The term corporate goth is not one that most people are familiar with. The one great thing about being a modern goth is that it doesn’t just mean one thing. In some ways “corporate goth clothing” is a little like the old-school mullet… business in the front, party in the back.
In other words, corporate goth clothing combines traditional business attire with a punk rock, goth sensibility.
What Does it Mean to be Corporate Goth?
To be corporate goth and have the fashion and style of someone who considers themselves that is interesting and diverse.
The term “corporate goth” has been used for decades to describe someone who works in a corporate setting but has a more alternative or dark style. It’s also been used to describe someone who is just generally fascinated by all things dark, morbid, or macabre. You can call them professional goth. That is, someone who isn’t PAID to be goth… they are a professional, and they are goth.
In other words, it’s a person who likes darkness but also likes to go to work in the morning. Many of these people are artists or musicians whose work is influenced by dark themes, so they may have tattoos with those kinds of images or they may wear clothing that reflects their interests.
“You might be wondering whether goth fashion is acceptable in the workplace,” writes Robin Sutherns of Galtelligence. “A corporate goth style doesn’t necessarily mean wearing full-body tattoos, skull earrings, or black nail polish and lipstick. It’s not only about wearing a skull tattoo, piercings, and constant death stares. Sporting a corporate goth look can be fun. It’s more about incorporating dark-colored elements into your style.”
That said, incorporating some of these elements may be part of it. Many people have tattoos with skulls, crosses, or other symbols associated with death and religion (depending on their religious views). Some people like to wear black nail polish on their fingers and toes as well as dark eyeliner and mascara. They may wear earrings as well as necklaces with skulls or crosses on them.
Women often wear fishnets under their clothes because they like the look of them without showing them off too much (or because they think they’re sexy). Others may wear thigh-high stockings rather than pantyhose when they go.
“We always advise our customers on two very important axes when it comes to fashion,” writes Gigi Damyanova, founder of Rag Tag. “Your outfit needs to express who you are and it needs to make you feel like you fit in. These two criteria are very important for Corporate Goth outfits. Since Goth is very far from the corporate dress code requirements, my advice is to focus on expressing one’s style through colours, shoes and accessories while sticking to more traditional pieces for the clothes.”
The overall look of a corporate goth can vary depending on the individual, but there are some commonalities. Corporate goths tend to dress in black or dark colors that can range from deep purple to gray.
“Corporate goth,” writes Lisa Sanchez, Fashion Editor of The Nines, “is not quite as paradoxical as you may think: simply appropriately apply the gothic aesthetic to your business professional dress code. The term goth often has a negative connotation of being too sexy or skimpy for the office, but that does not always ring true. Instead, explore the darker elements of the gothic style in your business wardrobe. Some key gothic characteristics you can embrace are leather, lace, and velvet.”
“Leather on leather is a classic gothic move,” she says, “and easy to wear in the workplace. Leather (faux or real) trenchcoats are a timeless staple you should have in your wardrobe, and you can pair it with a lovely yet flowy long leather skirt like this one. A lace blouse can really pull this corporate goth look together – but just ensure that it is appropriate for the workplace and wear a camisole under the blouse. If you desire a different look, velvet is another fun element to incorporate into the corporate goth wardrobe. Dakota Johnson looks stunning in a black velvet pantsuit that you could easily adapt to your own style: see here.”
If you’re looking to build your wardrobe, it’s easy to find pieces that fit into the corporate goth style. You can’t go wrong with a simple black dress shirt or pants; this is a great way to start building your wardrobe and incorporating more gothic elements into your look.
For women, there are plenty of options when it comes to footwear, including heels or wedges. For men, boots are a great option because they help complete the look without being too over-the-top.
There are also plenty of accessories that work well with the corporate goth style, including necklaces and bracelets. You can get even more creative by adding jewelry like cufflinks or ties that have skulls on them!
Corporate Goth Clothing Brands and Stores
The goth clothing industry is a growing one, with many brands focusing on creating clothes that reflect their customers’ interests… that means professional goths.
Killstar
They have a wide range of clothing, accessories and home decor, and they’ve become a major brand in the gothic fashion market. They have millions of followers on social media and have become a growing brand. They also have a lot of goth decor, which can accommodate many who also want to decorate their home with a similar style.
Link »
Etsy
One solid option is to jump on Etsy. That’s right. There are a ton of smaller fashion companies that sell lots of great stuff on Etsy. And that means custom-made goth clothing of all kinds. Click the link to jump straight to where you browse all kinds of great Etsy finds.
Corp Goth on Etsy »
Tragic Beautiful
Tragic Beautiful has been around since 2006. It is an Australian-based online store that carries a massive amount of goth and occult clothing and accessories.
They are supported by many major brands such as Killstar, Punk Rave and Razor Blade jewelry.
Website »
Dark in Closet
Dark in Closet is an alternative clothing store located in the UK. They don’t have an official corporate goth clothing section, but they do have a variety of items that could easily be assembled to create that look. Their clothing items are sold under several different subcategories, including medieval, gothic, punk and steampunk. Some of their most prominent brands include Hell Bunny and Vivianna Does Vintage.
They stock t-shirts, shoes, dresses, skirts, jackets and goth pants from famous alternative brands.
Website »
Corporate Goth Clothing and Outfit Ideas
Goth Office Suite Coat With Chains
Here ya go. A goth suite that can be mixed and matched with all sorts of accessories that can create a wicked professional goth look.
Link »
Women’s Lace Shoulder Short Sleeve Blouse with Gothic Moon Trousers
Here is a gothy ensemble, that’s for sure. Just that right level of sophistication and punk rock style.
Lace Shoulder Blouse »
Gothic Moon Trousers »
SansoiSan Vintage Beaded Long Sleeve Blouse with Ruffle Pants
If you want to go with something a little more Elizabethan goth, here is a good option found on Amazon.
Vintage Blouse »
Ruffle Pants »
Xuan2Xuan3 Pullover Hoodie with Pants
Another Amazon find, this gives corporate goth clothing vibes while also being practical and comfortable.
Pullover Hoodie »
Patterned Pants »
Photo by Nicolás Villalobos
Last Updated on July 5, 2022.
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