Happy World Goth Day!
Here, have a hand-crafted playlist recreating being at a Seattle goth club in 1995.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ejcLyaV8lHVEazpKjwPA2?si=11055a8c27fa42dd
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From One Goth to Another...
You don’t have to wear all black all the time! Black is obviously the most important color, but if you want to mix in other colors that you like into your wardrobe, there is nothing wrong with that at all. I personally like mixing black with dark shades of red and burgundy/maroon shades. Occasionally I mix in black with white too just because I like the contrast. Play around with colors and see what looks best to your eyes.
Heavy makeup is not a necessity. Not everybody has the time, energy, patience, or resources to look like a variation of Morticia Addams or Elvira every day of their lives. Some goths don’t even like that look at all. If you’re not that keen on makeup or you prefer a more simplistic makeup style, you’re still goth.
You do not need pale skin to be goth. I repeat - YOU DO NOT NEED PALE SKIN. If anybody tells you this, they are dead wrong and also probably racist. The great thing about wearing black is that black looks great on any skin tone. Goth is inclusive to people who are the palest shade of peach and the darkest shade of brown and every other shade of skin in-between.
If you’re not into TradGoth styles or TradGoth music, that’s fine. No really, it’s fine! I think it’s important to educate yourself on the origins of goth and to be familiar with the OG scene, but if you’re not into backcombed hair or Bauhaus, that is 100% okay. Sadly a lot of TradGoths are snobbish about this kind of thing too, but their snobbery shouldn’t discourage you. Like whatever aspects of goth culture you want and do your own thing.
Don’t let your aesthetic drain your bank account. Buying a ton of expensive accessories, clothing, furniture, and household items that match your goth aesthetic is a bit impractical, especially if you’re on a budget. Instead, hit up some local thrift stores - you’ll be amazed at how much goth-style clothing can be found second-hand. About 80% of my wardrobe comes from thrift stores, plus I’ve found candelabras and decorative art with dark themes, too.
Additionally, don’t let your aesthetic compromise your professional life. If you have a job or career that requires you to look “normal” from 9 - 5, there is no shame in that. We all have to tone ourselves down a bit in a professional setting, because putting food on the table is a bit more important than being mysterious and spooky. If you can, find ways to subtly express your goth style in the workplace without getting yourself in trouble with Human Resources.
Don’t have an “us vs. them” attitude. This is a big mistake that a lot of mall-goths/baby bats make - thinking that everyone who isn’t goth is a “prep” or “the enemy”, even if they don’t outwardly say it. Having a diverse group of friends is SO important. Don’t shut somebody out just because they’re a part of a different scene. Most of my closest friends aren’t goth, but we get along great just the same. Friendship is about loyalty and being there for each other, not about outward appearance.
You don’t have to practice witchcraft to be goth. I think this is another huge misconception about goth culture, that “goth” equals “occultist”. Although there does seem to be some considerable overlap, not every goth is a witch, and not every witch is goth. If you’re a Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, Pagan, Atheist, Flying Spaghetti Monster adherent, whatever - you can still be goth. Goth is a stylistic culture, not a dogmatic one.
If there are days when you’re like “fuck it” and you want a break from being goth, take that break. Have mousy hair and wear sweatpants for a day. Wear something pink if you want. Put on some really embarrassing pop ballads from the late ‘90s and belt your heart out. Watch some terrible romantic comedies. Feel good about yourself knowing that you’re goth when and if you want to be, and that you’re not playing a character for anyone, including yourself.
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👁️ ever creepy creep me out quiet soft pitch scratchy throat 👁️
Happy World Goth Day 2023!! 🥀🦇
Very very thankful for be alive and goth in the 21st century. I think I used to really idolize the 80s. I still love the 80s of course but honestly the appreciation I have for living in a time where there is literal decades of music to discover and explore, artists both old and new are touring and continuing to put out timeless classics, and there’s this whole international community of cool people who accept me and love the same things I love is unparalleled. 🖤
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