Hello lovely,
There’s something rather wonderful about getting dressed for Halloween when your wardrobe already contains a suspicious amount of black lace. Velvet dresses, antique jewellery, dramatic sleeves and lipstick the colour of a rather expensive red wine. All perfectly acceptable things to wear in October, although I’d argue they deserve an outing for the rest of the year too.
If you love vintage fashion but fancy something a little darker for Halloween, romantic goth style might be right up your street. Think Victorian inspired blouses, sweeping 1930s evening gowns, mysterious 1970s bohemian layers and the deliciously theatrical fashions of the 1980s goth scene.
And the best part? You don’t need an expensive costume or an entirely new wardrobe. A few cleverly chosen vintage pieces, a little imagination and some rather dramatic makeup can do the job beautifully.
What Is Romantic Goth Vintage Style?
Romantic goth is a softer, more historically inspired interpretation of gothic fashion. It combines dark colours and dramatic silhouettes with delicate fabrics, antique looking accessories and a certain fondness for things that appear to belong in an old manor house.
Black is naturally a favourite, but deep burgundy, aubergine, forest green, midnight blue and dusky plum work beautifully too. The magic is often in the contrast. A delicate lace blouse with a severe black skirt. A slinky satin dress beneath a heavy velvet coat. A sweet little cameo brooch worn with smoky eyes and a decidedly unfriendly expression.
Romantic goth draws on several periods of fashion history, although it’s worth remembering that the goth subculture itself emerged much later, around the late 1970s and early 1980s. For a vintage inspired Halloween outfit, we’re borrowing the details we love from different eras and giving them our own dark little twist.
A Little History of Gothic Romance in Fashion
Victorian Mourning and the Beauty of Black
Victorian fashion is one of the richest places to look for gothic inspiration, particularly the elaborate dresses and accessories of the later nineteenth century.
Following Prince Albert’s death in 1861, Queen Victoria continued wearing mourning clothes for the remainder of her life. Mourning was already an established social custom, but her example helped make black clothing and mourning accessories particularly significant in Victorian Britain.
Mourning dress in Women in Dresses, ca. 19th century
According to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, mourning clothes followed different conventions depending on the stage of bereavement. Full mourning generally required black, while half mourning allowed touches of colours such as white or purple.
Jewellery had its own traditions. Whitby jet became especially fashionable during the nineteenth century, fashioned into necklaces, brooches and intricate decorative pieces. The V&A’s collection includes some beautiful surviving examples.
Of course, the Victorians weren’t wandering about dressed as romantic goths. Their clothing had genuine social and emotional meaning. But the silhouettes, dark fabrics and elaborate jewellery have provided plenty of inspiration for later gothic fashion.
And really, who can resist a beautifully fitted black jacket with a dramatic collar?
1930s Hollywood and Dark Glamour
For something rather more seductive, the 1930s offer a completely different interpretation of dark romance. Fashion designers were experimenting with beautifully fluid evening dresses, soft draping, lace and figure skimming silhouettes.
Gabrielle Chanel, for example, used black lace extensively throughout the decade. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds a beautiful black lace evening dress dating to around 1930, with bold floral lace and layered tulle.
There is something wonderfully mysterious about these dresses. Their glamour comes from the way the fabric moves and catches the light rather than excessive decoration.
Add sculpted waves, a dark lip and a vintage evening bag, and you’ve got yourself a Halloween outfit that would look equally fabulous at a cocktail party.
The 1970s and 1980s: Bohemian Romance Meets Goth
By the 1970s, fashion had developed a wonderfully relaxed, romantic streak. Flowing sleeves, long skirts, shawls, velvet and layers of delicate fabric were all part of the wider bohemian look.
Stevie Nicks became particularly associated with this style through her distinctive stage wardrobe. Her flowing shawls, long skirts and dramatic silhouettes make brilliant inspiration for anyone who prefers their gothic romance with a touch of rock and roll. Then came the goth scene.
Emerging from post punk music and British club culture, goth developed its recognisable style during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Bands such as Siouxsie and the Banshees and Bauhaus helped shape its visual world.
Black clothing, strong makeup, unusual jewellery, historical references and theatrical styling became part of the subculture.
The V&A’s Club to Catwalk exhibition explored how gothic, New Romantic and other underground fashions influenced British fashion during the 1980s.
For me, this is where romantic goth gets particularly interesting. You can see Victorian inspired details rubbing shoulders with punk attitude, exaggerated makeup and an almost theatrical love of dressing up.
The Romantic Goth Vintage Wardrobe: What to Look For
You probably already own a few pieces that would work for this look. Before buying anything new, have a rummage through your wardrobe. That black dress you haven’t worn in years might suddenly become rather exciting with the right accessories. When shopping for vintage or second hand pieces, I’d keep an eye out for:
- Black velvet dresses and jackets. Particularly those with fitted waists, interesting collars or dramatic sleeves.
- Lace blouses. High necklines, frilled cuffs, sheer sleeves and delicate buttons are particularly lovely.
- Long skirts. Look for chiffon, satin, velvet or lightweight fabrics that move beautifully.
- 1930s inspired evening dresses. Bias cut silhouettes, cowl necklines and softly draped fabric work especially well.
- Victorian inspired jewellery. Cameos, lockets, dark beads, ornate brooches and antique style rings.
- Corset inspired tops and fitted waistcoats. Particularly useful for giving a simple skirt a more dramatic silhouette.
- Dark floral prints. Burgundy roses, faded blooms and tiny flowers on black backgrounds feel wonderfully romantic.
- Vintage boots and Mary Janes. Lace up ankle boots, chunky heels and elegant pointed shoes all have their place.
- Shawls, capes and scarves. Ideal for adding drama without committing to an elaborate outfit.
Don’t overlook the 1980s when shopping vintage. That decade produced plenty of velvet dresses, puff sleeves, lace collars and gloriously overdone eveningwear. Some of the best romantic gothic finds are hiding amongst the bridesmaid dresses and party frocks. Trust me, a black velvet dress with slightly ridiculous sleeves deserves a second chance.
5 Romantic Goth Vintage Outfit Ideas for Halloween
Whether you’re attending a Halloween party, heading out for cocktails or simply fancy looking a little mysterious, here are five outfits inspired by different periods of vintage fashion.
1. The Victorian Gothic Romance
The mood: An eccentric Victorian heroine with excellent jewellery and at least one family secret.
This is the look for anyone who loves dramatic sleeves, high necklines and beautifully structured clothes. Start with a black or ivory lace blouse, preferably with a high collar or intricate detailing around the neckline. Pair it with a long black skirt and a fitted velvet jacket or waistcoat.
For a more theatrical Halloween version, choose a floor length skirt and add a sweeping cape. If you’re keeping things wearable, a midi skirt and lace up boots will do perfectly.
The outfit: Black lace blouse, long flowing skirt, fitted velvet jacket, lace up boots and a cameo brooch.
Hair and makeup: Try a soft low chignon with a few loose tendrils around the face. Keep the complexion natural, add gently smoky eyes and finish with a deep rose or plum lipstick.
The finishing touch: A velvet ribbon tied around the neck with an antique style pendant.
An authentic Victorian blouse can be delicate and rather expensive, so a later vintage reproduction or a modern Victorian inspired piece is often a more practical option.
2. The 1930s Dark Hollywood Starlet
The mood: A glamorous woman arriving suspiciously late to dinner in an old black and white mystery film.
I absolutely adore the idea of making gothic fashion a little more glamorous, and the 1930s are perfect for it. Choose a long satin or velvet dress with a fluid silhouette. A bias cut slip dress works beautifully, although a long black dress with a cowl neckline or soft draping can achieve a similar effect.
Keep the accessories elegant rather than overly elaborate. A delicate evening bag, long gloves or a vintage brooch can give the outfit that unmistakable old Hollywood finish. Black is the obvious choice, but oxblood, midnight blue or a very dark green would be rather gorgeous.
The outfit: Long black satin dress, vintage evening bag, elegant heels, long gloves and sparkling earrings.
Hair and makeup: Sculpted finger waves or soft brushed out curls, softly defined eyebrows and a rich red lip.
The finishing touch: A long velvet coat or a faux fur stole for a touch of cinematic drama.
This is probably my favourite interpretation if you’re going somewhere that calls for a proper outfit rather than fancy dress. All the Halloween atmosphere, without having to explain who you’re supposed to be.
3. The 1950s Gothic Debutante
The mood: A beautifully dressed guest at a country house party, with impeccable manners and a slightly sinister smile.
The 1950s are generally associated with cheerful prints, pretty cardigans and full skirts. But their more dramatic eveningwear offers plenty of inspiration for a darker vintage look.
Take a fitted black dress with a full skirt, add a velvet ribbon belt and pair it with delicate gloves. A petticoat can create a more exaggerated silhouette if you fancy going all out. Alternatively, a black pencil dress with a sweetheart neckline gives the look a sleeker, more grown up edge.
The great couture designer Charles James even created an extraordinary evening gown named Gothic in 1954. Its architectural construction is a lovely reminder of just how theatrical midcentury eveningwear could be.
The outfit: Black fit and flare dress, petticoat, short gloves, velvet heels and vintage costume jewellery.
Hair and makeup: A polished curled bob or neatly styled updo, defined eyeliner and a deep cherry red lipstick.
The finishing touch: A dark floral corsage or a cluster of vintage brooches.
For a Halloween party, I rather like the idea of adding a sheer black veil or a dramatic velvet bow. A little macabre, but still rather sweet.
4. The 1970s Midnight Bohemian
The mood: Stevie Nicks wandering through a candlelit garden at midnight.
This is probably the easiest romantic goth style to wear beyond Halloween, particularly if you already adore 1970s fashion. The key is movement. Flowing sleeves, soft layers, long skirts and delicate fabrics create an almost ethereal silhouette.
Start with a long black or burgundy dress. Look for bishop sleeves, a deep neckline or a slightly flared skirt. Add a fringed shawl, a fitted waistcoat or a luxurious velvet jacket. You can also combine a dark floral maxi skirt with a lace blouse and a wide belt.
For a real life reference, Stevie Nicks is a wonderful place to start. I’ve explored her wardrobe, hair and makeup in my Get the Look: Stevie Nicks guide.
The outfit: Flowing black maxi dress, fringed shawl, velvet waistcoat, tall boots and layered necklaces.
Hair and makeup: Loose waves, soft volume at the crown, smudged charcoal eyeliner and muted berry lips.
The finishing touch: A long pendant necklace, perhaps with an antique looking stone or moon motif.
I think this look works particularly well if you’re not keen on wearing a full Halloween costume. It feels appropriate for the season without looking out of place at Sunday lunch.
5. The 1980s Romantic Goth
The mood: An underground London club in 1983, somewhere between Siouxsie Sioux and a particularly dramatic Victorian portrait.
If you want to embrace gothic fashion properly, the 1980s are calling. This version is more rebellious and theatrical. Think exaggerated silhouettes, lace, velvet, layers of black and unapologetically dramatic makeup.
Start with a vintage 1980s black dress, preferably one with puff sleeves, lace inserts or a high neckline. Add fishnet tights, a wide belt and chunky ankle boots. Alternatively, pair a romantic lace blouse with a black mini skirt, leather jacket and dark accessories for a slightly tougher interpretation.
Siouxsie Sioux’s angular makeup and striking hairstyles make fantastic beauty references. Just remember that goth fashion developed through music, clubs and the people wearing these clothes, so there was never one single prescribed way to dress.
The outfit: Black velvet dress, patterned tights, chunky boots, silver jewellery and an oversized leather jacket.
Hair and makeup: Backcombed hair, heavily defined eyes, exaggerated eyeliner and dark red or plum lipstick.
The finishing touch: A dramatic silver necklace or several mismatched vintage rings.
More is more here. If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to wear those enormous velvet sleeves, Halloween is your moment.
Romantic Goth Hair: Vintage Hairstyles with a Darker Twist
Your hairstyle can completely change the mood of an outfit. A simple black dress looks elegant with polished 1930s waves, romantic with soft 1970s curls or gloriously gothic with an exaggerated 1980s silhouette.
Soft, Romantic Waves
Perfect for the 1930s starlet or 1970s bohemian looks.
Create loose curls using rollers or a curling tool, let them cool completely and gently brush through. Keep the waves soft and flowing rather than overly structured. For a more dramatic effect, create a deep side parting and sweep one side behind the ear with an embellished hair clip.
The Victorian Inspired Updo
A low chignon or softly pinned updo works beautifully with lace collars and high necklines.
Part the hair in the centre, create gentle volume around the face and gather the lengths into a loose bun at the nape. Leave a few curled pieces loose for a softer finish. Add a velvet ribbon, decorative comb or small floral accessory.
Big 1980s Gothic Hair
Now we’re having fun.
Begin with volumising mousse or another suitable styling product, then blow dry your hair to create plenty of lift at the roots. Use gentle backcombing through the crown, smoothing the outer layer without flattening all that lovely volume.
You can finish with textured waves, an exaggerated side parting or a slightly messy updo. The aim is controlled chaos. A little wild, but still intentional.
Romantic Goth Makeup: Dark Lips, Soft Skin and Dramatic Eyes
Romantic goth makeup can be wonderfully versatile. You can keep it soft and mysterious or go for full theatrical drama. Personally, I love a deep berry lip with gently smoky eyes. It feels glamorous without requiring an hour in front of the mirror.
How to Create a Wearable Romantic Goth Makeup Look
- Start with natural looking skin. Use your usual foundation or skin tint, adding concealer where needed. You don’t need to make your complexion unnaturally pale to create a gothic look.
- Add soft definition to the eyes. Blend taupe, charcoal or muted plum eyeshadow over the lids and gently through the crease.
- Define the lash line. Apply black or dark brown eyeliner close to the upper lashes. Smudge the edges slightly for a romantic finish.
- Add a little drama underneath. Use a small amount of shadow along the lower lash line, connecting it softly to the outer corner.
- Finish the eyes with mascara. A generous coat gives definition, while individual false lashes can add a more glamorous effect.
- Keep the cheeks understated. A muted rose or berry blush adds a little life to the complexion.
- Choose a statement lipstick. Burgundy, wine, plum and deep cherry red all work beautifully.
- Add a final detail. A tiny beauty spot or a touch of shimmer at the inner corner can give the look a vintage inspired finish.
For a more authentic 1980s goth interpretation, you can sharpen the eyeliner, take the shadow higher and create stronger angular shapes around the eyes.
For the 1930s, keep the eye makeup softer and give more attention to the lips and beautifully shaped brows.
Where to Find Romantic Goth Vintage Clothing
You certainly don’t need to buy an expensive gothic outfit just because Halloween is approaching. Vintage shops, charity shops, Vinted and second hand marketplaces can be brilliant places to search for the individual pieces.
Rather than searching for ‘romantic goth’, try looking for more specific garments such as ‘1980s black velvet dress’, ‘vintage lace blouse’, ‘1970s maxi dress’, ‘black satin evening dress’ or ‘vintage cameo brooch’. It’s often easier to find something lovely when you’re searching for the fabric, decade or silhouette rather than a modern fashion aesthetic.
And don’t be put off by a garment that looks rather ordinary on the hanger. A plain velvet dress might become something rather special once you’ve added an antique brooch, a dramatic hairstyle and the right pair of boots.
A little advice if you’re shopping for genuine vintage: check the measurements carefully, look closely at the fabric condition and inspect delicate lace or older fastenings. Velvet can show wear along the seams and under the arms, while old satin may be weakened or stained.
For Halloween, a vintage inspired reproduction can sometimes be a better choice than risking a delicate original at a crowded party.
How to Wear Romantic Goth Style After Halloween
I always think the best Halloween outfits are the ones you can dismantle and wear again afterwards. A black velvet dress might feel dramatic with a cape and dark makeup, but pair it with a cardigan and ankle boots and suddenly it’s perfectly suitable for a chilly November afternoon.
That lace blouse can be tucked into your favourite jeans. A long black skirt looks lovely with a chunky jumper. And a vintage brooch can give even the simplest coat a little personality. You don’t need to wear head to toe gothic clothing every day to enjoy the aesthetic.
Sometimes a single detail is enough. A velvet ribbon in your hair, an ornate silver ring or a beautifully tailored black jacket can bring a little romantic darkness to an otherwise ordinary outfit. Besides, if you love these clothes, why save them for one night of the year?
Final Thoughts
Halloween is a rather lovely excuse to experiment with vintage fashion, particularly the more unusual pieces that don’t always get much attention.
Perhaps you’ve always fancied wearing a Victorian inspired blouse, or there’s an extravagant 1980s velvet dress hanging in your wardrobe waiting for its moment. This is your chance.
What I love most about romantic goth vintage style is the freedom to mix things together. You can take the elegance of a 1930s evening gown, the softness of 1970s bohemian fashion and the rebellious attitude of the 1980s goth scene, then create something that feels entirely your own.
A little lace, a fabulous vintage find and some wonderfully dramatic lipstick. And who says Halloween has to be the only occasion?