I have this memory of being seventeen and layering a velvet skirt over black tights in my sister’s borrowed cardigan, convinced I looked like a witch who did her own taxes. I still feel that way about getting dressed some mornings, honestly.
There is something about this dreamy, moody, slightly-mystical way of dressing that has stuck with me for years. It never quite goes out of style in my closet. It just waits.
So when my friend Dana asked me to help her build a few looks for autumn, I went a little overboard and made a list. And then the list kept growing – that’s how these things go.
20 Dreamy, Moody Looks to Try This Season
Celestial Maxi Dress With Platform Boots
Start here if you only try ONE thing. A flowing dress printed with stars and little moons is basically the founding document of whimsigoth outfits, and it just makes sense to lead with it.
Pair it with chunky platform boots so you feel a bit grounded (literally). I wore this to a bookshop opening once and a stranger asked where I got the dress. That never happens to me.
Velvet Corset With Lace Maxi Skirt
Velvet and lace together. The corset gives you shape and a little drama, and the lace skirt floats around underneath like something out of an old painting.
I will not lie to you, a corset is not the most comfortable thing to wear for a long dinner. But for a couple of hours it is worth it, and it photographs beautifully.
Sheer Black Blouse With Flared Trousers
A sheer black blouse with wide flared trousers reads a little seventies, a little mysterious. Layer a camisole underneath so you feel covered.
This is one of my favorite soft goth outfits because it works for the office AND for an evening out, and you barely have to change a thing.
Purple Slip Dress With Witchy Boots
Deep plum or aubergine in a simple slip shape. I love a slip dress because it takes about four seconds to put on and yet somehow looks like you tried.
Add pointed boots, the witchy kind, and maybe a delicate silver pendant. Done.
Moon Print Top With Velvet Skirt
A top scattered with moons tucked into a velvet skirt. So simple, so effective.
My sister borrowed this exact combination from me last October and never gave the skirt back. I am still a little annoyed about it, but she does look good in it.
Lace Camisole With Leather Trousers
Here is where things get a touch tougher. A soft lace camisole against sleek leather trousers is that lovely contrast of delicate and edgy that keeps this style interesting.
If real leather isn’t your thing, a faux pair does the job just as well. Nobody at the party is going to inspect your trousers, I promise.
Black Babydoll Dress With Mary Janes
A babydoll dress is playful and a bit doll-like, in the best way. Black with a small collar or a little ruffle at the hem is very sweet.
Finish with Mary Janes and some slouchy socks. This is one of those goth outfit ideas that manages to feel both grown-up and like you’re twelve and up to no good, and I mean that as a compliment.
Paisley Blouse With Tiered Maxi Skirt
Paisley! In a dark, swirly colorway it becomes almost mystical rather than dated. Tuck a paisley blouse into a tiered maxi skirt and you’ve got instant movement.
The tiers do a lot of the work here. Every time you walk, the skirt swishes, and I find that endlessly satisfying, of course.
Mesh Top With Plaid Mini Skirt
A mesh top over a camisole, a plaid mini, some tall socks. This is the more youthful, playful end of things.
And it’s a great way to reuse a plaid skirt you might already own from some other phase of your life. Waste not.
Velvet Mini Dress With Lace Tights
A little velvet mini dress with patterned lace tights underneath is such a good cold-weather move. Velvet holds the warmth, the tights add texture, and you feel put-together with almost no effort.
I keep one of these on a hook by my closet door all winter so I can just grab it when I’m running late, which is most days.
Band Tee With Sheer Maxi Skirt
An old band tee (faded, soft, well-loved) knotted at the waist over a sheer black maxi skirt. This is the outfit I reach for when I want to look like I didn’t think about it, even though I absolutely did.
The contrast of the casual tee against the flowing skirt is the entire point. High and low, together.
Ruffled Blouse With Black Flares
A blouse with ruffles down the front, a bit poetic and Victorian, paired with black flared trousers.
My friend Dana wore a version of this to a poetry reading and looked so lovely that three people asked if she was the poet. She was not, but she let them wonder.
Corset Top With Satin Midi Skirt
A structured corset top with a satin midi skirt catches the light in a really pretty way. The stiffness of the corset against the fluidity of the satin is that push-pull I keep coming back to.
Keep the jewelry small so the skirt gets to be the star. It wants to be the star.
Bell-Sleeve Dress With Platform Boots
Bell sleeves are so dramatic and I adore them. A dress with wide, flowing sleeves and chunky boots underneath is such a good whimsy goth outfit for a day of wandering around town.
Just be a little careful near candles and dips. The sleeves have a mind of their own.
Black Lace Dress With Leather Jacket
Take a delicate black lace dress and throw a leather jacket over the top. The jacket toughens up all that lace so it doesn’t tip into feeling too precious.
This is my go-to when I can’t decide how dressed up I want to be. It splits the difference nicely.
Celestial Blouse With Wide-Leg Trousers
A blouse dotted with stars and tiny moons, tucked into wide-leg trousers. It’s the office-friendly cousin of that first celestial dress.
And it means you can bring a little of the magic to a Tuesday meeting without anyone raising an eyebrow. Sneaky.
Striped Knit With Pleated Mini Skirt
A striped knit sweater over a pleated mini with dark tights. Cozy, a bit collegiate, a bit gloomy.
I like a black-and-charcoal stripe rather than anything too bright, so it stays in the family. It’s a small change but it matters.
Victorian Blouse With Velvet Trousers
A high-necked Victorian blouse with a bit of lace at the collar, worn with soft velvet trousers. This is peak old-world romance and I will not apologize for loving it.
Add a cameo brooch if you have one. My grandmother had a whole drawer of them and I still wear hers.
Slip Dress With Oversized Cardigan
A silky slip dress with a big slouchy cardigan pulled over the top is the coziest thing on this list. It’s the outfit for grey afternoons and long train rides.
I keep an oversized black cardigan on the back of my chair for exactly this reason. It goes over everything.
Trad Goth Blazer With Bondage Trousers
Ending on a stronger note. A sharp black blazer with buckled, strappy trousers is a proper trad goth outfit, and it feels powerful in a way that’s hard to describe.
Add a little eyeliner and some heavy boots and you are ready for absolutely anything the evening throws at you.
