What Style Means to Me as a 21st Century Goth

By Jade Rennick

Gothic culture originated in the 1980s, stemming from the post-punk musical genre. Icons such as Siouxsie Sioux from Siouxsie & The Banshees and Robert Smith from The Cure emerged from this decade, leading many who were interested in the subculture to dress like them and listen to the music they produced. 

At the beginning of the movement, goths could be identified by black clothing and coloured hair (which was usually black as well). Makeup was dark and precise. Thin, pointy eyebrows and thick eyeliner accentuated features. These simple style choices are what often inspires the gothic fashion and makeup looks we see today. 

The original gothic style has evolved with the subculture, and there has been the creation of new subcultures that are interconnected. Throughout the years, people have taken the gothic style and made it their own. New looks include coloured contacts, platform boots, tattoos, piercings, shaved eyebrows, big jewellery, and ripped fishnets or other articles of clothing. Nowadays people have a looser idea of what goth truly means. I think this is something very positive: it allows for more personal interpretation and expression.

I don’t remember the moment that I decided that I was okay with the goth label. Once I started dressing ‘differently’, for lack of a better term, it was something I was called by people in my life, but I didn’t exactly know what it meant. I’m not one for labels, but goth is a title that I feel fits me well. 

That being said, I wouldn’t be offended by an emo or punk label either. I think it’s very difficult to tell the difference, especially if you are someone who has had no contact with alternative people from any subculture. Besides, labels are basically unnecessary in this day and age. The most important thing is remaining authentically yourself, no matter what that looks like. 

My own personal style continues to develop every day. Although I wear black most of the time, sometimes I like to add splashes of white or red into my look as well. Platform boots have become a staple in many of my outfits, along with big jewelry and long belt chains. My makeup usually includes smokey eyeshadow, dark eyeliner and thin eyebrows. 

The reception of the gothic lifestyle is often spoken about negatively. Goths are obsessed with death. They worship Satan. They carry a negative attitude and hate their lives. These stereotypes have created roots in popular culture over the years. Many people believe them without a second thought. 

All these cliches result in a generalisation of the subculture, which is very damaging for individuals who are a part of it. We are not all the same, nor should we constantly be associated with pessimistic views and intentions.

I work as a retail sales associate, and I am lucky enough to have a lenient dress code and a supportive management team. I choose not to change my style when I go to work; it does not impact the way I do my job. I often get commentary on my style from co-workers and customers. For the most part it’s always been a positive experience, whether it be in the form of a compliment or a curious question. 

Unfortunately, I’ve received negative comments too. But I’ve reached the point in my life where they have begun to amuse me. I don’t style myself to get approval from anyone else, so I don’t think much about cynical opinions. Of course, I don’t believe it is appropriate for people to make rude commentary based on someone else’s appearance, but I also think it’s important to develop a thick skin in social environments, no matter if you consider yourself alternative or not. You can’t necessarily control the way people perceive you, but you can control your actions and the way you carry yourself. 

What does my style mean to me? Although my gothic style is only a very small part of who I am, it makes me happy. For me, experimentation and freedom of expression are extremely important. My style gives me a creative outlet and makes me feel confident. I’ve never been the traditional type, so having an abstract way of presenting myself to other people has allowed me to feel more comfortable in my own skin and overall has positively impacted me as both an artist and a human being.