Gothic Prom Dresses

What Is Gothic?

For those who aren't familiar with the term gothic, it often represents the dark, romantic era of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. However, gothic has different meanings for different people, and it is its interpretive nature that continues to appeal to those teens searching for creative self-expression. Although those who don't dress in a gothic manner often misinterpret Goths as those who are caught up in the drug scene, many are interested to discover that the Goth culture is often simply about beauty, nature, art, literature, and music. While many attribute the beginning of gothic customs to the punk rock era, Gothic prom dresses represent the fascination that girls sometimes have with some or all of the following as well:

• Dark clothing
• Edwardian, Victorian, and medieval history
• Unique music, literature, and art
• Symbolism expressed in jewelry and other accessories
• Social issues
• Freedom of expression

Popular Gothic Colors

While black is a primary color within the gothic culture, there are actually many other colors associated with this fashion. In fact, many girls specifically steer clear of solid black gothic prom dresses, instead opting for splashes of color either in the dress or its accessories. Prominent gothic colors include the following:

• Deep purples
• Dark reds
• Rich burgundies
• Sultry browns
• Smoky grays

Accents might include pink and white as well.

Gothic Accessories

For many, gothic attire isn't all about the prom dress itself. In fact, the dress may be quite simple, even plain. However, the accessories that are used with the dress are the focus of the natural attention that is often drawn to an unusual outfit. Those searching for cheap prom dresses often purchase or even make an affordable dress and then add inexpensive yet dressy accents. Accessories might include the following:

• Gothic jewelry
• Lace
• Corsets
• Satin
• Gloves
• Netting
• High-heeled shoes
• Brocade
• Chokers
• Capes
• Shawls

Where to Find Gothic Prom Dresses

While you might not find a gothic prom dress at your typical formal wear store, you do have options. Keep in mind that many gothic dresses are cheaper than traditional prom dresses.

• Vintage Clothing Stores-Search through vintage clothing stores for vintage prom dresses. For those who are handy with a needle, a vintage dress could be fashioned into a beautiful and exotic prom dress for the fraction of the cost of a typical dress.
• Secondhand Stores-For those who favor the look of the Goth culture, secondhand stores sometimes offer a treasure trove of clothing and accessories that can be turned into lovely gothic prom dresses.
• Fabric Stores-Many fabric stores offer their customers the names of seamstresses who will be glad to sew a dress to your size and specifications. Search for darkly rich fabrics on sales racks and clearance tables in your local fabric store and find a pattern that best expresses the look you crave.
• Internet-Finally, do a search for gothic prom dresses on the Internet.

Additional Web Sites

The following Web sites will help you with your online search.

• Sanctuarie
• Talk Prom Dresses
• Extreme Prom Dresses
• Fairy Gothmother
• Katrina Marie Designs