Layering properly is the key to any good street goth look.
The goth: Man in "American Gothic"
Occupation: Farmer
Height of style: 1930
Even though there's probably enough color in Grant Wood's painting to make your standard street goth explode with horror, this farmer knows how to layer. Band collar shirt under overalls under an inky blazer? Take notes.
Street goth can be injected into most areas of dress, including your formalwear.
The goth: Lurch
Occupation: Butler
Height of style: Mid-'60s
Just remember the three Ds: Dark, drapey, and difficult to copy.
Cryptic religious iconography will always send the right Illuminati-esque message.
The goth: Adam Lambert
Occupation: Singer
Height of style: 2012
We don't advise using eyeliner, though.
Be weird.
The goth: Jan Polack
Occupation: Artist
Height of style: Late 15th century
We're all for people getting weird no matter what their personal sense of style is. It's a mindset and look that requires bravery and not giving a fuck, as exhibited by Jan Polack's crazy hat.
Peep Poe rocking a v. somber 'fit with the mid-layer buttoned Cholo-style so his crisp white tee isn't ignored.
The goth: Edgar Allan Poe
Occupation: Writer
Height of style: Early to mid-19th century
If the trillness of your street goth outfit distracts people from your pedophile 'stache, then you're doing it right.
No matter how dark and gothic your style is, people will love you for your gentle temperament and honest morality.
The goth: Edward Scissorhands
Occupation: Barber
Height of style: 1990
Even if any lady who appreciates a wound-free 'gina would go nowhere near Edward Scissorhands' outfit, dude still gets the girl in the end because of who he is on the inside. This just goes to show that, even if people may peg you as a brooding, angsty demon, you can prove them wrong with kindness and generosity.
