The dark world of the goths represents one of the most diverse and interesting subcultures. It has developed in different types of communities around the world. The ghostly and vaguely macabre look stands out immediately, especially thanks to the dark clothes. Clothing can be easily reworked, but this subculture is also made up of other elements. When you find yourself in front of a goth in white contact lenses who expresses himself with phrases like “ethereal chillwave” or quotes from The Moonstone, you can feel in awe. Start taking gradual steps to become a member of this subculture. It can be a hugely satisfying experience for anyone looking for a community to be a part of.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Dress up as a Goth
Step 1. Dress in black
While the leeway to create a gothic look is quite large, almost all styles of this subculture feature black, or otherwise dark, clothing. Purple and dark blue are commonly used to give a little pop of color, but in general you have to embrace the "realm of darkness".
- Here are some classic gothic women's clothing: corsets, fishnets, ripped tops, maxi dresses, maxi tops and miniskirts. Either way, you'll be just as goth if you decide to wear a Rozz Williams tee and a nice pair of black pants.
- Here are some classic gothic men's clothing: ripped t-shirts, combat boots, band t-shirts, dark pants, trousers covered with straps and chains, studded belts.
- Gradually create your new look. If you showed up at school all of a sudden covered in chains and studs, with a cadaverous makeup, many would think that you don't take style seriously or that you just want to be trendy to get noticed. Remember to only wear clothing that makes you feel good. If you feel uncomfortable, then your appearance will also suffer. Your favorite band's black t-shirt paired with dark jeans can be as goth as an elaborate vampire-inspired style.
Step 2. Dye your hair and style it
Goth hair is generally dark, or you use colored locks distributed in different ways. Do you have dark brown hair? You could dye them completely black and brush them with mousse and gel for a Robert Smith style. If you have long, blonde hair, create a black section, or bleach it to a platinum blonde and color a section of glow-in-the-dark blue.
Step 3. Add the accessories
If you love to dress up, goth is the subculture for you. You could wear trousers covered with chains and buckles that stand out, or get yourself a glove similar to that of medieval armor, but made of leather; finally, you can wear a spiked choker that resembles a dog's collar. You have the possibility to create the style you prefer, the important thing is that it fits your personality. Crucifixes, spikes, studs, and safety pins are all common goth accessories.
Use black polish on your nails. It is a goth look suitable for both men and women that immediately identifies you as belonging to this subculture
Step 4. Make up to look paler
Having a goth look often requires a very fair complexion, because it's meant to suggest the ghostly pallor of the walking dead. Mix a white face primer with a regular foundation suitable for your skin tone. Do not use shoddy tricks, as you will get an artificial and cheap result.
Keep in mind that fair skin is not mandatory. You can definitely sport a goth look regardless of your complexion
Step 5. Try to be unique
Goths come in multiple varieties of style and these differences adequately reflect a person's different interests. Fans of old-school gothic rock generally prefer to dress in the style of eighties goth. They wear leather jackets enriched with safety pins and pins, their hair is dark, they wear a mohawk cut and they wear black makeup, focusing on the eyes. A lover of the tales of Poe and the Brönte sisters might opt for a romantic goth look, featuring black corsets, soft leather skirts and other anachronistic clothing, as if they came straight from the 1880s.
Gothic Charm School, by Jillian Venters, is a great book detailing the goth lifestyle. The look should be inspired by your specific interests. If vampires fascinate you so much, introduce aspects of this style into yours
Part 2 of 3: Listen to Goth Music
Step 1. Find out about the music you listen to
There is a wide variety of music associated with goths, and most members of this subculture believe that listening to and appreciating an artist is key to integrating into the community. Many prefer different subgenres that include the word goth in their names, but there are also many who listen to industrial, electronic, metal and classical music. It's a pretty large and diverse subculture, so do your research, if only out of respect for the past.
- Often, goth music refers to a particular style of eighties rock, characterized by the extensive use of synthesizers, guitars reminiscent of jangle pop, reverbs and monotonous vocals. To understand if a certain type of music is gothic, we need to evaluate several factors: tone, attitude and content of the lyrics. The goth style can be described with adjectives such as "disturbing", "surreal" or "dark", but it also contains captivating and catchy music in its essence.
- The lyrics often explore dark themes, and goth bands usually dress in black, brushing their dark hair.
Step 2. Learn about the history of goth music
Many think that the contemporary gothic subculture has its roots in August 1979, when Bela Lugosi's Dead of the Bauhaus was released. The song was recorded in what would later become the Batcave, a London club frequented by goths and gothic rock bands in the early 1980s. While the aesthetic and stylistic origins of music can be traced back to the Velvet Underground's debut album, titled The Velvet Underground & Nico and recorded in 1966, the term goth became the identifier of the genre around 1983.
- Other early gothic rock bands: Sisters of Mercy, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Fields of the Nephilim, The Mission, The Cure (just a few albums, because for this group more than anything else the goth was a phase), Christian Death, Alien Sex Fiend and The March Violets.
- Many bands have been influenced by post-punk, punk rock, gothic literature, horror movies and glam rock, such as David Bowie's. This genre of music began to gain mainstream recognition in 1983, when the gothic horror film Miriam wakes up at midnight was released.
- Among the bands influenced by contemporary goth, the following are included: The XX, Wax Idols and TV Ghost. Also, consider soundtracks from your favorite horror movies, which often have gothic-style instrumental pieces.
Step 3. Read the texts
Goth music places a certain emphasis on the lyrics and the contents of a song serve to create certain atmospheres. Many early singers drew inspiration from Leonard Cohen's somber and melancholy style to emphasize words, while contemporary goth music often features operatic singing.
Learn the words of your favorite songs by copying the lyrics to a notebook. Knowing the pieces you love by heart can help you make friends with other goths right away, as long as you have the same interests
Step 4. Finally, remember to give other dark music genres a chance
There is gothic rock, but there are also dark ambient, death-rock, post-punk (it's always good to know the roots of the genre you say you love so much), dark wave, neoclassical and last but not least, but not least, gothic metal.
Part 3 of 3: Getting used to the Goth Atmospheres
Step 1. Surround yourself with a comfortable space
Fill your room or cellar with objects that match your style: think gothic when choosing lights, colors and sounds. Hang posters of your favorite bands on the walls. Then, place sound-absorbing panels to soundproof the room: this way, you can play at full volume without disturbing the rest of the family. Creating your own space will allow you to carve out a personalized corner, where you will be protected from the negativity of others. Since many goths are artists, writers or musicians, this will also help you find that creativity and individuality essential to this subculture.
Step 2. Check out the goth clubs
If you are of the right age, in these rooms it is possible to freely speak and express what you think of post-modern society. Visiting them can be a great way to make new friends, listen to good music, take a cue from the styles of others and feel comfortable around people you share certain interests with.
Step 3. Read gothic novels
The first use of the term Gothic in reference to a subculture in a general cultural context dates back to the late 1800s. It was used to describe a particular type of literature focused on mysterious and supernatural phenomena. Originally, however, the word was used to define the architectural style of numerous medieval churches. In turn, the term comes from the name of an ancient Germanic tribe, the Goths. Gothic literature is generally dark and spooky. Read books by writers such as William Wilkie Collins, H. P. Lovecraft, Anne Rice, Edgar Allan Poe, Bram Stoker and Mary Shelley.
- A lot of goths like science fiction or fantasy, but don't read books you don't care about. Similarly, it is possible to mix this subculture with other worlds, such as wicca and the occult. There are no specific requirements to consider yourself goth, but it is always useful to know the passions of other members of the subculture.
- Also, read gothic poetry and try to compose lines yourself. William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience and Sylvia Plath's Ariel are classics of goth poetry.
Step 4. Develop the right attitude
Express yourself. Write poetry, paint or take photographs. Found a gothic music band. The goth subculture is full of creatives who like to express themselves through art. Don't pretend to be depressed because you think this can make you more goth. Create sensations and experiences.
Often, people don't understand or respect the goth subculture. If someone criticizes you, just ignore them. Don't waste time on sterile fights. By behaving in a friendly and kind way to everyone, you could change the perception they have of goths for the better
Step 5. Listen to yourself
Don't let others tell you what to do, including goths. If the Cure doesn't convey anything to you, while you like Johnny Cash's music so much, don't worry. Do not let anyone tell you that you are not "goth enough" when it comes to superficial or minor aspects. What matters is being yourself and the goth community supports spontaneity.
Naturally develop a unique style by letting yourself be influenced by what you read and listen to, not copying others or following rules. If this subculture inspires sincere interest in you, your participation will be spontaneous because you genuinely care. Do what makes you happy
Advice
- Anyone ask if you are goth? You can answer yes or ignore the question. Sarcastic remarks are fine too. Either way, it's not advisable to go around saying you're goth if no one asks you. The real goths care about their credibility and are quite discreet.
- Don't neglect old friends. They don't need to be goths. Either way, remember that some of them may find your new style offensive or downright weird, and maybe stop dating you. Not everyone will appreciate your life choices, and some may need time to adjust. Don't try to shock your friends overnight, unless you're sure they can accept it without a problem. Never try to convert people to goth. Let them all be themselves.
- Don't get obsessed with yourself. Being goth doesn't mean you deserve more attention than anyone else. Fake goths (and there are many) are often looked down upon not because they are different, but because they are not down to earth.
- Remember that goth is an alternative lifestyle. Homosexual, bisexual and transgender people are welcome, and the same goes for anyone else who doesn't find their own place in society.
- Play sports or pursue other hobbies you enjoy. Enjoying these activities certainly doesn't change your goth lifestyle.
- Goth blogs are very useful for finding first-hand advice.
- In Europe, goths are usually taken more seriously. Among other things, there are quality magazines and the German Wave Gotik Treffen festival is the largest industrial, experimental and goth event there is.
- Embrace your inner self.
- If you love being goth, don't care what other people say, go straight on your way.
