This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Ky Tanella. Find them on Instagram at @ky.tanella. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
You’ve probably seen Whimsigothic art, home decoration, and clothing all over your social media! And you may be asking yourself: “What is whimsigoth?” I’m so glad you asked, and since it’s something I’m very passionate about, I’m going to happily take you through the origins, some media essentials, and some clothing essentials that create the Whimsigoth subtype!
The “Whimsigoth” aesthetic is one of many Goth subtypes and hit peak popularity in the 70s-80s – coinciding with the rise of gothic music and media. It has ties to Romanticism and Gothic art/music, which focuses on themes of melancholy and beauty while intertwining it with a focus on nature. While gothic elements are introduced, this aesthetic allows for some more “whimsy,” lightheartedness, enchantment, and a desire for creativity and self-expression. It doesn’t have a specific leader/influence, but artists like Tim Burton, Neil Gaiman, Stevie Nicks, Vivienne Westwood, and The Cure have been noted as inspirations and influencers that keep the aesthetic going! This also aligns with DIY and sustainability culture, as a lot of Whimsigoth staples are often found in vintage markets or thrift stores, and people often repurpose their clothing.
The Outfits
Whimsigoth fashion often draws inspiration from “witchy” clothing with autumnal colors such as burnt orange, cream, deep brown, violet, earthy greens, gold, and dusty pinks. Patterns like florals, nature prints, and celestial imagery are prominent, as well as fabric materials like corduroy, denim, velvet, and mesh. Layering is key, as well as flowy skirts, buttons, and tops! Here are some essentials (links are just for inspo):
- Tops: Knitted/crocheted cardigans/tops, bell-sleeve tops, anything velvet, tied-in-front shirts
- Bottoms: Bell bottoms, corduroy pants, maxi/midi skirts, wide-leg pants, velvet skirts
- Accessories: Lots of jewelry! Chunky + dainty rings, mixing metals, long/layered necklaces, pieces with crystals, butterflies, moths, suns, moons, and stars. Spiritual imagery!
- Shoes: Dainty Doc Martens, chunky heels, combat boots with flower embellishments
Personalizing and vintage shopping are essential to this aesthetic! Thrifting for oversized sweaters, vintage dresses/skirts, wide-legged jeans, and even some unique items like jewelry, purses, belts, and headpieces. These should be “statement pieces” to add flair! Mixing metals, fabrics, and patterns is also important for layering unique outfits, so don’t be afraid to mix and match. If online shopping is more your speed, search on ThredUp, Depop, and Poshmark – Etsy can get a little pricey, but it’s great for re-purposed clothing!
The Home
Whimsgoth decoration is my absolute favorite, and I can’t wait to make my home my own one day – I’m literally going to make it look like a witches’ altar come to life!
Similarly to the clothing, whimsigothic decoration is usually identified by a base color, surrounded by whimsical elements such as celestial motifs, ancient/old sculptures and mirrors, plenty of plants, nature imagery, spiritual items like crystals or incense burnets (though these things shouldn’t be classified as “decoration” if not using properly), and even strange/eclectic things like dried/pinned bugs, bones/skulls (ethically sourced), and Halloween-y imagery! Dim or whimsical lighting is also a staple in this aesthetic so experimenting with vintage lamps, lighting candles, and using fairy lights are great alternatives to that nasty overhead light! Here are some essentials:
- Plants: Pothos, Snake Plants, Herbs like Lavender, Dusty-colored flowers!
- Vintage/Antique Finds: Shopping at your local thrift store for frames/old paintings/drawings to make a gallery wall could add some character to the space. Vintage furniture like velvet couches and accent pillows, as well as cute wooden coffee tables. Large mirrors, and vintage lamps!
- Decoration: Anything with nature/celestial imagery, hanging planters, spooky imagery, pillar candles with cute candlestick holders, dried or origami flowers, sculptures!
I love re-purposing items and finding new homes for vintage goodies! Be sure to check out the “knick-knack” isles of your favorite thrifting spots, there’s plenty of awesome glassware and trinket holders! Just the thought of it makes me want to go and spend all my money, but I must hold off!
Also, remember that any way you embrace this archetype in your home is acceptable – “goth” is all about the freedom of expression and being who you want to be, so don’t narrow yourself into a box! Use this as a guide, but make sure your space is uniquely… yours!
The Makeup
Glitter! Glitter, cool-toned makeup (akin to the 90s), and spooky, Tim Burton-esque makeup is an essential in the aesthetic! Creativity with eyeliner, blush placement, and symbols on your face is a great way to express yourself freely and can really pull an outfit/hairstyle together!
The Media
I watch these movies around Halloween/autumn every year because they’re essential for that spooky, unique aesthetic! But if you’re looking for some movies/TV shows that just have that vibe to them, here are a few essentials:
- Old(er) Movies: Labyrinth (1996), The Addams Family (1991), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Hocus Pocus (1993), The Craft (1996), Practical Magic (1998), Ginger Snaps (2000), Coraline (2009), The Corpse Bride (2009), Death Becomes Her (1992), Howls Moving Castle (2004), The Neverending Story (1984), Sleepy Hollow (1999)
- Modern Movies: The Love Witch (2016), Lisa Frankenstein (2024), Crimson Peak (2015), Only Lovers Left Alive (2013), Over the Garden Wall (2014)
- Television: Twin Peaks (1990-1991), Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-200), Charmed (1998-2006), Bewitched (1964-1972)
Here’s a list on Letterboxd if you keep some in your Watchlist like I do! I already can’t wait to watch a few of these, and it’s barely Spring
The Music
Music is an essential part of the “goth” subculture, and a lot of it is categorized by melancholy or sexual lyrics with a synth-wave vibe, or can often be about expressing yourself freely in ways of rebellion, your sexual identity, or romantically! Whimsigtoh is a bit more… well, whimsical if you will. It’s often punctuated by ethereal instrumentals and love-sick lyrics, often music that can be relaxing or “chill.” Some essential music artists are:
- The Cure, Cocteau Twins, Stevie Nicks, The Cranberries, Kate Bush, and Fleetwood Mac!
Of course, there are probably thousands of artists that adhere to this vibe, and I would love to expand my taste even further! Here’s my own Spotify playlist of a few Whimsigothic songs, something I’m constantly adding to!
I hope you enjoyed today’s article on the Whimsigoth aesthetic, and I hope you got some of your questions answered! Let us know in the comments down below how you incorporate this subculture into your life!
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