Soft Gothic Style: Know how to dress following the trend

The Gothic style emerged in the 80’s by the influence of punk and rock music. In the 90s, he returned to appear influenced by the grunge style, very associated with the band Nirvana. The style was characterized by the use of dark clothes and a somber appearance.

Recently, a reinterpretation of the Gothic style appeared, which became popular on the internet, being its soft version. This current trend, which is also called “pastel goth”, has much more to do with fashion itself than with musical influences. The style maintains the dark origin, like the original Gothic, but gained a lighter version, and undoubtedly more adaptable to the tropical climate.

Black remains strong in this trend, as well as ripped jeans, shoes and heavy accessories. However, the intensely pale look contrasting light skin with dark lipstick is not so essential, allowing for a healthier and brighter look, as well as some light clothing present in the look.

In this new phase of the style, pieces from other references, such as boho, for example, were introduced to the look, giving a more fashionable and current touch. The singer Lorde is certainly a current example of this trend, mixing dark lipsticks with entirely black looks.

Learn how to be a smooth goth

Different pieces and accessories can compose a Gothic look. Learn how to create your looks with different pieces and for different temperatures, with the help of tips developed in partnership with fashion consultant Flávia Piña, founder of F. Pina Moda e Imagem.

Accessories

Accessories can be the key piece of a more basic look. In the Gothic style, they are commonly studded, most often silver, and always quite heavy. Chokers, also known as collars, and hats help give the look a gothic touch.

About the chokers, the consultant Flávia indicates: “The controversial tattoo-chokers have returned with everything, gaining fans of the soft gothic, hipster and boho universe. If used in an informal environment, they can be a charm. A tip is to compose the chokers with other longer chains”. She also adds that crucifix pendants have a gothic accent and that the look must be balanced so as not to reach the “extreme gothic” level.

looks with skirt

Skirts are present in most women’s wardrobes and are pieces that can be used in all seasons, depending on the combinations. In the Gothic style, they can be all black or printed, on a black background.

About the prints, Flávia says: “The prints in general are with motifs of moons, stars, among others in a ‘new age’ style range.” Regarding the compositions of looks, she states: “To create the look, use a t-shirt like a podrinha or a punk band from the 80s, a light denim jacket, ‘delavè’ or an open checkered grunge style shirt”.

looks with dress

In the soft gothic style, romantic elements are also present, and the dresses are pieces that certainly provide this touch. According to Flávia, skirts with gothic influences can be slightly rounded, with elastic at the waist.

To accompany the look, Flávia suggests: “To provide a counterpoint to this type of look, heavy black boots or dark black 7/8 socks with men’s oxford shoes are perfect”. Also adding that this look requires greater attention to the environment in which it will be used.

looks with jeans

Jeans are a classic and harmonize with practically all trends, in addition to being joker pieces that save in the completion of a look. In the gothic trend, pieces in jeans with rips are super welcome.

Flávia also proposes black jeans as an alternative to the traditional blue jeans, and adds: “This is an easy trend to adhere to, in any style and age. The variations here will be in cut, wash and composition.” The consultant also indicates that for a more mature look, bet on dry blazers with marked shoulders. For a more youthful look, a high waist is a good bet, especially when paired with heavy black ankle boots.

looks with leather

Pieces in leather or synthetic fabrics that imitate leather are the face of the soft gothic style. The consultant points out that in this trend, the material should be black, preferably luminous or varnished.

About the pieces of this material, Flávia adds: “The focus here is not jackets, but skirts, dresses and blouses. The perfect leather skirt model for a chic look with pastel goth references are the pencil model with a slit in the front, preferably with a zipper. They are perfect with shirts or silk blouses”.

winter looks

Although the style asks for softness, it is certainly very welcome and can be used with greater intensity on cold days, which also provides greater possibilities for combinations. Pieces in wet black velvet or thicker fabrics are good options, guarantees Flávia.

Pantyhose are extremely useful, as they can transform a summer look into a winter look, but to follow the gothic style it is essential that they are black. To complete the look, Flávia emphasizes the importance of super dark lipsticks and the “covers” and kimonos overlaying the look.

Buy your gothic look

If you want to buy new clothes or accessories to create your look, see below the gallery with a special selection of products available in Brazilian e-commerces to rock the soft gothic look.

Makeup for dark looks

In addition to clothes, makeup is also a differentiator in a gothic look. Check out beauty blogger tutorials below to create a gothic look while keeping the highlight on dark lips.

Soft Goth Makeup – Blog Hey Beauty?

In this tutorial, blogger Karen Bachini does gothic makeup with very white skin to contrast her lipstick and dramatic eye makeup. In the production of the skin she indicates the use of Beauty Blender, the specific sponge to apply foundation, for a smoother effect. The finish is on account of the lipstick of an intense wine tone.

Soft gothic makeup step by step – Snacks

Julia Petit teaches makeup from the first step: preparing the skin for makeup and gives tips on adaptations for Gothic makeup, to achieve a lighter effect. In the eyes, she mixed pink and gray eyeshadows, in the mouth the chosen lipstick was almost black, but with a brown background.

Make Soft Goth – Die in Pink

The well-marked eyeliner is undoubtedly the highlight of this makeup presented by blogger Lindsay Woods. Eye makeup can easily be adapted to other makeups, even if they are lighter. The lips were pigmented by a liquid lipstick with a matte effect, dark red.

Get inspired by bloggers’ looks

See below for a selection of images to inspire the creation of your gothic look, whether it’s soft or more intense. You will find looks for different temperatures and with different gothic elements, to adapt to your day to day.