Romantic goth is a style recognized by lots of lacey layers, Victorian inspired pieces, and the soft makeup. One of my personal favorite styles, romantic goths like to focus on the beauty in dark things, and as the name suggests, romanticize the things that may be too dark for some.
Where did it come from?
The romantic goth style became popular in the 1990s, heavily inspired by ethereal wave of the time. People partaking combined many aspects of traditional goth, but softened it by adding romantic elements from Victorian fashion, hence the name. Romantic goth entered the mainstream twice, once in the 1990s and once in the early 2000s, and grew outside the teen audience of many goth subcultures, and to adults, mostly women. We can thank popular characters like Morticia Addams, Lily Munster, and Elvira for that. While it may not have remained completely mainstream, romantic goth regularly has upticks in popularity, even in 2025 with releases of movies like Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu.
What does it look like?
Romantic goth is very easily recognizable. People who dress in this style look like real life vampires or time travelers from the past. Often dressed in formal attire, they usually go for Victorian fashion, from the corsets to the layers and ruffles. Within the layers, you’ll find lots of different textures. Fabrics like velvet, lace, and satin are most popular for clothing, creating lots of contrast even within a monochromatic outfit. Clothes are often very flowy, but this is not a hard rule. Long skirts are most popular, usually either flowy or mermaid style (think Morticia Addam’s dress). Flounce, trumpet, and bishop sleeves are all very popular for tops. Corsets are very popular and aid in creating a romantic shape for the outfit. Dark color palettes are popular, black, red, and purple being most common, but some also use orange and blue. Accessories include chokers (usually lace), black metal jewelry, and large stones. Much of this is antique costume jewelry that can be found at thrift or antique stores. I also love adding Victorian inspired cameo jewelry, whether it’s necklaces, earrings, or a brooch. Hair and makeup is very soft and elegant. Hair is usually straightened or left as is, adding in product to get rid of frizz. Updos are also popular, aiming for that messy, Victorian bun look. Eye makeup is usually something like a smoky eye (can be colored) or a winged eyeliner. Personally I like a thinned, drawn in eyebrow. I feel that it brings the more gothic feel to the look. Many people like to pale their foundation a few shades to give a dead look, but most don’t go for the full white foundation. The look is usually finished with a dark lip, usually red, purple, or black.
The Icons of the Style
Many of the icons for romantic goth are actually popular characters in movies and TV. I do feel the need to mention that a lot of these women are very thin and tight lace their corsets to accentuate that. This is never a necessity for any style, please prioritize your health and wellness before fashion! Now, on to the icons!
Morticia Addams is just that girl. Every version of her is amazing, but this is one of my favorite looks throughout the movies. I love the tattered layers on the sleeves and the beading throughout the bodice. Her hair is very plain, just sleek and laid down. The makeup is my favorite. I love the super high drawn in arches of her eyebrows, and the way it made space to take the eyeshadow all the way up to the browbone. I love the harsh contrast in the makeup as well, and the red lips just add even more.
I’ve been obsessed with Lily Munster’s hair since I was a child, I just think the white is so dang cool! We see again the drawn in, high arch eyebrows, which I love, but they stick with just a winged liner for the eyes. She also goes for the red lips, which is just a classic. I absolutely love her dress. The long flowy sleeves, the lace trim on her dress, and the straps creating a corset effect are all very reminiscent of Victorian lounge wear. The velvet choker with a large stone ties the whole look together.
Lydia Deetz’s wedding dress is the perfect romantic goth outfit. So many layers and textures. The mix of tulle and lace creates so much visual interest. The gloves are a wonderful but often forgotten accessory. High necklines like this are also a great way to add a little more Victorian feel to an outfit.
My Pinterest board with more inspo is linked here!
Rituals & Raiments 
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