Traditional period Goth garb usually consists of mostly black clothing along with some white and are often accessorized with silver or pewter. The stereotypical gothic outfit sometimes referred to as the romantic look may include elaborate gowns and corsets, veils, full skirts, neck corsets, fishnets, lace and velvets. Also popular are tight-fitting trousers, pointy boots, flouncy poet or pirate shirts and footwear with buckles. I find the simplicity of traditional Goth style lends itself to variation, and is can be combined with fetish elements to give it a dark and romantic edge.

Closely related to the Romantic (Victorian, Elizabethan, Renaissance) Goth style is the Gothic Lolita style that emerged from Japan, usually a combination of black and white, often black with white lace and typically decorated with ribbons and lace trims. Frilly, ruffled or lace-trimmed Victorian blouses are also popular with Gothic Lolitas and designs are usually modest, sometimes with long lace-capped sleeves and/or high-necked blouses. Some additions may include mini top hats, parasols, and lace headdresses.

Most recently, Goth fashion has been infiltrated by forward-thinking styles that are more futuristic, science fiction and youthful. UV-reactive colors and materials, progressive fashions, huge shoes and boots, wild hair extensions using artificial materials, often with an undercut shave, goggles, cybernetics, androgyny, the influence of cyberpunk or anime themes and body modification are some of the elements of Cybergoth. A full-spectrum of bright or neon colors are an exciting addition to black. For example, a popular combination is black with hot pink, a flattering color for most skin tones.

Of course, you can borrow elements of one or more gothic subcategory and sometimes this is dependant on the occasion. For gothic theme parties, you may combine elements of vintage, Victorian and fetish to create a costume that is intentionally spectacular and fantasy-oriented as an artistic display.