How To Be A Pastel Goth: Pastel Goth Aesthetic For Men
Welcome to the enigmatic realm of Pastel Goth, a style that juxtaposes the ethereal allure of pastel hues with the macabre aesthetics of gothic fashion. Often associated with women, pastel goth has effortlessly transcended gender boundaries, inviting men to explore this captivating fusion of darkness and delicacy. In this blog, we embark on a journey into the world of alternative fashion, breaking down the barriers of gender norms and embracing the captivating aesthetic of pastel goth for men.
What is A Pastel Goth?
Pastel goth is a unique and visually striking subculture that emerged as a distinct offshoot of the goth subculture. Combining elements of traditional goth aesthetic with a pastel color palette and influences from kawaii culture and Japanese street fashion, pastel goth has gained a significant following. It has become an established style of its own.
The goth subculture originated in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a response to the punk movement. Goths embraced a style characterized by black clothing, heavy makeup, and an emphasis on macabre and melancholy themes. Over time, goth fashion evolved, incorporating new elements and diversifying its aesthetics. While traditional goth fashion remained predominantly dark and monochromatic, some goth enthusiasts began experimenting with pastel colors. This shift led to the emergence of pastel goth as a distinct style.
Pastel goth retained the dark and alternative aspects of the goth style but introduced pastel hues, creating a contrast between light and dark. It is a unique subculture, combining elements of darkness and cuteness to create a visually captivating and distinct style embraced by its followers.
Key Elements of Men's Pastel Goth Fashion
Men's pastel goth fashion is a unique and intriguing style that combines elements of both pastel and traditional goth aesthetics. It is characterized by a fusion of dark, edgy elements with soft, delicate pastel colors, creating a visually striking and unconventional look.
Color Palette: Pastel goth fashion embraces light and muted shades of pastel colors, such as lavender, baby blue, mint green, pale pink, and light purple. These bright colors contrast the typically dark and brooding nature of traditional gothic fashion.
Dark and Edgy Accents: While pastel goth fashion incorporates pastel colors, it retains a dark and edgy vibe. This is achieved by combining the soft hues with cat ears, spikes, studs, chains, and metal accessories. These dark accents add a rebellious and alternative touch to the overall look.
Graphic Prints: Pastel goth fashion often incorporates graphic prints, such as skulls, crosses, bats, moons, or occult symbols. These prints are typically juxtaposed against the pastel background, creating a visually striking contrast.
Hairstyles in pastel goth fashion can be diverse, ranging from colorful hair dyes to alternative cuts. Pastel-colored hair, such as lavender, purple, or mint green, is a popular choice. Men may also experiment with asymmetric cuts, undercuts, or bold hairstyles that complement their overall look.
Makeup: While not essential, some men in the pastel goth subculture choose to incorporate makeup as part of their style. This can include light or pastel-colored eyeshadow, dark eyeliner, black or colored lipstick, and nail polish. The makeup helps to enhance the overall aesthetic and complements the pastel and traditional goth elements of the fashion style.
What are the Essentials in A Men’s Pastel Goth Wardrobe?
Building a men's pastel goth wardrobe involves combining elements of gothic fashion with pastel colors for self-expression.
Men's Pastel Goth Tops
Graphic tees are a staple in pastel goth fashion. These shirts feature eye-catching and often whimsical designs that incorporate pastel colors with gothic imagery. They may include motifs like skulls, occult symbols, mystical creatures, or dark-themed illustrations rendered in pastel hues. The combination of contrasting elements creates a visually striking and intriguing look.
Contrast color tank tops are another popular choice in pastel goth fashion. These tops feature a combination of pastel shades with contrasting darker colors, such as black, charcoal gray, or deep burgundy. The grunge tanks often incorporate unique patterns or designs that play with the contrast between light and dark, creating a visually appealing aesthetic.
Tie-dyed shirts are versatile and beloved items within the pastel goth style. These shirts are typically adorned with pastel hues created through tie-dye techniques, which produce unique patterns and gradients. The tie-dye patterns can range from subtle, blended pastels to bold, contrasting combinations, adding a touch of individuality to the overall look.
Men's Pastel Goth Bottoms
Jogger pants combine the comfort and casual style of joggers with pastel colors and gothic inspiration. They typically feature elasticized cuffs at the ankles, a relaxed fit, and may incorporate elements such as straps, zippers, or distressed detailing. Pastel shades like lavender, baby blue, or mint green are commonly seen in this style, adding a softer touch to the typically dark gothic fashion.
Pastel goth shorts offer a cooler and more summery option for those who prefer a lighter and breezier style. These shorts often come in a variety of lengths, from above the knee to mid-thigh. They can feature pastel hues along with gothic accents such as chains, studs, or asymmetrical designs. The combination of darker details with lighter colors creates a striking contrast, maintaining the essence of the gothic aesthetic while incorporating a softer and more whimsical feel.
Plaid kilts have become an iconic part of gothic fashion, and in the Men's Pastel Goth style, they are reimagined with a twist. Instead of traditional dark tartans, pastel-colored plaids take center stage. These kilts offer a unique blend of gothic and punk influences with their pleated design and edgy hardware, such as buckles or D-rings. Pastel goth kilts are typically knee-length or slightly longer and can be paired with leggings or fishnet stockings for added visual interest.
Men's Pastel Goth Outerwear
Pastel goth bomber jackets offer a modern twist to the classic silhouette, incorporating elements of the pastel color palette and edgy gothic details. These jackets typically feature a short length, ribbed cuffs, and waistband, along with a front zipper closure. The pastel hues add a soft and dreamy touch to the overall gothic aesthetic, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between darkness and whimsy. You can find pastel goth bomber jackets in colors like lavender, baby blue, mint green, or pale pink, often accompanied by subtle gothic accents such as skull motifs, lace inserts, or bat-shaped zipper pulls.
Pastel goth hoodies provide a comfortable and versatile option for layering in this fashion trend. These hoodies typically come in pastel shades, featuring unique designs and graphics that reflect the Gothic influence. They might include elements like occult symbols, mystical creatures, or dark-themed artwork, all executed in softer, more delicate pastel tones. The hoodie's relaxed fit and cozy feel make it perfect for casual everyday wear, while the pastel goth aesthetic adds an intriguing twist to the overall outfit.
Men's Pastel Goth Footwear
Men's pastel goth combat boots are characterized by their sturdy construction, chunky soles, and lace-up design. They often feature a combination of dark elements, such as black leather or synthetic materials, with pastel accents. These accents can be found in the form of pastel-colored laces, eyelets, or subtle pastel patterns incorporated into the boots' overall design. The juxtaposition of the dark and intense nature of combat boots with the softness of pastel colors creates a visually striking contrast that is synonymous with the pastel goth style.
Men's pastel goth sneakers provide a more casual and versatile option for those who prefer a lighter footwear choice. These sneakers often feature a mix of dark and pastel tones, with the pastel colors dominating the shoe's overall design. They may incorporate pastel-colored uppers, soles, or accent details like laces, stitching, or logos. The sneakers' silhouette can vary, ranging from classic low-top styles to chunky platform options, depending on personal preference. Sneakers offer a comfortable and stylish way to incorporate a distinctive aesthetic into everyday outfits.
Men's Pastel Goth Accessories
A pastel goth cap can add a statement to your overall look. Opt for a black or dark-colored cap with pastel goth-inspired patches, embroidery, or artwork. Pastel shades like baby blue, lavender, or mint green can be incorporated into the design to maintain the essence of pastel goth.
Belts are essential accessories for completing any outfit, and in the realm of pastel goth accessories, they can be both practical and stylish. Look for belts made from materials like faux leather, adorned with studs, spikes, or unique buckles. Consider pastel-colored belts or ones featuring pastel accents, such as pale pink or lilac stitching or painted details.
Men's Pastel Goth Jewelry
Pastel goth necklaces often feature a mix of dark and pastel-colored pendants or charms. They can include symbols commonly associated with gothic culture, such as crosses, skulls, or occult-inspired motifs, but with a softer color palette. Some popular choices are pastel-colored chokers, delicate chains with pastel gemstones, or pendants adorned with pastel-hued feathers or roses.
Pastel Goth rings for men typically combine dark metals like blackened steel or sterling silver with pastel gemstones or enamel accents. They can feature intricate designs such as skulls, bats, or occult symbols but with a pastel color twist. Depending on personal style preferences, these rings can be chunky and bold or more delicate and understated.
Pastel goth bracelets can combine dark materials like leather or metal chains with pastel-colored beads, charms, or enamel accents. They can feature themes such as occult symbols, crosses, or animals but with a softer color scheme. Wristbands or cuffs with pastel spikes or studs are also popular choices for those who want to add an edgy element to their pastel goth look.
Styling Tips for Men's Pastel Goth Outfits
Explore various shades of pastel colors such as lavender, mint green, baby blue, pale pink, or light gray. Feel free to mix and match different pastel hues to create a visually appealing and unique outfit. Pairing contrasting pastel colors can add depth and visual interest to your ensemble. For example, combining a pastel blue shirt with pastel yellow pants can create a striking contrast.
Opt for tailored and well-fitted clothing items when dressing pastel goth. Avoid overly loose or flowy garments, which can lean more towards a feminine aesthetic. Layering is a great idea to add depth and balance to your outfit. Consider layering a black leather jacket over an emo shirt or wearing a pastel hoodie under a dark blazer.
Add a personal touch to your pastel goth outfit by customizing clothing items with DIY techniques. You can distress a pair of pastel jeans, bleach-dye a purple shirt, or hand-paint gothic motifs onto a pastel jacket. Use enamel pins or sew-on patches with gothic imagery to enhance your outfit. Pin them on jackets, waist bags, or hats to showcase your new fashion.
How to Maintain Your Pastel Goth Clothing?
Always check the care label on your clothing for specific instructions. Different fabrics and embellishments may require different care methods. Most pastel goth clothing can be washed by hand or machine, depending on the fabric. However, it's generally recommended to wash delicate items by hand to prevent damage. Use a mild detergent and cold water. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals unless specifically advised by the care label.
Treat stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting. Gently blot the stained area with a mild stain remover or a mixture of water and gentle detergent. Avoid scrubbing vigorously to prevent damaging the fabric. Rinse thoroughly after treating the stain.
Air drying is usually the best option for pastel goth clothing. Hang your garments on a clothesline or drying rack, away from direct sunlight, to avoid color fading. Avoid using a clothes dryer unless the care label specifies it is safe.
Being a pastel goth is not just about the clothes you wear; it's a mindset and a way of life. It's about embracing your unique style and expressing yourself authentically. Whether you're drawn to the darkness of gothic subculture or the softness of pastel colors, there is room for you in the pastel goth community. Log in to our store, browse our collection, and embark on your pastel goth journey with confidence and style！
