Casual Goth: What is It and How To Get it Right

Black is back and it's never been cooler. Find out how goth is casually making its way into the mainstream.
April 15, 2022

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By Branded Joy Editorial Staff

Have you ever heard someone say that black is always in style? Well, it turns out to be true.

Casual goth fashion has been growing in popularity lately, and it’s not just a phase. The gothic style has been around for a long time but it’s experiencing a proper renaissance.

But casual goth can be tricky to get right. If you’re not careful, you might end up looking like a Hot Topic reject. In this article, we’ll show you how to wear casual goth the right way. We’ll also give you some tips on how to put together your own casual goth outfit.

So read on and learn all about casual goth fashion!

What is Casual Goth Fashion?

Casual goth is, as the name suggests, a more casual take on traditional gothic fashion.

Despite the preconceptions you might have, it’s perfect for everyday wear, and it allows you to incorporate gothic style into your look without going full-on dark mode.

Casual goth is all about simplicity and elegance. The key to nailing the look is to focus on quality over quantity. A few well-chosen pieces will go a lot further than a bunch of cheap tat from the local Halloween store.

One of the great things about casual goth is that it can be as dressy or as casual as you want it to be. It’s perfect for everything from a day at work to a night out on the town.

Casual Goth, Modern Goth, Gothcore, and The Goth-ipedia

Before we dive into how to wear casual goth, let’s take a quick detour to talk about the difference between casual goth and modern goth.

Modern goth is a more extreme version of traditional goth fashion. It’s darker, edgier, and often features very bright or neon colors. Modern goths also tend to be into body modification and piercings.

Casual goth, on the other hand, is a much more subdued version of the style. It takes cues from traditional goth fashion but softens it up for everyday wear.

But the terminology isn’t that important.

The most important thing is attitude. Casual goth isn’t about taking the style too seriously.

How To Get Casual Goth Right

For starters, goth is not about everything-black for the sake of it. And it’s definitely not about looking scary.

The casual goth look is about taking inspiration from goth fashion and applying that inspiration to create interesting everyday outfits.

Even a black band t-shirt and black jeans are enough to put you on the right track.

Spikes and Studs Can Work Too

You don’t have to go full-on goth to get the look. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that a lot of casual goths don’t even consider themselves goths.

But if you’re looking to add a little more edge to your outfit, then metal and studs are always a good way to do it. Just make sure not to overdo it. A few well-placed pieces will suffice.

And remember, quality over quantity!

Distressed Fabrics Are Also an Option

If you’re not a fan of metal and studs, then distressed fabrics are another great way to add some gothic edge to your outfit.

Ripped jeans, frayed hemlines, and torn t-shirts are all fair game. Just make sure that the overall look is still put together.

You don’t want to look like you just rolled out of bed!

So there you have it! These are just a few tips on how to get casual goth right. Just remember to keep it simple, focus on quality over quantity, and have fun with it! Goth should be about self-expression, after all.

Goth Business Casual

One of the best things about casual goth is that it can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion.

For example, you could easily rock a goth business casual look by pairing a black blazer with some dark-wash jeans and a pair of Chelsea boots.

If you’re feeling extra goth, you could even add a touch of lace or velvet.

A more casual look might be something like black skinny jeans, a band tee, and Converse sneakers.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless!

Casual Goth Doesn’t Have to be All or Nothing

If you walk away from this with one lesson, it should be that the goth style doesn’t mean committing fully to black for the sake of it.

Casual goth is a great style for anyone who wants to add a touch of darkness to their wardrobe. It’s also perfect for people who want to experiment with different styles without going too crazy.

So, give it a try. Maybe a little black is exactly what’s been missing in your life.

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