Goth Community: Re-inventing Yourself

I've been going through phases lately where I feel somewhat unsatisfied with my clothes.

Now I know Amy, from Ultimate Goth Guide, touched on this a bit - and much to my surprise I found myself in a similar situation.

I've been through my own phases of feeling dissatisfied, and wearing nothing but baggy black hoodies, pinstripe pants, and demonia boots.

But, what happens when you wake up and realize that you're missing something?

And how does one go about finding it?

Well, I think that for most of us, it begins by seeing photos or movies where people are wearing something we respond to.

Whether you're someone who has spent your entire goth life wearing nothing but corsets and petticoats - and suddenly find yourself having plenty of daydreams about wearing custom leather jackets, exposed garters, and lots and lots of ripped tights.

Or it's as simple as adding a couple of items to your wardrobe without having to completely change your sense of style.

Now this one is a big one, and it's rather important.

When one gets farther along in the Goth world, they come to a conclusion that they don't HAVE to deck themselves out to go down the street to the laundry mat or wear make up if they are staying inside all day. It's more about personal choice, than proving ones gothy-ness to those around them.

There comes a point when you realize that even though an important factor within goth is appearance (it is how we presumably notice fellow goths), that you're not any less of a goth because you decided to wear PJ's all day or your bed sheets are white with pastel flowers.

As i'm sure we are all well aware, there is much more to Goth than simply being Goth.

As odd as that may sound to someone who isn't experienced within the scene.

It's important, but the things you enjoy outside of what's considered to be 'goth or not' is just as important as the gothy things you surround yourself with.

Now, that being said.

I'm finding myself really drawn to certain items of Goth lolita - the petticoats, little bonnets, gloves, and awesome shoes. The combination of black, gold, and white - I can't explain to you how much I love this color combination (which is also found in Steampunk wear).

Steampunk- I have fallen in love with cream, olive green, and certain shades of brown. As we as, newsprint fabrics and blimps (i've developed a slight obsession with machines, sci fi and dirigibles). I've actually been considering getting my own pair of goggles, and experimenting with brightly obscene shades of docs.

So, what's a goth to do? When they realize that their style is changing?

I don't view this un-coordinated sense of in between as being a bad thing, and it shouldn't be a time of woe for anyone!

You aren't giving up your gothy-ness (unless that's your intention and then by all means, feel free), you are adding to it.

And in some ways, making your wardrobe just as complex as your personality and personal interests.

Which really, has a LOT to do with why we dress the way we do in the first place, right?

I've decided to either start a tumblr, or a sub-blog to dedicate as a lookbook of sorts.

This way, I can keep track of things that interest me fashion wise, and discuss where and how to find/afford these items.

On that same note, in no way shape or form, should you spend all of your money on tons of new clothes to substitute for your present style.

That's under the, "what not to do when adding complexity to your style" portion of this entire situation. I feel like there should be pamphlets...

You remember being a babybat and throwing away or giving away everything in your closet that didn't have a goth seal of approval (aka wasn't black, fishnet, or lacy)? Let's not repeat ourselves again.

Instead, opt to save up or splurge on one or two even three items of choice.

If you end up at a second hand shop and find yourself surrounded by petticoats, but you have no real experience wearing them.

Don't buy all of them at once on the spot.

Buy one or two, to see how you like it and whether or not you feel comfortable in that garment.

You don't want to spend all of your money on clothes that you end up hating because they aren't what you expected - or it turns out that the item of clothing doesn't really 'fit' you.

Which can prove to be a bit sticky for those of us who buy clothing off of the internet.

Also, don't ever forget about accessories!!

These include make up choices, sometimes simply trying out a new make up choice can do great things for spicing up an outfit.

Same with adding an extra belt, or putting on a few more rings.

My suggestions?

1. don't buy in bulk if it is unfamiliar to you

2. beware of where you are getting an item from

**which is basic online shopping, but beware of this for more than just money reasons. You may find yourself with a garment that isn't fitted to YOUR body type, and it may deter you from buying that same type of garment again. Remember that like all forms of shopping, you have to shop around. Just because this pair of pants didn't fit you, doesn't mean you can't find pants that will!

3. Be comfortable with yourself, there is no shame in trying out something new!

4. Wait it out. If you suddenly got bitten with the shopping bug and feel a need to buy anything and everything that looks like it could be considered Cyber-wear. Stop, take a step back, breathe, and come back. If it isn't an item you've had a lust for for longer than two weeks, wait to buy it. (Assuming it's not at a second hand shop). It's very similar to the feeling after you get your first tattoo, and you suddenly know every tattoo you'll ever want on your body for the rest of your life -within an hour after finishing up. Just wait, you don't want to spend 60+ on a piece of clothing you can't be 100% sure you would really wear it - or how often you'll wear it.

Questions for you -dear readers:

What is your present style?

How is your style impacted by the style choices you may make in the future?

What kinds of combinations can you think of, to mix them together?

What are some new styles or items that you've developed a sweet tooth for?

How has your style evolved since you began as a goth?

What have you retained?

P.s. Re-inventing Blog