I’ve always leaned more towards the punk and the rock n roll when it came to the clothes I wore. And yet, I had fun playing with the morbid for this month’s Fab 40s theme, Goth (duh). It was particularly interesting dodging the line between costumey and what I might actually wear although I do know that for some, Halloween happens all year long.
{ random : Eve just said my sole, lone sock is dirty because clean socks are never apart }
A subculture born in the early 1980s, Goth has its origins in the British rock scene as an offshoot of the post-punk genre. Names such as Robert Smith, Siouxsie & The Banshees and Nick Cave come immediately to mind when I think of that era. From a stylistic viewpoint, Gothic fashion means Black Hair, Dark Eyeliner, Black Nails, piercings, pagan or other religious imagery, and period-style clothing. Dark, eerie, mysterious, complex and exotic vibes. Piercings optional.
When it came to exercising my creative muscles for this month’s theme, I decided I’d take inspiration from Tim Burton. From his movies. For his macabre yet quirky sense of horror humour.
Present-day fashion designers such as John Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen, and John Galliano have also been described as practising “haute goth”. I dig that.
I also dig looking all sullen for these pictures.
And wearing lace that’s neither virginal nor matronly.
Adorning my fingers with metal raven skulls.
Drawing stuff on my face and slathering on the darkest, inkiest-black-red lipstick I own.
The thing about Goth is, despite what people generally think, it’s a universally flattering genre. Think about it. Black is the go-to colour. Kohl-rimmed eyes and striking lips (be it Black or in-your-face-Red). The look can be bold and strong, or wispy and ethereal. Either way, you’re making a powerful, empowering statement.
Look at Dawn Lucy of Fashion Should Be Fun with the most feminine Goth look I’ve seen.
Dixie of Inside Outer Beauty just exudes the Goth rocker look (move over, Depeche Mode).
See how Jane of My Midlife Fashion ups the haute goth ante here.
Ann of Kremb de la Kremb looks amazing, septum ring et al.
This month, our Guest Blogger is Gracie of Fashion For Giants and I couldn’t be more delighted. Today, it is truly all about what “real women wear” and to be privy to witnessing a continuously rising number of bloggers covering not just the 40s, 50s and 60s scenes but also plus-size, is so very inspirational. SO very welcomed. Style isn’t and shouldn’t be restricted to the glossy blogs of PYTs nor are dress forms one-size-fits-all.
Welcome, Gracie. And what Goth slack are you talking about, woman? You look amazing. The proportions, spot on. Layers, streamlined and flattering. Doesn’t she look cool, ladies?
If by chance you’re new to the series, The Fab 40s are Ann, Dawn Lucy, Dixie, Jane and myself. To date, we’ve had adventures in Marsala & Denim, Jumpsuits, Gingham, Lace, Leopard Print, Menswear Inspired and Fringe.
Goth on.
I’m such a dork.
Love, Sheela
p/s photos by Eve
Linking up with Color & Grace, The Stylish Housewife, Trend Spin, Fresh Fashion Forum, Two Peas In A Blog, Trendy Wednesday, Happiness At Midlife, Bloggers Who Inspire Me, Visible Monday, Style Elixir, Turning Heads, Let It Shine, What I Wore Wednesday, Style Swap Tuesdays, Style Me Wednesday, Confident Twosday, More Pieces Of Me, On The Daily Express, Personal Style, How I Spring, Watch What I’m Wearing, Walking In Memphis, Tremendous Tuesday, Pumps & Push-Ups, Cappuccino & Fashion, Who’s Wearing What Wednesdays, Fun Fashion Friday, Casual Friday, Whitney a la Mode, I Will Wear What I Like, Style Story, Jersey Girl Texan Heart, Classy Yet Trendy, A Little Bit Of Cheer and Midweek Muse.
Sheela Writes 
Your goth costume is perfectly scary and spot-on for Halloween. You did a great job, especially with the makeup. I love your tights too. Also Dawn Lucy’s and Ann’s outfits are great, too. =)
Happy Halloween Sheela!
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Thank you SO much, Ada 🙂 I was going for a modernised version of Morticia Adams, I suppose. Those aren’t tights, actually, they’re the lace skirt bit of the sweater dress. Forever21 does such magical creations!!! Happy Halloween right back to you!! xoxo
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You look stunning! I just love your inclusion of goth history and the people and fashion brands that include and model it often. Robert Smith is and always has been gorgeous, I need to listen to the Cure now!
Thank you for linking up to “Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me”
Rachel xo
Garay Treasures
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Woohoo!! A fellow Robert Smith fan 🙂 growing up in Borneo, that one was a toughie for many, despite the fact that we were once a British colony. No one, and I mean no one save for my family, could fathom my deep love for an all black ensemble LOL clearly that love has not faded with neither time nor age 🙂 xoxo
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Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. I love all black outfits! That was my Ninties uniform. LOL.
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GRIN me too, 80s and 90s. Wait, even now actually 😉
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Great post! Love this goth look. You did a great job. I’ve never tried this look myself. I’m not sure if I could pull it off. You look great in it!
Kathy
http://www.glamsimplified.com
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Thank you, Kathy!! And you do the preppy look enviably well 🙂 xoxo
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Love your skirt so much!!! Awesome goth style!!
Xo
http://www.sweetsimpleday.com
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Hey Joanne, thanks so much 🙂 the skirt is actually part of a sweater dress from Forever 21. It’s one single piece, something I purchased last Fall and then completely forgot all about. Typical Sheela 🙂
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This is so great! You look amazing, and I am going crazy over your ring. So fun!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
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Thank you, Shauna!! And I’m going crazy over your Black Attack look. Divine!!!
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you look incredible! I love the lace detailing gone the skirt, and your makeup is fabulous.
https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com
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Thank you thank you thank you 🙂
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I love your goth look! The jewelry you have is amazing!
Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you Thursday.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
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I’m a complete not-so-closet magpie when it comes to bold rings and cuffs 🙂 shoes too, as we all know LOL I wish I could do what you do so effortlessly, Alice, the preppy look with a twist. Maybe one day xoxo
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How fabulous, love the theme and you all did such a great job. Love, Kirsten xx
http://www.thelifbissue.com
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Thank you so much, my dear!!! It was such a fun time, playing dress-up 🙂
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I think you achieved a Burton-esque feel perfectly, Sheela! The lace on your skirt is perfect and I love all of the little details you thought incorporated for your Goth look. Thanks for linking up with Fabulous Friday!
Jennie – A Pocketful of Polka Dots
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Yahoo!!! I was trying so hard to get that vibe without appearing that I was trying too hard which turned out to be, well, very hard GRIN I’m contemplating a Stepford wife look next 😉
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Let me tell ya, I could NOT pull off that costume as well as you did. I think Burton would be proud of this delightfully dark costume. 🙂
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AWWWWWWW!!! I have a huge grin on my face now 🙂 xoxo
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