Shopping for Your Goth Teenager

Does your teenage daughter or son call themselves a goth? Are you supportive of their decision to dress in goth attire? If so, then your teenager is probably really grateful for having such an understanding parent. If you're willing to take it a step further and purchase clothes of the goth variety for your teen, then you'll need some tips on which items would be appropriate, and most of all, liked by your teen and their peers. No need to panic, it is possible to find decent clothing that your teen would like and perhaps you might as well. Working in middle schools where some young teens choose to define their style as goth, I have noticed a few ideologies. For one, they are just trying to show both their uniqueness through dress, as well as foster a sense of community among peers who enjoy a similar fashion. Teen Goths have personalities just like everyone else and do not like being called a satanist just for liking a certain sense of style. Get to know the teen and their unique personality. You just might be surprised at what you'll uncover. For example, they might really like cartoon characters. You can incorporate that into your teen's wardrobe with something like stockings. Be open to the possibilities and work with your teen on their own sense of style.

Many of the goth style of clothing comes from the Victorian era where you'll find corsets, laced up boots, dresses, shields of chain, and rich colors. You'll see a pattern of these types of fashions repeated in goth clothing today.

Let's start with the notion that "all goth clothing must be black". This simply isn't so. Sure, some Goths choose to dress in all black clothing, but that is their personal preference. Dressing in all black is actually a stereotype placed on the goth community. Most of the clothing is, however, dark in color. However, you can find velvet reds, plum purples, emerald greens, cobalt blue, and in some instances, even white! Goth colors tend to be bold, some even like pink. So although it would be easier just to throw all black clothing in a cart, it's interesting to know that you can shop for a variety of colors and styles instead. It actually depends more on what your teen favors as far as colors. Ask him or her!

Females:

For females, look for corset looking type of blouses. They do not have to cinch one's waist or push up the breasts. Instead it could be something as simple as a pretty blouse that laces up in the front. Stick to the hues mentioned before. Fabrics often found in goth dress are velvet, satin, lace, and silk for the females. The bottoms tend to be fuller skirts, unless your teen daughter prefers pants. Therefore, choose shirts that aren't so full looking. You can even go for a satiny shirt of any color, with black lace over it.

For the bottoms, you'll want to look for skirts of the similar textures mentioned previously. It could be a long velvet skirt, or it could be a shorter leather one. For skirts and pants, or capris alike, look for accessories such as a chain on the skirt/pants, dark lace, straps, or strings that lace up. You can pair the skirts off with complementary-colored fishnets as well. Silver touches anywhere in the outfit are also a plus.

For males:

Males who dress goth tend to prefer shirts that are black, or perhaps a metal gray. If possible, you can look for shirts that have chains built into it, or perhaps even tears. Shirts tend to be sleeveless, and can be paired with a leather jacket with chains.

For the pants, leather can be ideal, but jeans can also work if needed. Guys will like chains near the pockets, although this is sometimes banned at schools, so instead look for pants that may have tears near the bottom or a chain-like look down the sides. Don't go too baggy with the shirt or the pants.

Both males and females who dress goth both use black eyeliner to accentuate their look. So be sure to pick up a stick of eyeliner on your shopping trip. Some eyeliner brands do a better job than others. Revlon sells a great one that goes on smooth and is waterproof too. You might want to get some different colored eyeshadows for your daughter as well.