Gothic Elegance

When I was a teenager being a Goth meant white pan stick and black lipstick. I remember finding it really hard to find black nail varnish in suburban Kent and making my own by mixing black eyeshadow with clear nail polish.

Over the intervening years, as with much extreme street style, elements of the Goth look have worked their way well into the main stream. Underground Goth style is still around of course, crossing over with cyber punk and metal sub cultures. The catwalk take, however, is much more elegant and pared down, often with a burlesque twist.

For Autumn Winter 08/09 black Victorian lace and Gothic dresses appeared on catwalks such as Chanel, Christian Lacroix and Givenchy. The look was structural with some dramatic shapes, darkly shadowed eyes and pale skin.

Elegant and sophisticated with a slightly dangerous edge, I absolutely love this look, however my personal budget doesn't quite stretch to Chanel. So here are some great pieces to get this darkly elegant style for less.

This black leather Warehouse jacket has the right structural details and victoriana look. At £130 it's not the cheapest item, but a good leather jacket should see you through many, many years, and this isn't so OTT that it'll be out of style in 6 months.







Teaming it with this beautiful Vero Moda Taffeta prom dress, available from Retro Chick, gives it a girly twist and the voluminous skirt is bang on trend for the coming season. Keep your eye make up dark and your skin pale and add a pair of black lace tights for a look that is pure catwalk.








For a more slimline look pick up this vintage look black lace and silk blouse from Warehouse. A stunning flattering shape in luxury fabrics this is ideal evening wear, and again, important for a new purchase, with care should give you years of wear.





This tight devore wiggle skirt from Retro Chick is it's perfect partner, worn with heels and an attitude.





An evening jacket is another way of adding a touch of structural Gothic style to a simple shift dress.



I have 2 very different evening jackets in store at the moment. The first, a late 80s puffed sleeved chiffon rock chick bolero has great peek a boo details and needs to be worn with an attitude. By contrast this early 80s velvet jacket with a structural collar and lurex thread has a much more sophisticated feel, while looking fantastic with a pencil skirt and eyeliner.
In the interests of recycling, most of us already have a wardrobe full of black clothes and, fortunately this look can be all about the accessories. Black lace tights and lots of eyeliner are the key essentials.


The High Street is full of multi strand beaded necklaces and cameos that can easily add interest and detail to a simple black dress, and if you haven't got a simple black dress then it's about time you got one! I like this Bulb Sleeve Dress from Bunny Hug, that is now reduced to £49.50.

To see the rest of the vintage and pre owned Gothic elegance available on Retro Chick visit me on Ebay!