How to Dress Like a Cyber Goth

Cyber goths are known for their outlandish accessories and dread falls (fake dreadlock extensions), wild color schemes and very playful look. There's no set uniform for a cyber goth; the only two requirements are confidence and disposable income, as some of the more elaborate costumes can be expensive.

Things You'll Need

• Money - some of these items can get expensive
• An eye for quality
• A sense of playfulness in fashion
• Confidence

Instructions

1. Mix and match trends from the goth, cyberpunk and raver cultures as you like. Cyber goth borrows heavily from all three of these. Steampunk and rivethead fashions also go well with a cyber goth look.

2. Look for PVC and vinyl clothing. Both materials are popular in cyber goth looks; you can find vinyl clothing from online vendors and in fetish shops globally. Since this is still a goth look, black is the most predominant shade, but adding splashes of color like bright pink or neon green is encouraged.

3. Add leg warmers, especially those that clash with your clothes. Pair furry leg warmers with platform boots or chunky shoes.

4. Wear dread falls in bright, fluorescent colors. Go even wilder and look for ones made from materials other than synthetic hair — plastic tubing or foam, for example. Dozens of online retailers sell custom dread falls, or you can even make your own. Pile your dread falls on the top of your head in a high ponytail or in pigtails.

5. Get a pair of goggles. A lot of cyber goths wear them up like headbands or around their neck. Since they don't wear the goggles as glasses, many cyber goths cover the eyes with decals — anything from hearts to biohazard symbols.

6. Do your makeup. Cyber goth makeup can be complex and there's no wrong way to do it. One common trick is to match all of your makeup to the dominant color in your dread falls — if you have green dread falls, everything from lipstick to eyebrow pencil is done in varying shades of green. A simpler look is lining the eyes dramatically with liquid black eyeliner and only matching your lipstick to your dread falls.

Tips & Warnings

• Torn stockings and arm warmers are other popular accessories.

• Choose embellishments with high-tech themes — computer or electronics circuitry, for example — or anything that looks futuristic.

• People will stare at you and may make hostile comments. If you can't shrug off an insult, this may not be the look for you.

• When buying dread falls from an online seller, check with others who have purchased from the vendor to make sure you won't be ripped off. This happens a lot.

References

• "Goth Culture: Gender, Sexuality and Style"; Dunja Brill