28 December,2022 10:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Tanishka D’Lyma
Jenna Ortega in a net dress and platform heels, sporting curtain bangs and a leather jacket; (right) black-on-black layers can liven up an outfit despite the being monotone. Pics Courtesy/Getty Images
Dress up even while you downplay an outfit and still check off your chic quotient. Goth is perfect for this trend, because the deep black-on-black layers and accessories enrich an outfit. Avoid greys or hues and go with rich and deep blacks. Contrast them with white. With minimal effort, it's easy to look classy but with tonnes of nightshade coolness. Mihika Bhanot, image consultant and personal brand strategist, tells us how. She explains that putting the basics together is all you need for a Goth look. Take inspiration from Jenna Ortega's character on the Netflix series, Wednesday, and pair her slim pointy collar with a black or monotone checkered sweater. Keep the sweater short to maintain a silhouette. You can opt for a high pencil skirt with platform heels or, keep it casual with block heels or boots. Bhanot notes that accessories, hair and makeup elevate a look and make it more cohesive. Braid your hair messily in a single plait or two that are pinned up and across each other. "Add elements of your own personality through accessories to make the style your own,"
she suggests.
The tone of Goth on 2022's Wednesday wasn't downright scary at all; it leaned towards being vintage with sharp angular cuts and symmetrical shapes and lines. You can still continue the oversized trend but make sure to create angles or clear silhouettes at the neck, waist, wrist and ankles. For your 2023 countdown party, Bhanot suggests pairing a net skirt or dress that has a touch of shine with stockings and heeled boots. Or skip the net and take advantage of the drop in temperature in a leather skirt or dress. Pin your hair back with a fringe or with multiple strands framing your face. "Always make sure you wear the outfit, and that the outfit doesn't wear you," she highlights, noting the importance of wearing any style with confidence.
Bhanot points out that make-up for a modern Goth look is soft and standard. This includes a smokey eyeshadow, thin-lined eyes, and cool-toned lipsticks. Don't be afraid of colours like purple, light translucent pink, lip balms with a blue tint and even black. We're going Goth, after all.
Staccato waves, hairdos with twisted and pinned-up braids, curtain bangs and messy playful fringes like Wednesday's are all great options for hairstyle.
For accessories, look for large hoops, chunky earrings, bold rings and rhinestones. And you can never go wrong with short net gloves, stockings, and tapered slim and pointy collars.
