As Halloween closes in on us, the witching hour is near. So what do we do? Ready ourselves for our month-end parties of course. With costumes at the top of mind, many will be opting for looks from 2023’s fan favourite: Barbie. As for those who are sticklers for channelling the dark and macabre? There are plenty of recent references to go around, from the entirety of Wednesday’s cast to Mia Goth’s Pearl and the M3gan doll.
If you’re not quite sure where to start and want to keep things simple, going goth is a fool-proof way to ace it this Halloween. The one rule you’ll have to abide by? Let black lead you into the dead of the night. Nevertheless, the reigning hue will still fail to achieve the transformation you desire—at least not without some considered styling, a dark lip that rivals Jenna Ortega and some attitude-altering accessories.
The best part? All the inspiration you need can be found on fashion’s biggest stage: the runway. Over the course of recent seasons, we’ve witnessed an outing of desirable looks worthy of goth girl transformations. Presentations on what soft or girly goth might look like came from the dark romance of Sandy Liang’s fall/winter 2023 runway and Shushu/Tong’s recent show at Shanghai Fashion Week. Whilst Kei Ninomiya’s ruinous devotion to a darker fantasy will forever strike a chord with those already bewitched, there is no one better than Rick Owens to turn to when it comes to mastering the mysterious hue. His recent spring/summer 2024 show was proof, delivering a masterclass in exactly how to strut up to the occasion.
So for the girl who leans goth this Halloween, a lesson or two will be gleaned in a recap of past seasons and more. For all the sartorial notes to pick up and how you’ll best achieve the transformation this October, scroll on.
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Playing with dark romance
For the soft goth gals, every bit of dark romance and wayward whimsy counts. Shushu/Tong’s spring/summer 2024 was a goldmine of inspo. Imbue your outfit with layers of lace, tulle and a softened dose of edge.
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The dark and the dreary
There is no one better to turn to than Rick Owens for the ultimate gothic makeover. Finesse the look by pairing various materials and textures—and don’t forget the addition of a ferocious platform boot.
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Ex Machina
The devil is in the details. Noir Kei Ninomiya’s vision treads an effortless line between sinister romance and avant-garde. A bionic twist comes through in his recent runway collection: a mix of ruffles, tulle and elastic brace.
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Dilara Findikoglu dress, $22,730
Available at Dilara Findikoglu.
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Vamp's out
All down to play dress up? Then allow Dracula to take the lead. Take your sartorial cues from Rodarte’s fall/winter 2023 show, where emulating the dark and sultry mood of the vampire icon reigned on the runway. Amp up the drama with a long flowing cape dress or statement-making collar.
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Valentino Garavani cape silk top, $8,630
Available at Net-a-Porter.
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In her Victorian era
The true roots of goth lie in the Romantic era—an evocative time period when art brimmed with expression. It was also when florals emerged as a fashion statement. Undercover’s spring/summer 2024 runway struck a brilliant chord in imbuing Victorian era florals with modern-era goth. Layered underneath the sheerness of tulle, a billowing skirt served as contrast to a two-piece ensemble. The ballet pumps with wraparound ribbons served as a perfect final touch.
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Black Comme Des Garçons tulle skirt, $790
Available at Dover Street Market.
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Corporate goth
If you’re heading to a party straight from the office, then a pared-back ensemble might serve as the perfect double up. At Alessandra Rich, contrast is crucial—as seen with the softness of a sheer, frilly blouse worn under a structured corset and high-slit skirt.
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Bride-to-be
If Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride were ever to have her happily-ever-after, perhaps her glamorous gown-to-be should be black. Sandy Liang’s kooky aesthetic came with a decadent side of gothic serve: where a sash dress and veil coupled up for an easy transformation into soft goth core.
