Goth for Grown-Ups

Coming a long way from days spent traipsing around Camden Market in spiderwebbed tights and bat-winged eyeliner, gothic instincts are harder to follow when you have to participate in polite society. Think elevated goth, the goth girl grows up, the goth girl with adult money. Gone are the days where one coat of black Barry M nail polish and some scraggly fishnets would suffice. With this in mind, allow us to help you master the dark arts of goth for grownups, so you can smugly confirm that no mum, it wasn’t a phase. 

In the wise words of Morticia Addams, “black is such a happy colour, darling!” and if like us, your wardrobe is somewhat reminiscent of a black hole, then you’ll understand. Black is always a great starting point if you’re looking to return to your gothic adolescence, and while it shocks in summer, in the darker months, black is an expected base for anyone’s wardrobe. So to make a move towards the macabre, we suggest adding intrigue and depth with layering fabrics and pieces in the halloween-y hue. Lace skirts or slip dresses styled over black trousers create a funereal fashion and paired with a black long sleeve you’re sure to nail that Victoriana aesthetic while keeping to your office dress codes. Another top tip is to layer complementary textures, adding leather accents with fur pieces, or combining heavy wool and airy satin. Ann (Demeulemeester of course) and Rick (no introduction necessary) have mastered the dark art of slouchy silhouettes. Wax-y coated jeans, chunky, loose-fitting knits and beautifully crafted leather boots present a fine-tuned gothic code that still fits into the adult world.

Of course, we can’t talk about goth fashion without mentioning  Mr Yamamoto. Armed with his languid tailoring, Yohji’s asymmetrical styling and blackened colour palettes are favourites among the a-la-mode crowd. Following suit from her father’s gothic legacy, designer Limi Feu explores the modern-day macabre, paying homage to punky classics while blending Gen-Z style with her own familial fashions. Opening now until mid-January 2025, Limi Feu’s Savile Row pop-up is the perfect space to explore your darker sides. 

While alabaster face paint and knife-sharp onyx eyeliner might not be the most day-to-day friendly beauty looks, goth makeup doesn't have to be deathly dramatic. Opt for a shiny black polish at the nail salon. Sleek and manicured but still divinely dark, what’s not to love? For Morticia-approved makeup, apply a quick swiping of vampy lipstick. If you’re feeling brave, Isamaya’s glittering black lip gloss in the shade “Beetle”, paired with a soft base, is a low-effort, high-impact look. 

Despite appearances, don’t let goth style intimidate you! Easily fashioned with pieces you probably already have in your wardrobe, take a look at our shopping edit below so you can give in to your gothic inhibitions while avoiding looking like a walking Halloween decoration.