How Can I Be Goth Without Being a Poser?

Corsets and velvet are Goth staples.

Those with a passion for dark clothes, dark books and dark music might find themselves drawn to the Gothic subculture. Gothic aficionados, who often refer to themselves as Goths, might look down on those who buy Goth clothes at the mall or only dress Goth when they go out to clubs. True Goths dress in full vampire style as often as possible and consider themselves committed to adopting the mores of a time different from their own.

Instructions

1. Start listening to Goth music. Some well-known Goth bands include Bauhaus, Rasputina, Fields of the Nephilim, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Sisters of Mercy. The website Goth.net is an essential source of information about Goth music.

2. Go to Goth clubs. You will learn how Goths dance, which will help keep you from looking like a poser in Goth crowds.

3. Talk to other Goths and ask them where they shop and hang out. Those who have been in the Goth lifestyle longer than you can point you to the most authentic, poser-free hangouts.

4. Buy Goth clothes, but not from the mall. Look for stores in neighborhoods near Goth clubs, or purchase clothes from Goth clothing websites, but not the ones that have mall stores.

5. See Goth films and read Goth books. Examples of Goth films include "Vampyr," "Nosferatu," "Labyrinth," "Edward Scissorhands" and "Brotherhood of the Wolf." Goth books include the works of Anne Rice, "The Goth Bible," "Frankenstein," "Dracula" and any other books about vampires.

References

• Razorwire: The Real Gothic FAQ -- Tips for Teens
• Goth.net: What is Goth?
• "Goth: Undead Subculture"; Lauren M.E. Goodlad, Michael Bibby; 2007
• IGN Music: 10 Essential Goth Bands

Resources

• Lilith Gallery: How to Dance Gothic
• Dark Grave: A Gothic Music Site