The word “goth” and “gothic” has been literally slain by mass media. These days, it means striped tights, mesh, and a metric ton of black eyeliner. If you’d like to read confessions of a mainstream goth turned fashion pro, check out this article by Gala Darling.
This is not so!
Gothic is a term used to describe the most beautiful architecture, literature, and romance of the medieval times. If you want to go way back, the Goths was a Germanic tribe in the 3rd and 4th century! That isn’t exactly what I’m going for, so you can just toss that into the ol’ trivia vault.
The “gothic” I love is tied closely with the beautiful imagery and passion of authors like Lord Byron, Mary Shelley (have you heard of Frankenstein?), and the inspiring Victorian gothic writer, Edgar Allen Poe (you may have heard of him?).
Just for a frame of reference, here’s one of the pieces I’m referring to by Lord Byron called “She Walks in Beauty”:
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow’d to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
Does that not totally inspire a beautiful, soft, delicate but slightly mysterious presence? I’m so romanced by that idea.
So I’ve put together some outfit ideas that kind of compliment my inspirations:
Those are all kind of expensive, but I love it!
What? You’re not a dress girl? Okay, okay, okay…
So don’t be so scared next time you think about “Goth!” However, feel free to erase the media stereotypes at once! And don’t forget to experiment with new styles!
xoxo.
– Gala’s Article “I Was a Teenage Goth”
– More Lord Byron literature than you can shake a stick at.