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Goth glam: How to wear this season’s most bewitching trend

Welcome to the dark side

Sarah Jones
Monday 31 October 2016 13:54 GMT
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Marc Jacobs Autumn Winter 2016
Marc Jacobs Autumn Winter 2016 (Getty Images for Marc Jacobs)

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On the back of fashion’s recent fixation with Victoriana this season designers opted for a more demonic take on high-neck, frill-embellished garb. Ladies, welcome to the dark side.

While gothic style is nothing new it’s been a while since it entered high fashion’s conscience but thankfully, and just in time for Halloween, luxed-up, noir-laden glamour is back.

Perhaps the most straight-up goth looks came on behalf of Marc Jacobs who opted for black lacquered lips, smudged eyes and a collection vaulting in theatrical volume. There were feathers, lace, glossy black patent casting and crocheted doily collars ala Wednesday Adams.

Alexander Wang Autumn Winter 2016
Alexander Wang Autumn Winter 2016

Alexander Wang warped his looks with studded boots, sheer tights, metal-pierced leather and just about everything edged in heavy metal chains while Rodarte opted for a more sensual take on gloomy gothic glam.

With a nod to art-nouveau, the designer’s take on darkness was bewitchingly elegant. There were autumnal floral head dresses, hand-painted guipure lace, frill-embellished leather and oversized belt buckle chokers. Embellishment overrode here though with hand-cut florals, mesh and sequined lace.

Conspicuously dark and seriously bad-ass this modern take on black magic dressing champions some of the sassiest goth femmes around. The trend offers you a chance to get strange and unusual like Lydia Deetz and not just for one night only.

If like me, you’re partial to a spot of macabre dressing anyhow then try revamping your already blackened ‘drobe with some texture; lace and lots of it is the real key to pulling off this bewitching style.

Rodarte Autumn Winter 2016
Rodarte Autumn Winter 2016 (Rex Features)

If you’re new to the dark side though, start with some well-chosen accessories. If you’re a fan of the enduring 90s revival chances are you already own a choker and luckily, they’re a Victoriana-goth staple.

Ruffle Long Sleeve Dress, £54

Leather Ankle Boots, £79.99

Black Lace Blouse, £30

Real Shearling Biker Jacket, £595

Maxi Coat, £49.99

Chain Leather Bag, £35.99

Patent Leather Pelmet Skirt, £69

PU Dress, £30

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