Pastel goth-style fashion has taken the world by storm, becoming a favorite amongst women of all ages. With its unique blend of dark and light elements, this style creates a beautiful and edgy look.
It’s no surprise that so many women are embracing this trend with open arms – pastel goth-style fashion is playful yet sophisticated, allowing for a wide range of expression.
If you’re looking for ways to add some pastel goth style to your wardrobe, this ultimate guide has you covered!
What is Pastel Goth-Style Fashion?
Pastel Goth is a fashion subculture combining goth and pastel colors. It is a style that emerged in the early 2010s and has gained popularity recently.
The Pastel Goth style is characterized by a mix of gothic and cute elements, which creates a unique aesthetic.
Pastel colors are combined with black to contrast light and dark, resulting in a softer and whimsical version of traditional gothic fashion.
Typical clothing items in the Pastel Goth style include black dresses, skirts, tops with pastel accents, pastel-colored hair, and makeup.
Accessories like chokers, collars, and ankle boots with platform soles are also standard.
The Pastel Goth fashion style is a playful and creative take on traditional goth, incorporating brighter colors and more feminine details.
The Meaning of Pastel Goth-Style Fashion
The meaning behind the Pastel Goth style is a combination of dark and light, hard and soft, and cute and creepy.
Pastel Goth-Style fashion is a way to express oneself by creating a unique, edgy, and playful look
The gothic elements of the style represent the darker aspects of life, such as death, sadness, and melancholy. The pastel colors represent innocence, sweetness, and childlike playfulness.
Combining these elements creates a balance between the two extremes, which can be seen as a reflection of life’s complexities.
The Pastel Goth style is also a way for individuals to express individuality and break free from traditional fashion norms.
It allows people to mix and match different styles, colors, and accessories to create a unique look that reflects their personality and interests.
The meaning of Pastel Goth fashion is a celebration of the beauty and complexity of life, with a nod to the darker side of things.
It is a way to express oneself creatively and embrace the contradictions that make us human.
Types of Pastel Goth-Style Fashion
There are several types of Pastel Goth-style fashion, each with unique characteristics.
Some of the most popular types of Pastel Goth fashion include:
Pastel Goth Lolita – This style combines elements of Lolita fashion with Pastel Goth aesthetics. It features dresses and skirts with a bell-shaped silhouette, ruffles, and lace, paired with black stockings and platform boots. Accessories may include ribbons, bows, and chokers.
Pastel Goth Grunge – This style takes inspiration from 90s grunge fashion and adds pastel colors and gothic elements. It often features oversized flannel shirts, ripped jeans, combat boots, and fishnet stockings. Hair and makeup may be kept natural or have a grungy edge.
Pastel Goth Punk – This style combines traditional punk elements like studs, spikes, and leather jackets with pastel colors and playful accents. It often features skinny jeans, crop tops, and platform shoes. Accessories may include chains, safety pins, and fishnet gloves.
Pastel Goth Kawaii – This style incorporates Japanese kawaii (cute) culture with Pastel Goth aesthetics. It often features pastel-colored wigs, oversized bows, and cute animal accessories. Clothing may include sweet dresses with a gothic twist paired with platform sneakers.
Pastel Goth Witch – This style combines witchy elements like pentagrams, crystals, and tarot symbols with pastel colors and cute accents. It often features long flowing dresses, pointed hats, and dark makeup. Accessories may include crystal necklaces and moon-phase earrings.
There are many different types of Pastel Goth fashion, and individuals can mix and match styles to create a look that reflects their unique personality and interests.
What is the Origin of Pastel Goth-Style Fashion?
The origin of Pastel Goth-style fashion can be traced back to the early 2010s. The term “Pastel Goth” was first coined by the Tumblr user, ToxicTears, in 2011. The term quickly gained popularity on social media, particularly on Tumblr and Instagram, and became a recognizable subculture.
The style emerged as a response to traditional gothic fashion, characterized by dark colors, leather, and spikes. Pastel Goth was a way to soften the gothic aesthetic by incorporating pastel colors and more feminine elements like lace and bows.
Other alternative fashion subcultures like Lolita, Kawaii, and Harajuku also influenced the Pastel Goth style. These styles are known for their playful and cute elements, incorporated into Pastel Goth fashion to create a unique blend of dark and cute.
Social media played a significant role in the spread and popularity of Pastel Goth fashion. Tumblr and Instagram allowed individuals to share their outfits and connect with others who shared their love for the style. Today, Pastel Goth-style fashion continues to evolve and inspire new fashion trends.
The Sources of Inspiration
The sources of inspiration for Pastel Goth-style fashion are diverse and draw on various influences. Some of the primary sources of inspiration for the style include:
Gothic fashion – Traditional Gothic fashion significantly influences the Pastel Goth style. Elements like black clothing, fishnet stockings, and platform shoes are often incorporated into Pastel Goth outfits with a softer, playful twist.
Kawaii culture – Kawaii is a Japanese word that means cute, and it is a significant influence on the Pastel Goth style. Pastel colors, cute accessories like bows and ribbons, and playful designs are often incorporated into Pastel Goth outfits to create a unique blend of cute and creepy.
Anime and manga – Anime and manga are popular sources of inspiration for Pastel Goth fashion. Characters with dark or gothic themes, like those found in Sailor Moon or Death Note, are often reimagined in Pastel Goth-style outfits.
Horror movies and books – Horror movies and books, particularly those with a gothic or supernatural theme, are also sources of inspiration for Pastel Goth fashion. Images of ghosts, vampires, and witches are often incorporated into Pastel Goth designs.
Vintage fashion – Vintage fashion, particularly from the 80s and 90s, is also a source of inspiration for Pastel Goth-style fashion. Oversized jackets, acid-washed denim, and combat boots are often incorporated into Pastel Goth outfits to create a grungy edge.
The sources of inspiration for Pastel Goth fashion are diverse, and individuals can mix and match different styles to create a unique look that reflects their tastes and interests.
Popular Pastel Goth-Style Fashion Designers
Many fashion designers and brands incorporate elements of Pastel Goth-style fashion into their designs.
Here are some of the most popular Pastel Goth-style fashion designers and brands:
Killstar – Killstar is a famous brand that combines gothic and Pastel Goth elements in clothing, accessories, and home decor. Their collections feature black clothing with pastel-colored accents, occult symbols, and creepy cute designs.
Dolls Kill – Dolls Kill is another brand incorporating Pastel Goth elements into their designs. Their collections often feature pastel-colored hair, platform shoes, and playful accessories like backpacks with bat wings.
Demonia – Demonia is a brand that creates alternative footwear, including chunky platform boots, gothic heels, and creepers. Their designs often incorporate pastel colors and playful details like bows and buckles.
Kreepsville 666 – Kreepsville 666 is a brand that creates alternative fashion and accessories inspired by horror movies, punk, and gothic culture. Their collections often feature Pastel Goth-inspired clothing with playful designs and horror movie themes.
These are just a few examples of the many fashion brands incorporating Pastel Goth-style fashion into their designs.
Why is Pastel Goth-Style Style Still Popular?
Pastel Goth-style fashion continues to be popular because it offers a unique and playful take on traditional Gothic fashion. The style has become more inclusive, with a broader range of colors and designs incorporated into Pastel Goth outfits.
Here are some reasons why Pastel Goth-style fashion remains popular:
Unique style: The Pastel Goth style offers a unique and eye-catching look different from mainstream fashion trends. The combination of dark and cute elements creates an intriguing and original aesthetic.
Self-expression: Pastel Goth-style fashion allows individuals to express themselves creatively and explore their unique tastes and interests. The style is not limited to a specific gender or age group, making it inclusive and accessible.
Social media influence: Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have played a significant role in the popularity of Pastel Goth-style fashion. These platforms have allowed individuals to share their outfits, connect with others who share their interests, and discover new trends and styles.
Embraces diversity: Pastel Goth-style fashion embraces diversity and encourages individuality. The style allows individuals to express themselves without conforming to traditional fashion norms.
Evolving style: The Pastel Goth style constantly evolves, with new designers and brands incorporating their unique twists into the trend. This evolution keeps the style fresh and relevant, ensuring its popularity for years.
Pastel Goth-style fashion remains popular because it offers a unique and playful way for individuals to express themselves creatively and explore their unique tastes and interests.
The Evolution of Pastel Goth-Style Fashion
The evolution of Pastel Goth-style fashion has been significant since its emergence in the early 2010s.
The style has undergone several changes, and new elements have been incorporated over the years, resulting in a broader style.
Here are some of the main stages in the evolution of Pastel Goth-style fashion:
Emergence: Pastel Goth-style fashion emerged in the early 2010s as a response to traditional gothic fashion. The style combines traditional gothic elements, such as black clothing, pastel colors, and cute accessories, to create a unique and playful aesthetic.
Expansion: As the style gained popularity, new elements were incorporated into Pastel Goth fashion. This included using alternative materials like PVC, glitter, and holographic fabrics, as well as incorporating kawaii and anime-inspired designs.
Inclusivity: Pastel Goth-style fashion has become more inclusive, with a broader range of sizes and gender-neutral designs.
This inclusivity has allowed more individuals to express themselves through the style and made it more accessible to a broader audience.
Globalization: The popularity of Pastel Goth-style fashion has spread globally, resulting in a fusion of different cultural styles and influences.
This globalization has incorporated elements from Japanese street fashion, Korean pop culture, and alternative fashion trends worldwide.
Sustainability: In recent years, there has been a growing trend toward sustainable fashion, and Pastel Goth-style fashion has been no exception.
Many brands use eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing processes, making Pastel Goth-style fashion more environmentally conscious.
The evolution of Pastel Goth-style fashion has been significant, with style incorporating new elements and becoming more inclusive and globally inspired.
This evolution ensures that the tone remains relevant and popular among fashion enthusiasts.
What are the Characteristics of Pastel Goth-Style Fashion?
Pastel Goth-style fashion is a unique style that combines elements of traditional gothic fashion with playful and whimsical elements, resulting in a distinctive aesthetic.
Here are some of the main characteristics of Pastel Goth-style fashion:
Color palette: The Pastel Goth style is characterized by its pastel colors, including light pinks, purples, blues, and greens. These colors are often combined with black and dark colors to contrast cute and edgy elements.
Clothing: Pastel Goth clothing often includes traditional gothic elements, such as black clothing, leather, lace, and fishnet stockings. However, these elements are often combined with pastel colors, cute prints, and playful designs, such as unicorns, bats, and moons.
Accessories: Accessories are an essential part of the Pastel Goth style, with platform shoes, chokers, and oversized bows being popular choices. Other popular accessories include backpacks with bat wings, oversized bows, and skull-shaped purses.
Makeup and Hair: Pastel Goth-style makeup often includes bold, dark eyeliner, smokey eye shadow, and dark lipstick. Hair is often dyed in pastel colors, with pink, purple, and blue being popular choices. Pastel-colored wigs and hair extensions are also popular among Pastel Goth enthusiasts.
Playful and whimsical elements: One of the main characteristics of Pastel Goth-style fashion is including playful and whimsical elements. This includes kawaii and anime-inspired designs, cute prints, and playful accessories like bunny ears and bat wings.
The Pastel Goth style combines traditional gothic elements and playful, cute elements, resulting in a distinctive and eye-catching aesthetic.
The Colors of Pastel Goth-Style Fashion
The color palette of Pastel Goth-style fashion is defined by its use of pastel colors.
These colors are softer and more muted than traditional bright or neon colors but still have a playful and whimsical feel.
Some of the most popular pastel colors used in Pastel Goth-style fashion include:
- Pastel pink is a soft, pale pink color often used as a base color for Pastel Goth-style outfits.
- Pastel purple is a pale shade of purple that adds a subtle pop of color to an outfit.
- Pastel blue is a soft blue color reminiscent of a clear sky on a sunny day.
- Pastel green is a pale green color that brings to mind lush green forests.
- Pastel yellow is a soft, pale yellow color that adds a sunny, cheerful touch to an outfit.
These pastel colors are often combined with black and dark colors, such as dark purple, navy, and forest green, to contrast cute and edgy elements.
The pastel color palette of Pastel Goth-style fashion is essential to its unique aesthetic.
How to Dress Pastel Goth-Style Style?
Dressing in the Pastel Goth-style fashion can be a fun and creative way to express individuality. Here are some tips on how to dress in Pastel Goth-style fashion:
Start with the basics: Begin by choosing black clothing items as the base of your outfit, such as a black dress or a pair of skinny black jeans. This will create a contrast with the outfit’s pastel colors and cute elements.
Add pastel colors: Choose pastel-colored items to add a playful touch to your outfit. For example, you could wear a pastel pink top or a pastel blue skirt.
Incorporate cute elements: Add cute and whimsical elements to your outfit, such as bows, unicorn motifs, or bat-wing accessories. This will add a playful and fun element to the outfit.
Accessorize: Choose accessories that complement the Pastel Goth-style aesthetic, such as chokers, platform shoes, or oversized bows. Add a backpack with bat wings or a skull-shaped purse for a fun touch.
Experiment with makeup: Pastel Goth-style makeup often includes bold eyeliner, smokey eye shadow, and dark lipstick. Experiment with different makeup looks to find what works best for you.
Style your hair in a way that complements the Pastel Goth-style aesthetic, such as dying it in a pastel color or adding hair extensions. You can also experiment with different hairstyles, such as braids or buns.
Dressing in Pastel Goth-style fashion is about expressing individuality and having fun with your outfit. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things to find your best style.
Pastel Goth-Style Fashion Outfits
Many different types of outfits can be considered Pastel Goth-style fashion, but here are some of the most common ones:
The Pastel Goth Dress: A black dress with pastel-colored details, such as lace or ribbon, paired with black boots or platform shoes.
The Pastel Goth Skirt: A black skirt with pastel-colored accents paired with a pastel-colored top, leggings, and combat boots.
The Pastel Goth Shorts: High-waisted black shorts with pastel-colored details paired with a black crop top, fishnet stockings, and platform sneakers.
The Pastel Goth Jumpsuit: A black jumpsuit with pastel-colored details paired with black combat boots or platform shoes.
The Pastel Goth T-Shirt: A black T-shirt with pastel-colored graphics or a cute, whimsical design paired with skinny black jeans and platform shoes.
To create a Pastel Goth-style outfit that combines traditional gothic elements, such as black clothing and leather, with playful and cute elements, such as pastel colors and whimsical accessories.
Experiment with different combinations to find the style that works best for you.
Pastel Goth-Style Fashion Makeups
Pastel Goth-style makeup is all about creating a balance between dark and cute elements. Here are some steps to create a Pastel Goth-style makeup look:
- Start with a clean face: Cleanse your face and apply moisturizer to create a smooth base for your makeup.
- Apply foundation: Apply a foundation that matches your skin tone and creates a smooth base for the rest of your makeup.
- Create a bold eye: Use black eyeliner to create a bold winged eyeliner look. You can also use black or dark purple eyeshadow to create a smokey eye look.
- Add pastel colors: Use pastel eyeshadow colors, such as pink, blue, or purple, to add color to your eyelids. Apply the eyeshadow to the inner corner of your eye and blend it towards the outer corner.
- Add mascara and false eyelashes: Apply mascara to your eyelashes to create volume and length. You can also add false eyelashes for a more dramatic look.
- Add dark lipstick: Choose a dark lipstick color, such as black or dark purple, to create a bold lip. You can also add pastel-colored lip gloss for a playful touch.
- Contour your face: Use a contouring powder to create definition and depth on your cheekbones, nose, and jawline.
- Add finishing touches: Finish the look by adding a cute accessory, such as a bow or a headband, to your hair.
Pastel Goth-style makeup is all about experimenting and having fun with your look. Don’t be afraid to try new colors and combinations to find the best style.
Pastel Goth-Style Fashion Hairstyles
Pastel Goth-style hairstyles combine dark and cute elements like fashion and makeup. Here are some popular Pastel Goth-style hairstyles:
Pastel-colored hair: Dye is a pastel color, such as pink, blue, or purple, to add a playful touch to your look. You can also try ombre or balayage styles for a more subtle look.
Bob with bangs: A bob with blunt bangs is a classic Pastel Goth hairstyle. Keep the hair straight and add pastel color to the ends of the bangs.
Braids: Braids are versatile hairstyles that can be styled in different ways. You can create a half-up braided crown, a Dutch braid, or a fishtail braid with pastel-colored extensions or highlights.
Pixie cut: A shortcut with textured layers and a pastel color can create a bold and edgy look.
Gothic curls: Soft, loose curls paired with a black ribbon or bow can create a romantic and gothic look.
Pastel Goth-style hairstyles combine dark and cute elements to create a unique look that reflects your personality.
Experiment with different colors, styles, and accessories to find the hairstyle that works best for you.
Pastel Goth-Style Fashion Accessories
Pastel Goth-style accessories are a great way to add a playful touch to your outfit while keeping the edgy and gothic feel. Here are some popular Pastel Goth-style accessories:
Chokers: A black choker is a classic gothic accessory, but you can also try a choker with pastel-colored details or a pastel-colored ribbon.
Hair accessories: Add a pastel-colored bow, headband, or hair clips to your hair for a playful touch.
Tights: Fishnet or sheer black tights can add a gothic feel to your outfit, but you can also try tights with pastel-colored patterns or details.
Shoes: Platform boots or combat boots are a popular choice for Pastel Goth-style footwear, but you can also try shoes with pastel-colored details, such as pastel-colored laces or heels.
Jewelry: Black or silver jewelry, such as statement necklaces, rings, or bracelets, can add a gothic touch to your outfit, but you can also try jewelry with pastel-colored stones or beads.
Pastel Goth-style accessories are all about balancing dark and cute elements. Experiment with different accessories to find the best style for you, adding a unique touch to your outfit.
