Okay, maybe an all black capsule wardrobe doesn’t scream “springtime” to most people. The season is usually associated with ultrafeminine pastels and lightweight, breezy fabrics. However, if you’re someone who prefers the darker side of life, you can still embrace the changing seasons and cast off your winter wardrobe in favor of these light and airy pieces that are perfect for a soft goth aesthetic.
Fabrics & Textures
Just because it’s time to ditch the leather and velvet, it doesn’t mean you have to abandon darkness. Look for dark clothes in soft and breathable fabrics that will keep you comfortable all summer long.
Since the outfits you’ll be putting together are primarily black, it’s a good idea to incorporate some fun textures like crochet to create visual interest. Lace, chiffon, silk, tulle, and see-through mesh are some warm weather-friendly fabrics that will amplify your wardrobe’s gothic drama.
Black Mini Dress
Hemlines are getting higher this spring, so show off your legs with a cute and versatile black babydoll dress (a delicate white collar and/or cuffs can soften the look for a touch of Wednesday Addams whimsy). You can always change up your look or layer up for those chilly spring days by adding some patterned tights.
Oversized Black Button Down
This versatile staple piece easily matches any outfit, coming off as casual or polished depending on what you wear it with. Add a belt to emphasize your waist, or leave it loose and airy for a carefree vibe.
Choose a lightweight fabric like satin, silk or chiffon if you plan on wearing it with a leather jacket, or go for corduroy or flannel for a cool shacket look.
Trousers
Pick one or two pairs of black pants you love, and wear them with a variety of tops. Whether you choose jeans, wide leg trousers, or cargo pants depends on how casual you want to be. You can elevate your look with a polished blouse or dress it down with a black tee for running errands or lurking at home in your lair.
Camis & Tees
Spring is all about layering, whether you’re a maven of the night or a novice in the dark arts. A couple of black foundational garments can be used to build a multitude of outfits. A lightweight black cami is perfectly at home under a blouse or jacket, or worn on its own with a spring statement scarf. (This is also a perfect opportunity to embrace on-trend lingerie inspired fashion with a corset top.)
A black tee can be worn under a spaghetti strap dress for some chic 90s layering. Or you can style it with a black skirt for a classic, casual vibe.
Blouse
This is a good piece you can use to branch out from black and inject a hint of color into your spring capsule wardrobe. Wine reds, purples, deep forest greens, and dark neutrals like taupe or greige would all be great additions to a soft goth color palette.
Midi Skirt
A lacy black midi skirt is a classic gothic staple, but if you want to project a springtime look, go for a flowy, comfy skirt in a dark floral pattern. Dress it down with a tee shirt, or throw on a blazer for instant work-ready style.
Black Jacket
Pick an item of lightweight black outerwear that fits your personal style, one that you can mix and match with the other pieces in your capsule wardrobe. For example, a black denim jacket can dress down that lacy midi skirt, or match your dark jeans for a “batcave tuxedo” look. A black blazer will give all your outfits a touch of corporate goth polish, while a long, lacy duster or kimono is the ultimate hippie goth statement.
Shoes & Accessories
Boots
A pair of chunky heeled boots that goes with all your outfits will tie your capsule wardrobe together. Black boots are central to a lot of goth looks—and soft goth is no exception. Combat boots are another versatile, comfortable choice that go with a variety of goth aesthetics.
As winter transitions into spring, you might want to ditch the big boots in favor of something lighter. For a little more lightness in your step, black flats, slingback pumps, or mules can go from spring to summer.
Lace Gloves
Want to add a little vampiness to your spring? A pair of black lace gloves can give you a touch of dark sophistication that really elevates any soft goth outfit. Sometimes all it takes is one accessory to take a look from basic black to gothic heaven. After all, “April is the cruelest month,” so get yourself some gloves that will show the world you’re right there with it.
Jewelry
As with clothes, your accessories should reflect a sense of darkness and mystery. A statement ring is always a solid gothic choice, or a subtle black lace choker. Jewelry that has a vintage or Victorian feel will make otherwise plain black clothes really pop. You can choose go-to accessories that match all the pieces in your wardrobe for a perfectly dark and macabre finishing touch.
Soft Goth Aesthetic Makeup Looks
It takes more than just black clothes to build a soft goth aesthetic. A lot of it hinges on your makeup. Go for deep lipstick shades and dramatic, dark eye makeup to dial up the gothic drama, or keep things minimal by focusing on just your lips or eyes. A swipe of plum or deep berry lipstick provides a hint of drama that perfectly matches a dark aesthetic.
Soft goth eye makeup allows for a lot of creativity because there are a lot of colors you can choose from, from mauve and green to purple to black. It’s all about maintaining a hint of feminine whimsy, allowing for a wider range of experimentation than you might see in traditional goth looks.
With just a handful of pieces and a few choice accessories, you can build enough spellbinding soft goth outfits to get you through spring and beyond. Unleash your creativity, because the changing of the seasons gives you a great opportunity to try out a new aesthetic while celebrating your inner darkness. Black has never looked so good!