Trend Alert: Gothic Glamour
This festive season, embrace the dark elegance of the gothic revival. Infuse your holiday fashion and beauty looks with a touch of moody sophistication, blending the mysterious allure of gothic style with the glamour of Christmas. From rich textures to bold accessories, we’ll show you how to strike the perfect balance between edgy and enchanting.
The gothic aesthetic, long associated with the dark and mysterious, is experiencing a significant revival. Interest in the term ‘goth’ has been steadily rising in the UK over the past five years, indicating a growing fascination with this enigmatic style. This trend reflects a deeper cultural shift, with entertainment and fashion increasingly embracing the gothic spirit.
The entertainment industry, often a barometer for cultural shifts, has pushed gothic themes back into the limelight. Recent releases like the Beetlejuice sequel and new takes on The Crow and Nosferatu have brought moody atmospheres and brooding characters to the forefront, influencing a new wave of fashion and beauty trends. Designers are drawing inspiration from these gothic classics, incorporating elements like Victorian lace, dark velvet, and leather into their collections. The result? A look that’s hauntingly beautiful and unmistakably modern.
But you don’t need to dress like a Victorian heroine or a rebellious teen to tap into the trend.
Gothic style might conjure up images of head-to-toe black, dramatic makeup, and an all-or-nothing approach to fashion. But as the gothic revival takes hold this winter, there’s no need to dive into the deep end. Instead, consider it a mood—one that can be introduced into your wardrobe and beauty routine in subtle, sophisticated ways. Whether you’re a fan of the gothic aesthetic or just intrigued by its dark glamour, here’s how to channel the trend without going full goth.
FASHION
RICH TEXTURES: Incorporate fabrics like leather, velvet or lace into your outfit. A velvet blazer over an intricate lace blouse or leather over a slip dress can give you that gothic edge without feeling costume-like.
MOODY TONES WITH A ROCK TWIST: Instead of defaulting to all-black, consider deep, moody tones like burgundy, forest green, and charcoal grey. These colours in fashion and beauty exude gothic sophistication without overwhelming your style.
STATEMENT ACCESSORIES: Accessories are an easy entry point into the trend. Opt for jewellery with dark stones like onyx or garnet, or try a velvet or lace choker. A leather belt with metal detailing or lace-up ankle boots can also give your outfit that subtly rebellious touch.
GET THE LOOK
BEAUTY
GOTHIC MAKEUP WITH AN EDGE: Gothic makeup can be intense, but you don’t need to channel Morticia Addams to make a statement. Here’s how to integrate just enough drama into your look.
THE BOLD LIP: Swap your usual nude or pink lipstick for a deep berry, plum, or even a vampy red. It’s an instant way to channel gothic vibes without needing a complete beauty overhaul. Keep the rest of your makeup minimal to let your lips do the talking.
SUBTLE SMOKY EYES: Rather than a full-on smoky eye, opt for a softer version. Use a grey, deep brown, or jewel-toned eyeshadow for a wash of colour across your lids, adding just a hint of darkness. Blend well to keep the look polished and wearable for day or night.
COOL-TONED-HIGHLIGHER: Replace your warm, golden highlighters with cool tones like icy pink or pearl. Applied lightly, it adds an ethereal, almost ghostly glow that’s perfectly on-trend for the season.
Get The Look
Hair
ROCK CHICK HAIR WITH A GOTHIC TWIST: Channel gothic influences in your hair while keeping a rock-chick edge. Sleek shiny waves add a polished, mysterious touch, but don’t shy away from a bit of a mess for that effortless rock-star vibe. A shaggy peekaboo fringe makes the perfect accessory. Use a glossing serum for a mirror-like finish, or add texture with some spray for that tousled, undone feel.
Get The Look
