If you want to pull off the perfect the Gothic look, then just look at Robert Smith – a man, a legend, a musical genius and a proud goth through and through. Having leaped onto stage as the frontman and principle songwriter of Alt/Goth/Pop band The Cure, Smith has remained one of the world’s most recognisable recording artists – not only for his distinctive voice and guitar playing, but also for his unmistakable sense of style.
For many, Smith was the first port of call for goth fashion. He’s celebrated on World Goth Day (22nd May) like a totemic god figure, and his dress sense has inspired fictional characters like Edward Scissorhands, The Crow and many background figures in the 2000AD comic series. What’s more impressive is that Robert Smith is still pulling off this style aged 59. During his 2018 performances, he’ll still be seen with pitch-black hair, red lipstick, pale face and black clothing.
While capturing the glory days of 80s fashion might come across as a bit naff for some bands (just imagine Depeche Mode still running around in leather chaps *shudder*) Smith’s commitment to his dress sense is instead a testament to the timeless quality of the goth aesthetic.
The Cure will be playing a date in Hyde Park, London, this July, alongside a Robert Smith-curated festival at the Southbank Centre and a slew of remixed albums. And we reckon the renewed popularity of the godfather of goth will reinvigorate the world’s love of morbid fashion. So if you want to wear black with style, follow our list of recommendations.
DR MARTENS
There aren’t many connecting points in a Venn diagram between goths and construction workers – but they both love the quality of a black Dr Marten boot.
Priced at around £125, the bulky steel toecaps of Dr Martens are comfortable, stylish and complementary to a pair of black drainpipe jeans. We’re certain Mr Smith has a few pairs in his collection.
Where you can buy this: Worldwide seller Shoes International stock Dr Martens at a varying price range with free UK delivery.
OVERSIZED BLACK T-SHIRT
In the 80s, a black t-shirt had to be figure-huggingly tight if you were to look suitably gothic. But the modern goth on the go needs air to breath, which is why we recommend a deliberately oversized black t-shirt to provide circulation during the warm summer months.
Where you can buy this: AliExpress offers oversized black t-shirts at a competitive price, although you could also find one on your local high street.
EXTRA-STRENGTH HAIRSPRAY
The piece de resistance to any gothic outfit is a black bouffant hairstyle that’s taller than a grand oak tree.
This one’s for someone on the Jedi-end of the goth spectrum, so beginner’s need not apply. And remember it can take a lot of hairspray for the perfect level of lift, but try not to dry out your precious follicles with overuse.
Where can you buy this: Superdrug offer a wide range of hairspray, but our fave is the L’Oreal Elnett Extra Strength Hairspray, available for £6.69 per 400ml bottle.
