Jul 23, 2010
Christina Gregoire

Girls who want to try a tiny touch of the Gothic Victorian look, or possibly a vampirish style, will want to start small to see how they feel about it. There is no point in investing a ton of money in a whole outfit unless a lady is sure that she’s ready for this alternative and more grown-up style. Victorian and Steampunk clothing is dressier than the usual stuff that everyone slobbers about in.

And, thank God, there are some intelligent women who have had enough of wearing pajamas and T-shirts. Yes, Belladonna, there is hope for civilization.

Inexpensive Victorian Jewelry

One good way to start a new look is with inexpensive jewelry. Some Gothic Victorian websites have expensive custom-made clothing or no refund policies. Starting with something small and memorable is perfect.

Chokers:

• InfectiousThreads.com: La Fleur de la Nuit is a ribbon choker with a small black plastic rose. ($6.99) Countess Bathory Necklace has a small filigree cross. ($12.99)
• Kambriel.com: Ariadne Choker in ivory. ($45)
• Gloomth.com: Mina’s Ward Choker, a lovely Gothic Cross, is hand made in Canada. ($29)

Longer Necklaces:

• TopShop.com: Keys And Clock Pendant ($70) This is gorgeous and elegant enough to wear daily as a signature piece.
• ModCloth.com: Antoine Watcheau Necklace ($24.99) This is a replica of a Victorian Pocket Watch.

Earrings:

• CharlotteRusse.com: Ornate Earring Trio ($4)
• TopShop.com: Clock Face Studs. Covertly Steampunk. ($12) Or, consider their lovely Wing Shape Earrings. These are beautiful for any style of clothing (well, not polo shirts.)

Bracelets:

• TopShop.com: Black Ribbon and Pearl Bow. Also, see their Pearl Charm Bracelet.
• Nordstrom.com: Ollipop Rose Cuff. Don’t be afraid to mix silver and gold. English and European women, who have inherited antique jewelry, mix their heirlooms however they wish.

Goth Accessories

Here are some Gothic accessories for beginners:

• TopShop.com: Lace Corsage Headband. ($20) No one will suspect that this is the start of a girl’s new Victorian style.
• Asos.com: Super Wide Lace Up Corset Belt. Make any top (or dress) into a corset top.
• ModCloth.com: Try these lacy Arabian Tights ($14.99) with some cute button or bow booties for a fantastic sultry evening.

Victorian Blouses and T-Shirts

Most girls (and women) are not ready to go straight into Victoriana and may want to make small baby steps, and they should start with T-shirts or blouses with lace. This would be a very subversive way to slide into a more Goth clothing style.

• CharlotteRusse.com: The Short Sleeve All-over Lace Top is a perfect first step. This Victorian-era lace would be cute in Soft Pink, Black, Gray, or Ivory over a black cami.
• Nordstrom.com: Fire Lace Pinafore Top (in Juniors.) This is sweetly old-fashioned in Pale Pink or Ivory, but better for a temptress in black.
• RetroscopeFashions.com: See their ruffled White Satin Victorian Sleeveless Blouse. This is so subtly Gothic that grandma might want to buy it for her grandchild. ($49)
• ClockworkCouture.com: See their Tees with Victorian flower prints. Casual Steam Tshirts for Ladies. ($20.95)

Corset Tops

Remember that corsets and corset tops are more difficult to fit than stretchy knit tops, so a girl may need to add padding in the bust, or to get a top with lacing, so it will fit correctly. But, once a corset fits, it will be super sexy and gorgeous.

All of these corset tops are from TopShop. Because this is a British store, they are deeply in tune with Gothic and other trendy styles. VictoriasSecret.com and ModCloth.com are two other places to look for lovely and inexpensive corset tops.

• Cup Embroidered Zip Cami. ($55) This is fabulous and feminine, but it will sell out, like most things on this site. It has smocking to help with the fit. Worry not. TopShop will replace it with something equally stunning.
• Vintage Daisy Print Tunic. This is a wonderful top because it’s girly (ladylike would probably be a more appropriate word) but it’s not cutesy.
• Lace Panel Corset. This gray and black camisole-style top is easier to fit than an actual corset, but it gives the same feeling
• The Corseted Body (bodysuit) is very subtle in style and is perfect for school or work.

Goth Victoriana, long a fashion style with trendy Brits, has finally made its way across the sea to The Colonies.