How to Be a Goth for Cheap

Go goth for cheap.

Goth is an American subculture that includes people of all ages. The culture is intrigued by the darker side of life, including clothes and hair. An American goth is often seen with black clothes, even in the summer. He is completely covered, and if he wears shorts, they extend to his knees. Females often wear black or dark-colored skirts. Black bracelets and black eye makeup are staples for males and females. Assimilating into the culture can get pricey; going goth involves a collection of all things dark-colored. But there are ways to go goth with little funds.

Instructions

1. Review your available funds by writing down your expenses, then comparing your income to your expenses. Whatever money you have after the bills are paid is the money available to buy goth items. Goth items can get pricey, especially the spiked jewelry, chains for the belt loops and black hair dye.

2. Visit the secondhand clothing stores. These are the stores where you will begin your search for goth clothing, and you will search these stores religiously until your closet is completely black. Look for well-kept, non-faded clothing in these stores. Buy black-on-black clothing, including pants that flare toward the foot and hang over the shoes. Shoes will be black boots or sneakers studded with silver-colored charms. Search the secondhand stores for black footwear and decorate with charms found in craft stores.

3. Browse makeup and jewelry counters for discounts, especially after Halloween. The more expensive fashion counters might stock black makeup and jewelry as a Halloween novelty, then sell it at a huge discount after the holiday. Otherwise, watch drugstores and discount stores for makeup and jewelry sales. All makeup and hair dye will be black in the goth style.

4. Visit toy stores and antique shops. Some of these stores will carry jewelry, such as the spiked necklaces and bracelets favored by the goth subculture, and they might be willing to sell them to you for cheap. An antique or secondhand store is sometimes subject to haggling, so ask the owner if the asking price is solid. Make sure the jewelry is black with silver-colored spikes, studs or other decorations. The decorations will either be free of design or feature a skull and crossbones.

Tips & Warnings

• Repeat these steps until you have stocked your closet, makeup and jewelry supply. Remember, no one needs to know how much you paid for your items. The goth appearance is more about the look and less about the brand names or expense.

References

• Salvation Army
• Goth.net
• Religious Tolerance: The Goth Culture