Let's begin with paste goths, loved and hated in the pangothic movement. Pastel Goth is a fashion trend that emerged in the early 2010s, combining elements of goth and kawaii styles with a pastel color palette. It features soft pastel hues, often in shades of pink, lavender, mint green, and baby blue, juxtaposed with dark and edgy elements such as skulls, crosses, and spikes.

The style has its roots in the goth subculture, but with a playful and whimsical twist. Instead of the traditional all-black attire, Pastel Goth enthusiasts opt for wearable lighter shades while still maintaining the darker aesthetic. 

Pastel Goth fashion incorporates a wide variety of clothing items, including skirts, dresses, leggings, and crop tops. Accessories such as chokers, platform shoes, and oversized bows are also common. Many Pastel Goth outfits also include pastel-colored hair, often in shades of pink, lavender, or blue.

Famous Pastel Goth icons: Melanie Martinez, Venus Angelic, and Moriah Rose Pereira aka Poppy.

Victorian Gothic is one of the most romantic and charming styles ever! This subgenre of gothic fashion draws inspiration from the clothing and style of the Victorian era (1837-1901), the period of Queen Victoria's reign. It is characterized by a mix of dark and romantic elements, incorporating intricate lace, ruffles, corsets, top hats, and parasols. The Victorian goth style is often associated with the imagery of the Victorian era, such as mourning attire and Victorian Gothic literature, which often features dark, supernatural themes.

Victorian goth fashion has roots in the goth subculture of the 1980s and 1990s, which emphasized black clothing, androgyny, and a rejection of mainstream fashion. However, Victorian Goth takes this further by incorporating vintage and antique elements into the look, such as brocade fabrics, cameos, and mourning jewelry.

Famous Victorian Goth icons: Morticia Addams, Helena Bonham Carter, Vanessa Ives.

Have you ever heard of this subtype of the Gothic movement? Odd and macabre, the Industrial Goth subculture is a mesmerizing blend of dark fashion and electronic music. This subculture is believed to date back to the late 1970s and early 1980s. The subculture is heavily influenced by punk, goth, and industrial music and often incorporates elements of cyberpunk, steampunk, and even post-apocalyptic themes.

The Industrial Goth subculture is a community of individuals who embrace their dark side, often wearing black clothing and sporting bold, dramatic goth makeup. They are drawn to the dark and dystopian themes of industrial music, which speaks to their desire for a more raw and gritty form of expression.

Famous Industrial Goth icons: Marilyn Manson, Trent Reznor, Emily Autumn.

The next goth subtype is one of the most popular on the internet – it is Goth Lolita aka GothLoli. This style combines elements of Gothic fashion with the cute and girly aesthetic of Lolita fashion. The result is a unique and intriguing style that draws inspiration from both Western and Japanese fashion. The Goth Lolita look is characterized by its use of dark colors, lace, ribbons, and other Victorian-era details. This style is not just a fashion statement but also a way of life for those who embrace it.

Gothic Lolita style is all about expressing oneself through clothing, and this is why it is so appealing to so many people. This style allows individuals to express their darker side while still maintaining a feminine and delicate appearance. The use of black lace and velvet creates a mysterious and romantic vibe, while the use of bows and ruffles adds a touch of sweetness.

Famous GothLoli icons: Moon Kana, Caroline Charonplop Kyary, Mana.

Unlike classic Victorian and kawaii Lolita goth, the Cyber Goths are often associated with a love for electronic music, particularly industrial and EBM (Electronic Body Music). They are known for their energetic dance moves, which often incorporate a mix of gothic and cyberpunk-inspired movements. Cyber Goth parties are a sight to behold, with pulsing beats, flashing lights, and an atmosphere that is both dark and electric. The dancing Cyber Goths video demonstrated it all!

Visually the Cyber Goth style is characterized by bold, neon-colored hair and clothing, with an emphasis on black, leather, and PVC materials. It also includes heavy use of neon, glow-in-the-dark accessories, and cybernetic enhancements, such as goggles and gas masks. Platform boots, piercing, and original hair extensions are also widely used in this style.

Famous Cyber Goth icons: Dani Filth, Rei Ayanami, Kerli.

Laconic and approachable, the Nu Goth draws inspiration from traditional goth culture. Nu Goth takes it a step further, incorporating elements of witchcraft, dark fantasy, and modern fashion trends. The result is a unique and edgy aesthetic that is simultaneously eerie and alluring.

Nu Goths often wear black clothing, lace, leather, and velvet, and accessorize with occult symbols, crystals, and moon motifs. They are also known for their love of layering and mixing textures, creating an ethereal and otherworldly look.

Famous Nu Goth icons: Porcelain Black, Grimes, Faiiint.

Inspired by the Dark Ages, the medieval goth style is a unique fusion of dark, brooding aesthetics and historical influences. Medieval goth style typically involves using black or dark-colored clothing, with rich, textured fabrics such as velvet, lace, and leather. Clothing styles may include long, flowing dresses and robes, corsets, tunics, and capes. Accessories such as chokers, crowns, ornate jewelry, and elaborate headpieces are often incorporated into the look.

In addition to the use of medieval-inspired clothing, medieval goth fashion often includes elements of Victorian or Edwardian styles, with an emphasis on dark and romantic themes such as vampires, witches, and medieval folklore.

Famous Medieval Goth icons: Dead Can Dance, Sharon den Adel.

Thanks to Cyberpunk 2077 we had a revival of this temperate style of goths. Corporate Goth combines elements of traditional corporate attire with Gothic fashion. The result is a sleek and professional look with a dark edge. This style is often characterized by tailored black suits or dresses, paired with Gothic accessories such as leather boots, chokers, and silver jewelry.

Makeup tends to be dramatic, with bold red lips and smoky eyes. Take the Cyberpunk 2077 makeup looks as an example. While this style may seem contradictory, it can be a way for individuals to express their unique personalities and interests while still adhering to the expectations of the corporate world. The Corporate Goth style is popular among those who work in creative industries, as it allows them to express their creativity in a professional setting.

Famous Corporate Goth icons: Hanako Arasaka, Dead Can Dance, Alexander McQueen.

The Hippie Goth style is a fascinating fusion of two seemingly disparate subcultures – the free-spirited, flower-child ethos of the hippies and the dark, brooding aesthetic of the goths. This unique style is characterized by a blend of flowy, bohemian clothing and accessories with darker elements like black lace, leather, and studs. Think long, flowing skirts paired with chunky combat boots, or a tie-dye t-shirt under a black leather jacket. The Hippie Goth style is all about balancing light and dark and creating a look that's both edgy and ethereal.

When it comes to Hippie Goth fashion, the key is to embrace your individuality and let your creativity run wild. Experiment with mixing and matching different textures, colors, and patterns to create a look that's uniquely your own. Accessories are also a crucial part of the Hippie Goth style – think wide-brimmed hats, chunky jewelry, and statement sunglasses. Whether you're attending a music festival or just heading out for a day of errands, the Hippie Goth style is the perfect way to express your inner rebel and show off your eclectic sense of style.

Famous Hippie Goth icons: Brian Molko, and Lorde.

And, finally, let's mention the Traditional goth style, which is more than just style. Trad Goth is a way of living and philosophy. Emerging in the late 1970s and early 1980s, this subculture is a reaction to the mainstream culture of the time. The Traditional Goth subculture has a strong sense of community and values individualism and creativity. Goths often express themselves through art, music, and fashion, using these mediums to reflect their unique perspectives on life and society.

Traditional Goths often wear black clothing, lace, leather, and other materials with a distinctively macabre style. They also tend to favor dramatic makeup, including pale skin, dark lipstick, and heavy eyeliner.

Famous Traditional Goth icons: Siouxsie Sioux, and Robert Smith.

The goth subculture is a diverse and inclusive community, offering a wide range of fashion styles for individuals to express themselves. From the classic and traditional goth look to more modern and futuristic styles, there is a goth style for everyone. Whether you prefer the romantic and elegant Victorian-inspired fashion or the rebellious punk-inspired look, the goth subculture provides a platform for creative expression and individuality.