The allure of gothic fashion is hard for every dark-inclined individual to ignore – dreaming of black velvet gowns, intricate corsets, and chunky platform boots. However, keeping on top of the latest trends in the alternative fashion world can be tricky and with the added pressure of wearing high-end alternative brands such as Demonia, New Rocks, etc., finding a gothic outfit that suits your style (and your wallet!) can make shopping even more of a challenge.
The price tags associated with these items can scare even the bravest among us. But fear not! Embracing the dark side doesn’t have to drain your bank account. This article proves that a budget-friendly goth wardrobe is not just a pipe dream but a very achievable reality, and to help you achieve it, we’ll be unearthing tips, tricks, and gothic gold mines that will let you embody your dark aesthetic without plunging your finances into a similarly dark abyss – keep reading to discover how.
Use Sale Racks To Find Your Perfect Pair Of Dark Soles
A critical component of any gothic wardrobe is, of course, footwear. A sturdy pair of boots adds an undeniable edge to any outfit and is a practical addition to your closet. While there are many recognisable high-end alternative footwear brands such as Irregular Choice, Demonia, etc., when we talk about iconic and enduring gothic footwear, one brand springs to mind – Dr. Martens.
Dr. Martens are a must-have because they have robust construction, timeless style, and the ability to pair with almost any gothic outfit. However, these iconic boots can also come with a steep price tag. The solution? Keep your eyes peeled for a Dr. Martens sale.
Sales are not uncommon, especially at online stores like Supersales, and it can be an excellent opportunity to pick up a pair of Dr. Martens without emptying your wallet. Using their website, you can scour the Dr. Martens sale racks across all webshops to ensure you find your perfect pair of dark soles for the most cost-effective price. Consider visiting their website to start your search today!
Unleash Your Creative Spirit With DIY
Despite the rapidly-evolving world of alternative fashion, you’re not always going to be able to find an item you want straight off the rack. Fortunately, for those DIY-friendly ghouls, this is where unleashing your creative spirit can be helpful!
The world of Do-It-Yourself is a vast, untapped reservoir of potential for budget-conscious goths. Altering and customising clothing is a beautiful way to create unique pieces that fully express your personality.
An oversized jacket can be transformed with patches and pins, a simple black dress can be updated with lace or ribbon, jeans can be distressed to your heart’s content, and a pair of plain, black leather boots can be embellished with spikes, studs, and much more.
YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms are great for searching for DIY goth clothing tutorials, offering step-by-step guides to various projects, from beginner to advanced levels.
Haunt The Local Charity/Vintage Shops
As the famous proverb goes, ‘One man’s trash is another one’s treasure.’ So, if you want to stretch your budget, don’t underestimate the power of second-hand shopping. Thrift stores, charity shops, and vintage boutiques are often brimming with discarded treasures waiting to be given a new life.
You’ll find everything from velvet dresses and oversized blazers to lace-up boots and statement jewellery here. Again, be open-minded and creative with your choices. Remember that clothes can be customised or altered if they’re imperfect. This is not just a budget-friendly option but also a green one, promoting a more sustainable approach to fashion.
Also, remember online marketplaces like eBay, Depop, and Poshmark. Like in-person second-hand stores, these platforms often host a vast array of pre-loved gothic garments, with everything from intricate lace dresses to statement leather jackets, often at highly reduced prices.
Plan And Prioritise Your Purchases
When scrolling through popular alternative clothing stores like Killstar and Disturbia, it can be too easy to scroll through page after page of gothic fashion, homeware, accessories, footwear, etc. and add everything we see to our carts.
However, while there is nothing wrong with treating yourself occasionally, if you don’t plan and prioritise your purchases, you will soon find yourself running out of money! While all genres of fashion can come with a hefty price tag, alternative style is lamented for having one of the biggest, with something as simple as a t-shirt ranging from £50-£80 (yes, we’re looking at you DropDead).
While we’ve focused on budget-friendly options, certain timeless pieces are worth investing in. A high-quality Gothic coat, a versatile corset, or a pair of durable boots can last years if well cared for. Instead of purchasing several lower-quality pieces, consider saving for these investment items to elevate your entire wardrobe.
Planning and prioritising your purchases can go a long way in saving money. Instead of buying spontaneously, list the gothic items you need, like a basic black dress or a pair of black boots. You should invest more in these items while saving on trendier pieces that may go out of style faster.
Don’t Be Afraid To Mix/Mingle Brands
In most fashion communities, it can be tricky not to fall victim to the gatekeeper’s ideal that every piece of clothing you wear must be a specific brand (like Killstar, Iron Fist, etc.); otherwise, you run the risk of looking like a ‘poser’ or that your wardrobe isn’t ‘goth’ enough.
However, gothic fashion amalgamates diverse styles, making it wonderfully versatile, and there is no reason why you can’t embrace this weird and fabulous style by mixing and matching various clothing pieces and accessories to create captivating ensembles.
Layering is an excellent technique to add depth and dimension to your outfits. Think about pairing a corset with a flowing skirt topped with a lacey shawl or a cropped jacket. Combine different fabrics like velvet, satin, and lace to create a visually captivating look that exudes Gothic charm.
Remember that your Gothic wardrobe can be simple. A carefully curated collection of versatile pieces can be mixed and matched to create an array of bewitching outfits, ensuring you’re always dressed to impress, whatever the occasion.
Find Your Coven (And Exchange Pieces With Them!)
Despite growing in popularity over the years, being a fan of alternative clothing can feel isolating since you won’t always find something befitting your style in a high street store. Therefore, finding a group of like-minded individuals (or coven as known in the alternative world!) can be helpful where you can share tips, advice, etc., to find gothic fashion on a budget.
Gothic fashion enthusiasts share more than just a love for dark aesthetics; they often share a sense of community and camaraderie. Engaging with like-minded individuals can create fantastic opportunities for exchanging or swapping clothing items. Attend local meetups, join online forums, or become part of social media groups dedicated to Gothic fashion.
Fashion exchanges provide a cost-effective way to acquire new pieces and serve as a platform for connecting with others who understand and appreciate your style choices. Building such connections within the Gothic community can be a source of inspiration and support, fostering a sense of belonging in a world that celebrates the unconventional.
