Strong, Dark, Warm; Neo Goth Trend Takes Fall/Winter '12 by Storm

As Fall creeps closer and closer to Winter, cold weather fashion is becoming more and more prominent. While it may seem hard to balance dressing warmly with dressing well, the current trend seen on runways and in magazines lends itself nicely to staying bundled up fashionably. Easily described as refined goth, this season’s trends emphasize dark colors, exaggerated silhouettes and heavy metal accents. While the goth of the runway can seem severe and extreme, there are ways that college students can influence their daily outfits with this rejuvenated image of Gothicism.

The structured silhouettes commonly seen in Gothicism are mirrored in military items as well. Tailored jackets with strong shoulders paired with a simple pair of jeans can dress up an outfit while still covering up appropriately for the weather. Jackets with large metal buttons or long trench coats can be eye catching, yet versatile enough for day-to-day wear.

While black is an obvious and classic color choice for the cold months, darker toned colors can bring a new depth to the neo goth style. Popular colors include plum, burgundy, forest green and golden rod. Try pairing one colored item with a black or charcoal counterpart if the idea of an all black outfit seems too harsh. However, black on black can be highly effective when appropriately accessorized with either a statement necklace or a strong pair of shoes.

Finally, the word “goth” tends to evoke images of heavy, black eye makeup and outrageous punk hairstyles. However, this new image of goth focuses more on a sleek, subtly eye catching darkness. Hair colors such as dark mahogany and blue-black paired with strong bangs or sleeked back ponytails communicate the rigidity of the style while remaining approachable. Makeup for this trend highlights pale skin with pronounced contouring over subtle bronzing.  Also, instead of layering extreme eye makeup, leave your lids bare and focus on heavy and dark lips. Using dark red or purple lipsticks can tie in the entire look, and it’s a makeup look that is quick and easy to maintain throughout the day.

Pick and choose some aspects of this trend to try in your outfits, and you will find that the simplest changes can keep you from looking scrubby this winter.