What is Goth ?

How to be a GOTH

How to Be Goth
The dark world of goths is one of the most diverse and healthy subcultures, flourishing in all kinds of communities worldwide. The spooky, ghoulish look and dark clothes is an instantly striking style. But when other goths in white-out contact lenses start throwing around terms like "ethereal chill wave" and quoting from The Moonstone it can be somewhat intimidating. Starting slow and working your way into the goth subculture can be an immensely rewarding experience for anyone looking for community.

1.
Wear black. While there's a great variety of wiggle room in crafting a gothic look, almost all goth styles feature black or otherwise dark clothes. Dark purples and blues are also common as accent colors, but in general you'll want to dwell within the realm of darkness.
Some classic women's gothic clothing items include corsets, fishnets tights, ripped shirts, long dresses, long shirts and mini skirts. However, you will be just as goth if you choose to wear a Roz z Williams T-shirt and a nice pair of black slacks.
Some classic men's items are torn t-shirts, combat boots, band tees, dark trousers, bondage pants and studded belts.
Ease into your new look. People may assume you're not serious or that you're latching onto a trend if you suddenly show up at school decked in bondage gear and corpse paint. Remember to only wear what you feel comfortable with; if you don't feel good, then you don't look good. A black t-shirt of a favorite band with black jeans can be just as "goth" as an elaborate vampire get-up.

2.Dye and style your hair. Goth hair is generally dark, or highlighted with an accent color in some way. If you have dark brown hair, consider going all the way to black and spiking your hair Robert Smith-style with mousse and gel. If you have long blonde hair, put a witchy black streak in it, or bleach it so it's strikingly blonde and streak it with some neon blue.

3.Accessorize. If you love to dress up, being goth is a great subculture for you. Check out some bondage pants, featuring complicated straps you can let hang ominously, or get a hold of a fierce-looking gauntlet made of leather to wear on your arms, or wear a spiky dog-collar choker. You can craft any particular style you like, as long as the theme fits your personality. Crucifixes, spikes, studs, and safety pins are all common goth accessories.
Paint your fingernails black. It's a striking look for men or women, and you can instantly identify as goth with black fingernails.

4.Pale yourself. Looking goth often involves a pale complexion as if to suggest the ghoulish pallor of the undead. Mix a white "foundation primer" with a regular foundation that matches your natural skin tone. Don't use costume make-up, which looks fake and cheap.
Keep in mind that pale skin is not a requirement; you can certainly present a Goth look no matter what your skin color is.

5.Develop your theme. Goths come in as many varieties as you can think of, and style themselves appropriately given their diversity of interests. Old-school goth rock fans might fashion themselves with what's called "bat cave" style: a leather jacket studded with pins and buttons, a dark mohawk, and black eye makeup. A lover of the tales of Poe and the Bronte sisters might go for the "romantic goth" look, featuring dark corsets, flowing leather skirts, and other anachronistic wear, as if you'd stepped out of the 1880s.
Gothic Charm School by Jillian Venters is a great book that delves into the goth lifestyle. Channel your specific interests into your look. If you're really fascinated by vampires, let vampire style creep into your look.