A Guide to Goth- It's All About the Music

People often associate goth with the color black, dark makeup and cemeteries. However, goth isn't just all tombstones and black lipstick it is a music-based subculture. The subculture was an offshoot of the punk rock movement and began in the late 70s. Goth took punk's rebellious nature and added dark and gloomy elements, its trademark today. Bands like The Bauhaus, Siouxsie and The Banshees, The Sisters of Mercy, and The Cure are just some of the many important and influential bands that make up the sound of the subculture. 

Fashion comes second to the music. Anyone can be a goth as long as they listen to the music, but the fashion is important too. Things like layered clothing, boots (often platforms), fishnets, rosaries and leather jackets are all important pieces. Fashion is also based on the music artists themselves, such as a white button up shirt and red lipstick worn by Robert Smith, the lead singer of the band The Cure. Some other fashion staples include tops with lace, corsets, and silver jewlery. 

Makeup is often bold and detailed. Goth Makeup usually starts with a white or lightened base, eccentric black or dark eye makeup, and red or black lipstick. Hair is usually black and can be worn in many different ways. An iconic hairstyle is the' bats nest' which involves teasing one's hair up. 

I hope this post was informative. Remember that no matter how you dress or do your makeup if you listen to the music and are comfortable with the label you are a goth.