From Desk to Dark: Guide to Female Corporate Goth
In the world of workwear fashion, there’s an intriguing and unconventional subculture that has been steadily gaining ground: Female Corporate Goth.
Born out of a desire to bridge the gap between personal style and professional dress codes, this distinctive fashion trend allows individuals who identify with goth culture to express their unique aesthetic while still conforming to the expectations of a corporate environment.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of Female Corporate Goth, exploring its key elements, style tips, and some of the best brands to help you master this intriguing blend of dark elegance.
@lunatikcosplay I'm a corp goth and I'm proud ♡ #corporategoth #corpgoth #gothstyle #gothfashion #gothgirl ♬ Ritüel - She Past Away
The Origins of Corporate Goth
The concept of “Corporate Goth” or the blending of gothic aesthetics with professional or corporate attire doesn’t have a specific time or place of origin. Instead, it evolved over time as a natural extension of the gothic subculture and the need for individuals who identified with this subculture to adapt their style to workplace dress codes.
The concept of “Corporate Goth” likely started to take shape in the 1990s and 2000s as gothic culture and fashion continued to evolve. As goths entered the workforce or found themselves in situations where they needed to conform to workplace dress codes, they began to adapt their style to blend gothic elements with professional attire. This allowed them to maintain a balance between their personal identity and the requirements of their jobs.
So, rather than having a specific time and place of origin, Corporate Goth is an organic evolution of gothic fashion and subculture, arising as gothic enthusiasts navigated the challenges of maintaining their style in professional settings. This style adaptation is a testament to the flexibility of fashion and the enduring nature of subcultures like goth.
Key Elements of Corporate Goth
Male and Female Corporate Goth are about creating a seamless blend of professional attire with a gothic twist. Here are some key elements that define this distinctive style:
All-Black Foundation: The cornerstone of Corporate Goth is the use of dark colors, especially black. Incorporate black blouses, tops, trousers, skirts, and dresses to maintain the dark aesthetic while adhering to professional standards.
Tailored Attire: Well-fitted and tailored clothing is essential to achieving a polished look. Corporate Goth pieces should be designed to fit you perfectly.
Dark Accessories: Accessories play a pivotal role in Corporate Goth. Embrace dark or silver alternative accessories such as black belts, jewelry, and scarves. Elements like chains, studs, and gothic-inspired designs add a personal touch to your style.
Professional Footwear: Opt for professional footwear in dark colors. You can choose from elegant black heels, polished leather loafers, or stylish boots that complement your outfit and allow you to move comfortably throughout the day.
Subtle Makeup: Keep your makeup understated yet in line with your gothic aesthetic. Subtle eyeliner, smoky eye makeup, and dark lipstick provide a hint of goth style without being too dramatic for the workplace.
Hairstyle: Your hairstyle can reflect your gothic style. Consider maintaining dark or unconventional hair colors, such as black, deep purple, or dark red. Ensure your hair is well-groomed and styled professionally.
Texture and Fabrics: To add depth to your outfits, incorporate different textures and fabrics. Lace, leather, and velvet can be used in a professional yet gothic manner.
Layering: Layering can be a great way to add dimension to your Corporate Goth outfits. Combine blouses with blazers or cardigans, or wear a tailored vest over a blouse for a more layered look.
Subtle Accessories: Keep your gothic accessories subtle for a corporate setting. Opt for discreet gothic rings, earrings, and necklaces that enhance your look without overwhelming it.
Dress Code Compliance: Always ensure that your Corporate Goth outfits adhere to the dress code of your workplace. Pay attention to any specific guidelines regarding attire and make necessary adjustments.
Female Corporate Goth Essentials
@itschloehurst Replying to @user1666141137847 Corp goth closet essentials 🦇 #corpgoth #gothoutfitinspo #gothoutfit #gothicfashion #gothfashion ♬ Судно (Борис Рижий) - Molchat Doma
When it comes to corporate goth fashion, there are essential clothing pieces and accessories that define this unique style. Some key pieces include:
Clothing
- Black suits and pantsuits;
- Pencil skirts;
- Black blouses and shirts;
- Lace and velvet tops;
- Statement jewelry, such as chokers, pendants, and rings;
- Dark-colored tights and stockings.
Accessories
- Black tights and stockings;
- Platform shoes or boots;
- Black leather bags;
- Scarves and other neck wraps;
- Hats and headwear, such as berets and hats.
When putting together a corporate goth outfit, it is important to strike a balance between professionalism and edginess. One way to do this is to mix and match classic workwear pieces with darker and more gothic elements. For example, you could pair a black pencil skirt with a lace blouse and statement choker, or you could wear a black suit with platform boots and a scarf.
Another important tip is to choose clothes and accessories that are well-fitting and flattering. This will help you to look professional and polished, even while wearing darker and more gothic clothing.
Here are some specific outfit ideas:
- A black pantsuit with a lace top and statement choker
- A black pencil skirt with a velvet blouse and platform boots
- A black suit with a statement necklace and sheer tights
- A black dress with a scarf and platform shoes
- A black jumpsuit with a blazer and black leather bag
You can also add personal touches to your corporate goth outfits with accessories such as jewelry, hats, and scarves. For example, you could wear a bat pendant necklace, a hat, or a scarf with a skull print.
Mainstream Fashion and Goth Trends
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of mainstream fashion appropriating gothic style codes. Celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian and Megan Fox have helped to bring gothcore to the mainstream, making it more accessible to a wider audience. If you are new to Corporate Goth and desire to start incorporating it in your workwear outfits, we suggest you to start from these fashion trends (we’ve seen some of them in the fall-winter 2023 trends).
Leather and vegan leather. Black leather is a must for gothic style. This fall-winter 2023 we’ll see a lot of leather + leather layering.
Studs and spikes. These silver super-goth decorations are being used by mainstream fashion in more subtle, almost romantic ways. Don’t miss the chance to incorporate them in your outfits.
Silver and metallics. This fall 2023 is the season of metals clothing and accessories. This shining touch in silver tone on a black foundation is very gothic and, also, feminine but strong.
Velvets. Forget the ’90s: velvet is never out of style in Goth fashion. Match a velvet skirt or trousers with an oversized black blazer and that’s it: a goth-inspired, trendy outfit for the darkest winter office days.
By incorporating gothic elements into your corporate wardrobe, you can create a unique and stylish look that is both professional and edgy. So don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it: I can assure you this will be an interesting journey in the discovery of your taste and your personality.
Female Corporate Goth Outfits and Make-up Ideas
Chloe Hurst (@itschloehurst)
Chloe is a senior graphic Designer and branding expert. In her TikTok account she has a great playlist dedicated to Corporate Goth which we highly recommend!
Nova (@vocallyshook)
@vocallyshook 4/10 - Corporate Goth 👓 #fyp #foryou #foryourpage #makeup #trending #goth #alttiktok #gothstyles #corporategoth ♬ Friday I'm in Love - The Cure
Nova is a talented makeup artist and content creator. In this video, she teaches a corporate goth makeup look. Don’t miss her YouTube channel!
Nina (@njrmua)
@njrmua u ask and u shall recieve 🤟🏻 glad you're all liking these 🖤 #metaltok #gothbimbotiktok #gothgirl #corporategoth #corporatemetal #corporatetiktok ♬ ALL THE THINGS SHE SAID - 20TOKENS
Nina is a content creator, beauty expert, goth fashion influencer. Don’t miss her outfit inspiration and makeup product recommendations.
Dana Verschoor (@spacewithic)
@spacewitchix if you're on time, you're late 🧐#corpgoth #officelook #backtooffice #allblackeverything #disabledandcute #prosthetic #corporategoth ♬ original sound - spacewitchix
Dana is a marketer, disability advocate and Goth influencer. Follow her if you love witchy aesthetic, and don’t forget to help with her GoFoundMe.
Jessica Vann (@saint_obsidian)
@saint_obsidian For those who are at constant war with their perceived gender like me 🖤 #corpgoth #gothoutfits #enbygoth ♬ Lucretia My Reflection (Vinyl Version) - The Sisters Of Mercy
Jessica is an event coordinator, content creator and model based in Toronto. Don’t miss her poetry and stories!
Samatha Lubrano (@sammitery)
Samantha is a content creator, model and business owner. Don’t miss her thrift shop, Neverwhere!
Allison Xenriquez (@modernxgirl)
Allison is a makeup artist, fashion and lifestyle content creator. Don’t miss her wide selection of recommended clothes, accessories and beauty products.
Rachel (@potatoslav_)
@potatoslav inb4 the shoe comment - i know abt the rocks shut up i put shoes on for the vid and immediately take them off bc i dont wear shoes in the house #grwm #gdwm #ootd #fashion #style #outfit #fallfashion #october #jams #thefrontbottoms #tfb ♬ leaf pile - The Front Bottoms
Rachel is an American living in Germany model and content creator. She loves to read, play video games and, of course, show her outfits.
Dani Apples (@dani_apples)
Dani is a Mexican-Cuban artist, cosplayer and content creator. Don’t miss her artistic account!
Wednesday Darkling (@wednesday.darkling)
Wednesday is an emerging content creator. Go and follow them if you are looking for non-binary corporate goth outfits inspiration.
Where to Shop for Corporate Goth Attire
Finding the perfect Corporate Goth clothing can sometimes be a challenge, but there are several brands and stores that offer a range of dark, professional attire suitable for a Corporate Goth wardrobe. Here are some of the best places to explore:
Killstar: Renowned for its edgy, gothic-inspired clothing, Killstar offers a variety of black and dark-colored dresses, tops, blouses, and accessories suitable for the corporate world.
Punk Rave: Specializing in alternative and gothic fashion, Punk Rave offers both casual and professional clothing options, including tailored blouses, skirts, and trousers with a dark twist.
Tragic Beauty: this Australian-based online store carries a great amount of goth and occult clothing and accessories.
Restyle: Known for its gothic and alternative fashion items, Restyle offers elegant and stylish dresses, blouses, and skirts suitable for a Corporate Goth look.
VampireFreaks: An online alternative fashion store, VampireFreaks features various clothing styles, including Corporate Goth pieces like blouses, dresses, and accessories with a dark and gothic aesthetic.
The Gothic Shop: This UK-based online store specializes in gothic and alternative clothing, including work-appropriate attire. You can find tailored blouses, dresses, and separates in dark colors.
RebelsMarket: An online marketplace for alternative fashion, RebelsMarket offers a range of Corporate Goth clothing options from different brands and independent sellers.
Mainstream Stores and Brands: Don’t overlook department stores such as Nordstrom, H&M, Macy’s, Etsy, Asos, Bloomingdale’s. They often carry brands that offer dark-colored, professional clothing suitable for a Corporate Goth style.
Does Wearing Goth Clothes make you Goth?
To be goth is to be part of a community that celebrates the dark, the macabre, and the alternative. Goths are often drawn to art, music, and literature that explores these themes. They may also be interested in things like occultism, paganism, and witchcraft.
While wearing goth clothes can be a way to express your identity and connect with other goths, it is not essential. There are many goths who do not dress in a particularly goth way, and there are also many people who dress in a goth way who do not identify as goth.
In conculsion, we agree with Orphea: Wearing goth clothes does not necessarily make you goth.
Some theroy: What is Classic Goth Style?
First, let’s explore some theory. Goth style, often referred to as “Gothic fashion” or simply “Goth”, is a subculture and style that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, primarily in the United Kingdom.
It is characterized by its distinctive and often dark aesthetic, drawing inspiration from Gothic literature, music, and architecture. Here are some key elements of the Goth style:
1. Dark and Macabre Aesthetic: The most defining feature of Goth style is its preference for dark and often black clothing. Goths frequently wear black clothing, including black leather, lace, velvet, and other textured materials. The style may incorporate dark red, purple, and deep blue colors as well.
2. Makeup and Hairstyles: Goths often wear heavy and dramatic makeup. This includes dark eyeliner, eyeshadow, and lipstick. Hairstyles can range from long, straight, and black hair to more elaborate and intricate styles. Hair colors might also be unconventional, such as white or bright red.
3. Accessories: Goths are known for their accessories, which may include silver jewelry, crosses, pentagrams, skulls, and other symbols associated with the subculture. Chokers, fingerless gloves, and fishnet stockings are also common.
4. Victorian and Romantic Influences: Many Goths draw inspiration from Victorian and Romantic-era fashion, incorporating elements such as corsets, lace, and ruffled collars into their attire.
5. Band Merchandise: Music is a significant part of the Goth subculture, and many Goths wear merchandise featuring their favorite bands, particularly those associated with the gothic rock, darkwave, and industrial music genres.
6. Alternative and Subversive Style: Goths often express their individuality and non-conformity through their style. They may incorporate elements of punk, grunge, and other alternative subcultures into their looks.
7. Footwear: Gothic footwear often includes black boots, particularly combat boots or platforms. These are sometimes adorned with metal buckles, studs, or other embellishments.
8. Gothic Literature and Art: Goths may incorporate elements from Gothic literature and art into their style, such as references to famous works like Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” or Edgar Allan Poe’s poetry.
9. Dark and Subversive Themes: Goths are known for their fascination with darker and subversive themes, which may be reflected in their clothing, accessories, and overall aesthetic.
10. DIY and Individualism: Goth style is highly individualistic, and many Goths engage in DIY (Do It Yourself) fashion, creating their own clothing, accessories, and unique looks.
It’s important to note that there is a wide range of styles and subgenres within the larger umbrella of Gothic fashion, and not all Goths adhere to the same elements or aesthetics. The subculture is also associated with a love of Gothic music, which includes bands like Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Sisters of Mercy, and others. Gothic style is more than just a fashion statement; it often reflects a deeper appreciation for art, music, and culture with a dark and alternative edge.
Conclusion
Corporate Goth is an innovative and elegant style that allows you to embrace your personal gothic aesthetic while navigating the corporate world. It’s a delicate balance that lets you express your individuality without compromising your professional appearance. Remember, the key to mastering Female Corporate Goth is finding that harmonious blend of dark elegance and workplace compliance.
So, why not infuse a touch of darkness into your workwear wardrobe and embark on your own journey into the intriguing world of Corporate Goth?
Desy Gregis
’m Desy, your new fashionista bestie. I’m an entrepreneur and business consultant living between Colombia and my home country, Italy. In this blog, we share news and trends about office fashion. I’m going to spill all the tea about how and why dressing for success is a fact.
