The great thing about Gothic style, and what so many people love about it, is the freedom that it offers. When you wear goth clothes, it is really up to you how you want to look and how you want to present yourself; the beauty of the style is that it can really be whatever you make it. With that being said, there are still a few articles of clothing that are so common to goth style that, when you put them on, people will immediately recognize your style. Today, we’ll be focusing on shawls and all the different styles they can come in. There are a number of different styles and ways to wear shawls and similar articles of clothing, so there is plenty to talk about. Hopefully the information in this article will give you some good ideas that will help you develop your own goth style!
Simple Shawls
With Gothic apparel, you can really go as simple or as ornate as you want; there is certainly room in the style for both, so you have a lot of room for experimentation. It is just a matter of finding what is right for you. For some people, a slightly more low-key shawl or cape will be the best option for their wardrobe. After all, you don’t always need an outlandish piece of clothing to make a statement. Check out this shawl:
This shawl is clearly a great example of goth fashion; from the deep black color, to the delicate lace, to the unique clasp, everything about this shawl screams Gothic. It wouldn’t look out of place on a character in a vampire movie or a 19th century period piece- and isn’t that the hallmark of great goth clothes? And while it certainly is unmistakably goth, it isn’t so niche that it can’t fit in a wide range of outfits; shawls like this can certainly work in a fully Gothic outfit, but that doesn’t mean it won’t work in more casual settings. This shawl would work just as well with a simple blouse or other top and a pair of blue jeans. It adds just enough goth flair, without totally overpowering the outfit. And it will still look good with a full on goth look- it will certainly great with a full on, black-on-black traditional goth outfit. It’s a matter of experimentation and finding the look that works best for you, but shawls like this can really do it all.
Different Styles
But that doesn’t mean all Gothic shawls are like that. As good as it is to have versatile and low-key Gothic apparel in your collection, sometimes it pays to have pieces in your wardrobe that are a little bolder and head turning. What’s the fun of goth fashion if you can’t turn heads every now and then? Something like this can go a long way if that is the effect you are after:
When you wear a piece like this, you can’t help but turn heads; the lace detailing as well as its sheer height make it a piece that isn’t for the faint of heart. And it’s important to note that a piece like this is really best suited for a full on goth look. A scarf like this is so dramatic and bold that it would look fairly out of place in an every day, casual outfit. But if you are looking for the perfect finishing touch for your outfit, a scarf like this might just be the perfect fit.
But it is important to remember that Gothic fashion isn’t limited to vampire-esque cloaks with a hood scarf. A big part of goth style involves simpler, more period appropriate clothes with a slightly modern edge. Take this shawl:
This shawl is far from a 21st century creation; it looks like a product from an earlier time. The white trim and buttons certainly make it seem more vintage, especially compared to some of the other shawls we’ve looked at today. But that doesn’t mean you can’t style it in a more modern context. It will just take a little more effort. With a piece like this, it is best to take it in a more formal direction. It might look a little silly with a pair of jeans and a regular top, but if you pair it with the right dress and shoes, you will be well on your way to a stunning Gothic look. All it takes is some experimentation and imagination.
Going All Out
Let’s say that you want to really break the mold and find a piece that nobody would be able to ignore. When you want to do this, sometimes it’s helpful to look into different materials; lace is great, but there are entire worlds of materials out there for you to explore. If you want to take a goth outfit to it’s natural extreme, it might be worth trying out a feather style shawl like this:
As soon as you put it on, you will see the appeal; shawls like this are perfect if you are after a sexy and mysterious look. While this shawl might not fit in as well with an every day casual outfit, if you pair it with a sleek and distinguished black dress and some jewelry, you’ll look like a Gothic queen without even really trying. If you want to really go all out with your gothic apparel, a feathered shawl is a great way to take your outfits to the next level.
Conclusion
Gothic fashion is great because it offers you almost unlimited possibilities; the only limit is your imagination and your only guide is your own personal sense of style. If you decide to add a few shawls to your wardrobe, their are a number of options out there that can fit well into any goth wardrobe. Whether you want something that you can incorporate into a wide range of outfits, or something more bold for special occasions, you can be certain that there is something out there for you; it’s just a matter of tracking down what’s right for you. And if you want to see a whole range of pieces for your wardrobe, be sure to check out MAGICWARDROBES.