Romantic Goth Style: A Guide to Lace, Velvet and Dark Elegance
Romantic goth is the softest side of dark fashion. It keeps the black wardrobe and the love of the macabre, then adds lace, velvet, roses and long, flowing shapes. If you like the idea of a heroine from a Gothic novel walking through a candlelit castle, this is probably your style.
What is romantic goth?
Goth fashion grew out of the post-punk music scene in the UK in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Romantic goth is the branch that looks further back for inspiration: Victorian mourning dress, 19th century Gothic literature and the Romantic movement. Where punk-influenced goth leans on leather and studs, romantic goth prefers fabric that moves, such as lace sleeves, velvet bodices, sheer overlays and floor-length skirts.
The key pieces
- A lace or velvet dress. It does most of the work on its own. A style like the Bardot neckline lace dress only needs boots and a piece of jewelry.
- A long skirt. A mermaid lace and velvet maxi skirt gives you drama and pairs with almost any fitted top.
- A blouse with volume. Puff sleeves, ruffles and high collars are the signature details. Try a deep color like the burgundy button-front top instead of plain black.
- A corset or bustier. Worn over a blouse or dress, it shapes the waist and adds a historical feel. See our corsets and bustiers.
- A cape or bolero. The easiest way to make a simple outfit look finished. A lace bolero works over bare shoulders or a slip dress.
Colors and fabrics
Black is the base, but romantic goth is more colorful than people expect. Burgundy, wine red, deep purple and midnight blue all belong here, and ivory is a beautiful accent when you want a ghostly look. For fabrics, think lace, velvet, satin, chiffon and jacquard. Mixing two textures in one outfit, such as velvet with lace, is what makes the look feel rich rather than flat.
Three outfit ideas
1. The candlelit evening
A full-length lace dress, a velvet choker and heeled boots. Keep the rest simple and let the dress speak.
2. The Victorian day look
A high-collar blouse tucked into a long skirt, with a corset belt over the top and lace-up boots. It looks elaborate but takes five minutes to put together.
3. The soft everyday version
A dark floral or lace top with black jeans or a midi skirt, plus a small cape or lace gloves. It is a good way to wear the style at work or on a casual day out.
Finishing touches
Accessories carry a lot of the mood. Lace or velvet gloves and small accessories, silver jewelry, roses in the hair and a dark berry lipstick all point in the right direction. You rarely need more than two or three.
Ready to start? Browse our romantic gothic collection for dresses, skirts, tops and capes in this style.