The Power of Style & Culture: the Whimsi-Goth Aesthetic
If you're online a lot now, it's not hard to see how fast trends come and go, or how often new slang is created. In the mix of media there has been a rise in the creation of aesthetics and “cores”. Aesthetics are used to differentiate fashions into a distinct style, often characterized by a specific set of visual elements, like color palettes, patterns, silhouettes, and fabrics. Many of these aesthetics are renamed from previously existing subcultures, just picked through and relabeled to be trendy and easier to categorize.
Aesthetics can be tied to particular communities, artistic movements, digital trends, or subcultures that reflect shared tastes and ideas. Goth culture has always existed and gone through many movements, changes, and styles but one of my favorites that makes me think of old school Halloween (90's and early 2000’s) is the Whimsi-Goth aesthetic. This aesthetic rose to popularity in the late 1980s and through the early 2000s, which coincided with the rise of goth-inspired pop/rock music and a change in artistry and design (think of Tim Burton).
The Whimsi-Gothic aesthetic includes visuals that are gloomy, yet warm, including themes of the moon, sun and celestial themes. Fabrics are often layered and flowy or longer in length, prominently using patterned fabrics, laces, and velvets. It is full of dark, gothic themes with a more comfortable twist, while bringing in "witchier" styles blending Gothic and Bohemian fashion. It is often associated with movies and shows involving magic and witches, the strange and unusual, many popular examples from the 90’s, which would explain why it makes me think of old school Halloween.
Recreating the Style:
When trying to recreate the look remember the fashion draws lots of inspiration from traditionally "witchy" clothing, as well as 80's and 90's fashion elements and trends. Layer and stick to tight tops and loose bottoms.
Tops: Bell sleeve tops, mesh or lace tops, wrap shirts tied in front, knitted cardigans, velvet vests
Bottoms: Flare/bell bottom pants, maxi skirts, flowy or ruffled skirts, patterned tights
Footwear: Boots with pointed toes, chunky platforms, Mary Janes, fun colors and patterns
Accessories: Crystals, moon/sun, chunky rings, watches, scarves, beads, belts, large pendants
