Is 30 too old to do the vintage goth style for the first time?

[merlotguzzler]

Hello

I have always loved the vintage/romantic goth style, but never had the courage to do it.

I have pale skin, very long(middle of my back) dark brown/black hair and whenever I've played around with the look, it does suit me, but I always chicken out leaving the house.

I love amy lee's style and actually get told a fair bit that I look like her, which is nice

The problem is as I said, I'm 30 and whereas, I know that's not old, I'm just not sure I can get away with this kind of style.

Am I right in being cautious?

Ta ladies.

Of course you can, if it make you feel like you. Just make sure it's not too teenagery or sexier than you mean.

Go for it!

Lots of goths I see are probably a bit older than you! Go for it if you want to!

thank you!

So does anyone have any tips on keeping the look age appropriate?

Sounds like you'd look lovely. Don't worry about age appropriate - 30 is no age at all!

I think it sounds great. I also think it's a look that needs to be done wholeheartedly so my opinion (and that's all it is) is that trying to do it in an age appropriate way would be a mistake. Besides most of the goths I see around my town are deep into middle age - and they look fab.

I was a goth in my younger days, I loved the look, I just kept it black maybe a bit of red thrown in pencil skirts, fishnets, black fitted shirts, chunky (but not too chunky ankle boots) black slim jeans, dark eye make up, but never did a white face/dark lips, if I could find something black lace I would wear it, crucifixes, I also wear glasses so picked some with thick black cats eye frames. Go for it!

as a 41 year old with pink hair, piercings and lots of tattoos i would say go for it. find your style and embrace it...

Go for it. If you feel a bit shy, Maybe start with some subtle changes which won't make you stand out as dressing different to usual to begin with (e.g. eye make up, hair cut/colour/style, and jewellery). Then you can gradually morph into a fab vintage goth you have always wanted to be. Embrace your individuality OP and have the confidence to be you!

Wow! Thanks ladies.

I wasn't expecting such positive 'go for it' reactions.

Maybe I'm slightly more cautious because in the last year, I've felt like I've aged a fair bit. I won't go for the white face etc look. I'd love to be able to do dramatic eye make up though. I have big green eyes, but whenever I try the dramatic look, I just look like I've been punched. Not the look I was going for

I'm moving in a few months and so it felt like a good time to start subtly creating the style I've always loved.

The problem with the romantic goth style, is that it's normally very expensive. I don't have a massive budget and I fear that if you try and create this style on the cheap, then that's exactly what I'll end up looking....cheap.

Any other ideas?

I don't want to be a full blown goth.

My uncle and aunt are in their 50s and go very much for the goth/vintage ruffles and now also steam punk look. My aunt loves shopping and I imagine she has quite a lot of fun shopping about at places like Camden Market but also her local town centre. I also knew a couple who were very, very goth and had a full goth wedding with black wedding dress, boots, etc. They also lived in London so I expect they had quite a few options for shopping.
I don't know where you are based and if you have access to specialist shops but if so maybe you could get a few key pieces there and then pad out your wardrobe with charity shop finds, a few pieces from cheaper regular shops, and so on. I appreciate now is noth the time of year to buy heaps of black clothes in high street shops!
The goths I know have always looked good in long, black swishy shirts with a black scoop neck top. That way you keep a sense of modesty and mystery but without looking like a Victorian governess in mourning.

I would have a search on pinterest and try to recreate some looks you may like on there. I find it is the best place to get inspiration.

I don't think you're too old at all! If you really love the look and it suits you, I say go for it, I think you'll regret it later on if you don't give it a try

Suk, yeah.....not a good look. Thanks for all that

One, I think that's what I'm starting to worry about- regret. If I don't just go for it now, then I probably never will.

Dexter, I've had a look at that website. Looks interesting. Thanks

30 is young!!!!! I am 39 and started dressing in a retro/vintage 50's style 2 years ago. The reaction has been very positive and it has done my confidence no end of good. My dh is a bit and think it's a bit of a mid-life crisis but fuck it! You should go for it.

merlot just be true to yourself, to your own loves and your own style. There's nothing worse than feeling boxed into an identikit look when it's just not you. I recently turned 31 and still dress exactly how I want to, not how other people think I should. Don't live with regret, go for it and hold your head up high knowing you are doing something for you that you love. Regrets make you bitter over wasted chances, don't let that happen. it might only be clothes but they represent something far greater. Take a risk!!

Re the makeup, try videos on YouTube for a more "wearable" (i.e. day to day) gothic makeup look of you don't want to go down the dramatic route.

Thanks, painted I love that 50's style too!

One, you should look into becoming a motivational speaker! Very wise words.

Haha, thank you. It's all true though

Ta Dolores. I shall have a look

Definitely go for it. I'm 46 and still dress like a widowed victorian governess. I pick up stuff everywhere. The key for me is good fabrics. I avoid anything with cheap looking fabric which looks costumy. I love stuff by Retroscope, Gloomth, Kambriel, and Fan Plus Friend do some nice blouses. Also have a look for Spindoctor clothing as it's very victorian inspired.

Pinterest is good. There's also a lot on Tumblr. There's a lot of independent makers on etsy as well.

I'm 41 and also favour the vintage goth look but I avoid anything too spidery, too vampire, too sexy and cheap fabrics. I don't buy any clothes from specialist retailers or websites but hunt out good quality laura ashley long velvet dresses, capes and vintage jewellery. I don't always wear very vintage or obv victorian, and also favour a sort of mix btw goth and roma.

I don't go in for really pale skin, although I am pale, I don't wear dramatic make up. I do though have naturally nearly black eyes and wear a bit of eyeliner and wear a very matt deep rose lipstick, it alludes to goth without looking like I am in fancy dress. I guess I could start "dressing my age" whatever that is, but black is one of the few colours that suit me! I might put a photo on profile, you can decide if I look silly at 41

I would say, go for it, wear what makes you feel good.

Mini, yes do! You may inspire me

I think it will work...have put two photos on profile. Can't find any other photos of me on my own!

If I could really get away with it I would leave the house looking like this!