Dressing Goth :The anatomy of a goth club outfit

It's a Friday evening and you find that the dark forces are calling to out to the dance floor, so grab your shoes and head on out to your local goth dance night. But first we need to get you all geared up for an evening of swooning, swirling and stomping to the music! If you're not sure what to wear, let's discover some tips and tricks to on how to get you dressed for the evening.

1. Can never go wrong with black

Whether you're a regular at the goth club, an occasional visitor, or you're a first timer, black is always a good idea. Black not only is the official "color" of the dark clad 'creatures of the night', it's also flattering and it doesn't glow in the black light, which may avoid some unwanted attention. No one wants to be the only glowing object in a club! *Wink*

2. Dress in your comfort level

The wonderful thing about goth fashion is that there are so many options within the goth subculture's style that no one person needs to pigeon hole themselves or try to look exactly like anyone else. Creativity and letting your personality shine through in your club outfit is often a fun adventure in putting together something that will not only make you look good, but will make you feel good. Whether you're a t-shirt and jeans sorta guy, or love dressing in Victorian-esque ball gowns, the best rule of thumb is to dress within your comfort zone.

3. Relax, it's all about having fun

People within the goth subculture are often viewed as intimidating as the goth club is often see as a place to display your elaborate fashions (as well as drink and dance with other like-minded individuals). Not everyone can afford $300 Gallery Serpentine corsets, or sky high New Rock platforms, yet that doesn't mean your budget conscious self can't find some lovely black items to adorn yourself. Follow me and let's see what items we can scare up for you.

Women

Goth club wear for women can be found anywhere from the mall to second hand stores to Target, black clothing is everywhere!

Get the basics:

• Black skirts-short or long
• Lace tops-hot trend right now and always a gothy staple
• Black dress-flowy or slim, short or long
• Patterned stockings-lace, stripes, fishnets, etc.
• Shoes-high heels, Doc Martens, platforms or Mary Jane's
• Accessories-add that extra spooky ooky to an outfit with; earrings, necklaces or chokers, bracelets and hair accessories

Men

Gentleman may have a little bit of a harder time finding really unique items, yet a nice basic black palette is always a good look for any dapper guy.

Get the basics:

• Band t-shirts-show off your music interests
• BDU pants or slim fit dress pants/jeans
• Button-up dress shirts-add a tie, cravat or a neck scarf to accessorize a basic button-up
• Shoes-combat boots, winklepickers, Chuck Tailors, etc.

• Jackets-black, pinstripe, suit coats, etc.

  Recommended websites:

  Hot Topic-You may have a Hot Topic store at your local mall. Check out the clearance racks for some discount gothy goodness. Good place to get; stockings, accessories and hair goodies. Push past all the gimmicky cartoony goods, and you can find some fun items to add to your outfit.

  Lip Service-Women's and men's alternative fashion label from Los Angeles, CA. Dresses, skirts, stretch jeans, fishnet tops, and accessories.

  Sourpuss Clothing-Independent retail store that carries their own Sourpuss Clothing brand as well as; Lip Service, Rock Rebel, Hell Bunny, Tripp NYC. Find some unique items for both men and women.

  Forever 21-Trendy mall juniors store, yet with a little imagination and searching, you can find some nice black goth club basics like; tank tops, studded mini skirts, patterned stockings, cross necklaces and sheer lace blouses.

  Sinister Soles-A big variety of goth boots, shoes for women and men

  Ebay-Search for key words like "women's goth dress" or "men's goth jacket". Can find some really awesome deals for low prices.