Goth
Probably the most sterotyped 'genre' you'll find. Goth's are more notorious as the 'scapegoat' of the alternative scene nowadays but whats associated as 'goth' in popular culture nowadays is far from goth itself.

Back in the beginning goth culture was in many ways an off shoot from the punk scene. Taking influences from gothic literature & horror movies predominately.
Goth as a fashion has mostly been influenced by bands in the genre from Bauhaus, The cure, Siouxsie & the Banshees, Specimen & Alien sex fiend.

Defining goth itself is a very tricky task, goth as a fashion takes on a huge number of influences & styles as well as bands. From victorian to punk, androgynous, death rock & the medieval.

There is not just on strict style as you'd expect or have seen stereotyped. However recent influences on goth fashion could include the 'spooky kid' style influenced by the likes of Marilyn Manson. Like it or not it is a more recent incarnation of goth fashion.
The more mainstream side of goth fashion would of course be larger brands & targeted stores such as the obvious Hot topic in the U.S to Omen in the UK. Every goth probably has at least 1 item by Omen in their wardrobe even if it may be a little embarrasing to admit it.
You can of course find hundreds of 'do it yourself' goth outfits in alternative stores. From the goth style traits of pale/white foundation, chokers & dog collars, trusty fishnets, corsets or 'basques' for the non-boned variety that you'll find readily avaliable in shops, pentacles, velvet skirts, opera gloves, poet shirts & of course those trousers covered in metal bits for the blokes.
Goth style is more varied than that but the more widely avaliable aspect of goth fashion in the UK's alternative shops is pretty much true to the above description. Not that the one set style is such a bad thing but creativity is a key aspect to goth culture (Anne Gwish aside here folks ;) ).

Uk shops such as Alienskin, The dark angel, Fairygothmother, Madame diamante & Moonmaiden are just a few catering for a more unique goth look.
Remember it's more important to dress creatively & find a non streaky white foundation than anything else ;)
Article: Leona
Sources: Darkwaver, History of goth, & Ravenmoon

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