60. Cottage Goth (Dark Cottagecore)

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Cottage Goth — Summary

Cottage Goth is an aesthetic that blends the rustic, slow-living warmth of Cottagecore with the moody, macabre elements of Gothic subculture. It reimagines traditional rural life through a darker lens, focusing on forest folklore, herbalism, old-world craft, and a deep reverence for the natural cycle of life and decay. It swaps sunny wildflower fields for fog-drenched woods, overgrown greenhouses, and cozy, shadow-filled cabins. Here is a breakdown of Cottage Goth!!!!!!!!

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Origins & Development

Emerged in the late 2010s and exploded in popularity during the early 2020s alongside the mainstream rise of Cottagecore on platforms like Tumblr, Pinterest, and TikTok.
Developed as an alternative for goths who wanted to embrace a quiet, sustainable, and nature-focused lifestyle without losing their affinity for the macabre.
Influenced heavily by European folklore, traditional witchcraft, forest mythology, and classic Victorian-era botanical studies.
Flourished within DIY, thrifting, and foraging online communities that celebrate slow fashion and antique home decor.

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Clothing & Accessories

Flowing, tiered midi and maxi dresses made of natural fibers like linen, cotton, or heavy wool
Vintage lace aprons
tattered shawls
chunky, oversized knit cardigans worn over dark layers
Corset belts
laced waist-cinchers
structured linen vests
Pointed lace-up leather boots
simple sturdy oxfords
practical rain boots
Accessories featuring natural elements
pressed ferns
dried mushrooms
cicada wings
animal bones
Large woven wicker baskets
canvas foraging bags
vintage leather satchels
Antique silver thimbles
pocket watches
keys carried on corded belts
Sun-bleached straw hats
dark wool berets decorated with dried flowers

Makeup & Hair

Very minimal, natural, or completely bare skin base
Soft, earthy tones around the eyes (soft browns, moss greens, or dried berry shadows)
Stained, blurred lip tones in brick red, plum,
simple tinted lip balms
Hair left in natural textures
loose, messy braids
soft waves
held up with wooden hair sticks and tarnished brass pins
Hair accessories like linen ribbons
bandanas
crowns woven from twigs and dried lavender

Colors

Matte black
charcoal grey
peat brown
Moss green
forest green
deep olive
Dried rose
dusty burgundy
elderberry purple
Oatmeal
unbleached linen cream
tea-stained ivory

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Music

Dark folk
Neo-folk
Acoustic darkwave
Chamber pop
Ethereal wave
Traditional Celtic
European folk
Artists: Chelsea Wolfe, Florence + the Machine, Agnes Obel, Marissa Nadler, Hozier, Emily Jane White, Sangre de Muerdago

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Movies & Television

Over the Garden Wall (2014)
Practical Magic (1998)
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
The Witch (2015)
Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)
Secret Garden (1993)
The Village (2004)
The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020)
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018)
The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)

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Books & Folklore

Grimm's Fairy Tales
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett l
Field guides on regional mushroom identification, foraging, and historical herbal medicine

Video Games

Wytchwood (2021)
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Animal Crossing series
Strange Horticulture (2022)

Fandoms / Communities

Vulture culture
ethical taxidermy circles
Home baking, tea blending, and kitchen witchcraft communities
Slow-fashion, thrifting, and textile repair advocacy groups

Similar Aesthetics

Dark Mori Kei
Goblincore
Witchcore
Southern Gothic

Inspo

videostargrl

59. Celestial Goth

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Celestial Goth — Summary

Celestial Goth is an ethereal, cosmic aesthetic that looks upward from the traditional graveyard imagery of goth toward the vast, dark, and mysterious night sky. It merges classic gothic silhouettes with the romance of astronomy, astrology, and deep-space phenomena. It trades heavy spikes and cobwebs for glittering galaxies, planetary alignments, crescent moons, and constellation maps, creating a look that is both deeply melancholic and infinitely beautiful. Here is a breakdown of Celestial Goth !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Origins & Development

Emerged in the mid-to-late 1990s alongside the explosion of Heavenly Voices (a ethereal darkwave subgenre) and the dreamier, romantic gothic spaces.
Influenced heavily by 19th-century Victorian astronomy journals, vintage star charts, and the mystical symbolism of tarot and classic astrology.
Found a massive revival in the 2010s on Tumblr through the "Whimsigothic" movement, which blended 90s witchcraft style with cosmic patterns.
Continues to be a staple alternative fashion choice, celebrating the infinite, cold beauty of the cosmos through intricate textile designs.

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Clothing & Accessories

Flowing maxi skirts
velvet capes
sheer mesh overlays printed with silver stars
moons
constellations
Velvet or silk-satin dresses in deep, night-sky tones (midnight blue, rich indigo, deep violet)
Corsets
waistcoats featuring ornate, metallic-embroidered moon phases
sunburst designs
Capes with oversized hoods lined with glittering fabric or deep celestial prints
* Jewelry featuring large silver crescent moons
raw quartz crystals
opalites
starburst pendants
Delicate body chains
hair jewelry
tiaras featuring metallic stars and planetary spheres
Velvet chokers with hanging moon charms or solar emblems
* Structured leather or velvet bags shaped like crescent moons
old leather-bound astronomy books

Makeup & Hair

Radiant, glowing, or slightly iridescent skin base
Dramatic smoky eyes in shades of deep indigo, midnight blue, and matte black
accented with silver glitter or star decals
Subtle, metallic-sheen lips
deep berry, plum, and midnight shades
Hair styled in long, loose, romantic waves
intricate braids reminiscent of constellation paths
soft buns
Hair colors often reflect the deep cosmos: jet black, midnight blue, deep galaxy purple, or striking silver and white

Colors:

Midnight blue
deep indigo
cosmic violet
Obsidian black
charcoal grey
Shimmering metallic silver
tarnished pewter
Soft alabaster
pearl white
iridescent blues
Subtle accents of antique or pale gold

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Music

Heavenly voices
Ethereal wave
Dark ambient
Cosmic ambient
Dream pop
Artists: Cocteau Twins, Lycia, Love Spirals Downwards, Autumn's Grey Solace, Black Tape for a Blue Girl, Dead Can Dance, Alcest

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Movies & Television

Practical Magic (1998)
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
Melancholia (2011)
Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
Sailor Moon (1991–1997)
The Craft (1996)
Stardust (2007)
Ink (2009)
Crimson Peak (2015)
Charmed (1998–2006)

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Books & Lore

Historical 18th and 19th-century star atlases (like Uranographia)
Classic cosmic poetry from the Romantic era (Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley)
High fantasy literature dealing with dark star magic and celestial orders

Art & Design

Vintage tarot card illustrations
Pre-Raphaelite paintings focusing on night themes and celestial personifications
High-contrast astronomical photography
vintage lithographs

Fandoms / Communities

Alternative astrology and tarot reading circles
Ethereal darkwave and indie dream-pop music festivals
Spooky lifestyle bloggers who specialize in room decor featuring hanging crystals and star charts

Similar Aesthetics

Romantic Goth
Whimsigothic
Victorian Goth
Witchcore

Inspo

videostargrl

58. Health Goth

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Health Goth — Summary

Health Goth is a modern, high-contrast aesthetic that merges the dark, monochromatic imagery of gothic subculture with contemporary sportswear, fitness culture, and futuristic cyber-tech aesthetics. It trades the traditional velvet, lace, and leather of classic goth for high-performance athletic fabrics, mesh, and sleek, minimalist gym wear, presenting an image of clean, dystopian, and hyper-functional dark style. Here is a breakdown of Health Goth!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Origins & Development

Emerged as a distinct internet subculture and fashion trend in 2013 and 2014, heavily popularized by Portland-based artists Mike Grabarek and Jeremy Scott (known as Magic Fades).
Developed alongside the rise of Athleisure and the global popularity of underground dark techno and club subcultures.
Influenced by the clean lines of brutalist architecture, 1990s futuristic sci-fi sportswear, and advanced clothing technology.
Flourished on visual platforms like Tumblr, Instagram, and Facebook, bridging the gap between alternative fashion and physical fitness.

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Clothing & Accessories

Matte black, moisture-wicking compression shirts
running tights
Oversized mesh jerseys
structural tech-fleece hoodies
windbreakers
Neoprene sports bras
athletic crop tops
tailored sweatpants
Technical running sneakers
tactical boots
minimalist black trainers with unique strap systems
Accessories featuring waterproof zippers
reflective 3M materials
tactical buckles
Sleek, matte black fitness trackers
smartwatches
wireless headphones
Graphic elements utilizing minimalist corporate branding
medical iconography
futuristic typography
Tech-wear running masks
balaclavas

Makeup & Hair

High-contrast, clean "glass skin" look
completely fresh-faced, minimal athletic makeup
Graphic, sharp geometric eyeliner (often in matte black or neon white)
Natural, hydrated lips
deep matte nude shades
Hair is kept highly functional and sleek
slicked-back high ponytails
tight boxer braids
architectural undercuts
sharp buzz cuts
Hair colors favor solid, industrial tones like jet black, bleached platinum white, or slate grey

Colors

Obsidian black
Stark, clean white
Industrial silver
metallic grey
High-visibility reflective silver (3M)
Occasional accents of neon blue or digital green

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Music

Dark techno
Industrial techno
EBM (Electronic Body Music)
Glitch
Witch house
Deconstructed club
Artists: Gesaffelstein, Perturbator, Lorn, Health, Boy Harsher, Carpenter Brut, Crystal Castles

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Movies & Television

Tron: Legacy (2010)
Aeon Flux (2005)
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
The Matrix (1999)
A Cure for Wellness (2016)
The Neon Demon (2016)
Ex Machina (2014)
Underworld (2003)
The OA (2016-2019

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Brands & Designers

Adidas Y-3 (Yohji Yamamoto)
NikeLab
Nike ACG (All Conditions Gear)
Rick Owens (DRKSHDW lines)
Puma x Alexander McQueen collaborations

Fandoms / Communities

Dark techno and industrial clubbing circles
Tech-wear and streetwear enthusiast communities
Alternative fitness, running, and bodybuilding subcultures

Similar Aesthetics

Cyberpunk Goth
Haute Goth
Corporate Goth (Corp Goth)
Techwear

inspo

videostargrl

57. nautical goth

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nautical goth — summary

nautical goth is an atmospheric aesthetic that merges traditional gothic sensibilities with the lore, clothing, and imagery of the sea. rather than bright sailor stripes, it focuses on the dark, treacherous side of the ocean: ghost ships, deep-sea monsters, naval mourning wear, and maritime folklore. It evokes the feeling of a weathered coastal town, a long-lost pirate captain, or an ancient creature from the deep trenches. here is a break down of nautical goth!!!!!!!!!!!

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origins & development

Developed as a niche subgenre within the broader goth scene in the late 1990s and 2000s, heavily tied to dark cabaret, psychobilly, and neoclassical darkwave music.
Influenced by 18th and 19th-century naval history, classical maritime literature, and the maritime ghost stories of coastal regions.
Grew out of a shared appreciation for cosmic horror (such as Lovecraftian lore) and pirate mythology, trading high-seas adventure for oceanic gloom.
Maintained a dedicated presence through alternative art circles, coastal subcultural meetups, and dark fantasy literature forums.

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Key Motifs & Fashion Pieces

Weathered pea coats
brass-buttoned navy blazers
tattered captain’s jackets
flowing white or tea-stained poet shirts
high-necked linen blouses
Layered, distressed skirts
trousers reminiscent of tattered sails or fishnets
Heavy, oil-skinned leather boots
classic lace-up deck boots
Accessories featuring anchors
krakens
compasses
sextants
pirate coins
Jewelry made from natural sea elements
shark teeth
barnacles
sea glass
pearls
Sailor hats
tricorn hats
distressed fisherman beanies worn low
Rope belts
heavy iron key rings
netting worn as scarves or shawls

Makeup & Hair

Sun-bleached or wind-weathered base
Smoky eyes in shades of deep sea green, slate grey, or dark navy blue
Deep berry, dark plum, or completely matte black lips
Hair left in loose, salty, beach-textured waves
messy sailor braids
windblown dreadlocks
Hair colors often include deep midnight blue, seafoam green, or natural weathered tones

Colors:

Deep navy blue
ocean blue
midnight blue
Matte black
charcoal grey
storm-cloud slate
Foam white
tea-stained cream
driftwood beige
Accents of tarnished brass
oxidized copper green
antique gold

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Music

Dark cabaret
Neoclassical darkwave
Sea shanty fusion
Psychobilly
Pirate punk
Dark ambient (oceanic/sub-aquatic scores)
Artists: The Tiger Lillies, Voltaire, Rasputina, Dead Can Dance, Vernian Process, Abney Park

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Movies & Television

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
The Lighthouse (2019)
The Terror (Season 1, 2018)
Dark Shadows (1966–1971 / 2012)
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
The Fog (1980)
Ghost Ship (2002)
Night Tide (1961)
The Uninvited (1944)
Midnight Mass (2021)

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Books & Lore:

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
The Shadow over Innsmouth by H.P. Lovecraft
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

Video Games:

Sunless Sea (2015)
Bloodborne (2015)
Return of the Obra Dinn (2018)
Sea of Thieves

Fandoms / Communities:

Historical naval reenactment factions
Cosmic horror and Lovecraftian lore societies
Alternative beach-dwelling and coastal lifestyle communities

Similar Aesthetics:

Romantic Goth
Victorian Goth
Steampunk Goth
Southern Gothic

Inspo

videostargrl

54. classic goth / 80s goth

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classic goth — Summary

classic goth (frequently referred to as "trad goth") is the original, definitive subculture born directly out of the late-1970s punk rock explosion and early-1980s post-punk movement. it focuses on a sharp, DIY, and highly atmospheric aesthetic that values artistic rebellion, brooding introspection, and subcultural music history over modern, store-bought luxury. heres a breakdown of classic goth!!!!!! (i know i already did trad goth, but i wanted to fo sm for the originals)

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origins & development

emerged between 1979 and 1983 in the United Kingdom as post-punk bands began trading punk's political rage for darker, atmospheric songwriting and romanticism
crystallized around legendary music venues like the Batcave in London and early independent record labels
heavily influenced by the visual personas of musicians who rejected mainstream pop glitz in favor of a striking, shadowy presence
serves as the foundational blueprint from which all other gothic subgenres and aesthetics eventually branched

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clothing & accessories:

oversized, distressed black blazers
leather motorcycle jackets
tailored velvet coats
fishnet shirts
shredded mesh tops
layers of ripped hosiery
pointed footwear
winklepickers
heavily buckled pikes
classic Chelsea boots
straight-leg black denim
tight leather trousers
layered crinkle skirts
ornate silver jewelry worn in heavy layers
ankhs
rosaries
crucifixes
crescent moons
fingerless lace gloves
tattered fishnet arm warmers
safety-pin accents
vintage leather belts with large silver buckles often slung low on the hips

makeup & hair:

stark, pale matte foundation base
dramatic, heavy black eyeshadow
exaggerated, sharp winged eyeliner
aggressive "deathrock brows"
highly angular, shaved and redrawn
brushed upward dramatically
matte black
deep plum
stark crimson lipstick
a sharply defined Cupid's bow
massive, gravity-defying hair
backcombed "birds-nest" styles
heavily crimped manes
shaved undercuts held up with maximum-strength hairspray

colors:

obsidian black
charcoal grey
slate
stark contrast white
deep crimson
blood red
rich burgundy
midnight blue
deep violet

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music

gothic rock
post-punk
early darkwave
positive punk
artists: Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Sisters of Mercy, The Cure (early 80s trilogy: Seventeen Seconds, Faith, Pornography), Fields of the Nephilim, Clan of Xymox, Christian Death

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movies & television

The Hunger (1983)
Christiane F. (1981)
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
Nosferatu (1922)
Twin Peaks (1990)
Labyrinth (1986)
The Addams Family (1964)
Gothic (1986)
The Lost Boys (1987)
Beetlejuice (1988)

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books & poetry:

Dracula by Bram Stoker
the works of Edgar Allan Poe
classic 19th-century gothic literature and romantic poetry
1980s underground music zines (like Propaganda)

art & design:

german expressionist film design
surrealism and high-contrast photography
photocopy-art gig flyers
collage-style album covers

fandoms / communities:

traditional vinyl collectors
cassette trading circles
world-renowned alternative music festivals
local underground post-punk and darkwave club nights

similar aesthetics:

batcaver
deathrock
mopey goth
romantic goth

inpso

videostargrl

53. batcaver

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batcaver — summary

batcaver is a foundational, old school subculture centered around the early 1980s post punk and deathrock revival scene. named after the legendary london nightclub the batcave, this style represents the raw, unpolished, and DIY roots of goth. it focuses on a look that is highly aggressive, theatrical, and heavily influenced by 1970s glam rock, trash horror movies, and classic punk rock. here is a breakdown of batcaver!!!!!

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origins & development

developed in 1982 with the opening of the batcave club in soho, london, which served as the crucible for the emerging gothic rock scene
pioneered by bands who blended the raw energy of punk with the theatricality of glam rock and the atmospheric gloom of horror cinema
grew as a distinct visual style characterized by a shredded, safety-pinned, and DIY approach to fashion
continues to be celebrated globally through dedicated festival stages and nights focusing strictly on original 1980s vinyl tracks and deathrock revivals

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clothing & accessories:

heavily shredded, torn, tops
fishnet tops
Leather or pleather motorcycle jackets
hand-painted band logos
studs
spikes
ultra-tight black skinny jeans
leather trousers
fishnet tights
winklepickers
pointed boots
heavily buckled pikes
fingerless fishnet gloves
tattered arm warmers
heavy silver jewelry
interlocking chains
safety pins
bone structures
large ankhs
bone
spiderweb
bat-shaped motifs
distressed denim vests
tattered black blazers covered in band patches

makeup & hair:

high-contrast, dramatic makeup
a stark pale base
aggressive, structural black eyeliner
"deathrock brows" (sharp, angular, or completely drawn-on eyebrows)
intricate face-paint details
spiderwebs
veins drawn near the eyes
bold black
deep purple
blood-red lipstick
slightly smudged
iconic, gravity-defying hair
massive teased deathhawks
mohawks
heavily backcombed "birds-nest" styles
hair is typically jet black
often sprayed with structural hairspray to hold extreme shapes
accented with white/crimson streaks

colors:

matte black
high-contrast stark white
deep blood red
crimson
electric purple
toxic green

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music

deathrock
gothic rock
early/proto goth
post-punk
batcave
horror punk
artists: Specimen, Alien Sex Fiend, Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Christian Death, The Virgin Prunes, Sex Gang Children, Cinema Strange

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movies & television

The Hunger (1983)
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
Nosferatu (1922)
Return of the Living Dead (1985)
Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988)
The Batcave (1983)
The Lost Boys (1987)
The Crow (1994)
Batman Returns (1992)
The Addams Family (1964)

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books & zines:

vintage 1980s music zines (e.g., *Propaganda Magazine*)
early gothic horror
classic weird fiction tales
historical documentation of the UK punk and post-punk movements

art & design:

german expressionism
vintage b-movie horror posters
grindhouse art
collage-style gig flyers
photocopied punk art

fandoms / communities:

traditional 80s post-punk vinyl collectors
global deathrock revival festivals (e.g., Return to the Batcave festival)
original Batcave club alumni and historian groups

similar aesthetics:

trad Goth
deathrock
horror punk
riot grrrl
punk rock

inspo

lmk if you guys like this style… i tried making it easier to read and understand for baby bats!

videostargrl

52. perky goth

perky Goth is a vibrant, energetic, and lighthearted subcultural archetype that turns the gloomy goth stereotype on its head. while maintaining a deep love for gothic music, horror, and alternative fashion, perky goths approach life with a bubbly, enthusiastic, and highly social attitude. visually, they often mix traditional dark clothing with playful accessories, bright accents, and a distinct sense of fun. here is a breakdown on perky goth!!!!!!!!!!!!

origins and development

emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a deliberate counter response within the scene to the overly serious mopey goth stereotype
heavily popularized by iconic comic book characters and animated figures who combined macabre interests with cheerful, sweet personalities
grew alongside the rise of the 1990s rave and club scenes, where many goths embraced high energy dancing and brighter visual aesthetics
remains a beloved staple of the subculture, celebrating the idea that loving the dark side doesn't mean you can't be joyful, welcoming, and full of life

clothing / accessories

traditional black outfits layered with bright, contrasting patterns
stripes
polka dots
checkerboard
playful fishnets
striped tights in vibrant colors
hot pink
purple
lime green
graphic tees featuring cute horror icons
classic cartoons
cheerful skull designs
combat boots
creepers
mary janes adorned with colorful laces
stickers
charms
whimsical hair clips
bat wing barrettes
plastic jewelry
skeletons
spiders
pumpkins
chokers with silver bells
hearts
cute spooky pendants
fluffy leg warmers
striped arm warmers
playful backpacks
bats
coffins
plush monsters
lots of DIY elements
pin back buttons
patches
custom decorated gear

makeup and hair

bright, colorful eyeshadow
pinks
purples
cyans
classic dark eyeliner wing
cheerful face details
drawn on stars
hearts
small bats near the eyes
vibrant lipstick tones
bright reds
purples
glittery finishes
fun, high energy hairstyles
space buns
high pigtails
heavily crimped hair
hair is frequently dyed in bright, multi colored fashion shades
split dyes
accented with neon streaks

colors

matte black
dark charcoal
hot pink
electric purple
vibrant magenta
lime green
neon orange
bright yellow
classic high contrast black and white stripes

music

deathrock
synth pop
darkwave
horror punk
dark cabaret
gothic pop
artists : alien sex fiend, specimen, strawberry switchblade, the damned, voltaire, switchblade symphony, siouxie and the banshees

movies / tv

the addams family
beetlejuice
ncis
hotel translyvania
the nightmare before christmas
edward scissorhands
elvira mistress of darkness
addams family values
corpse bride
wednesday

other media

death of the endless
the sandman by neil gaiman
nemi by lise myhre
scary godmother by jill thompson
emily the strange
gisgaea series
skullgirls
animal crossing series
gothic dance club regulars
underground party promoters
80s synth pop and retro wave music communities
spooky lifestyle blogging
alternative DIY crafting circles

aesthetic

mall goth
pastel goth
bubble goth
dark cabaret goth