As the leaves turn and the air cools, something darkly beautiful is quietly taking over both fashion runways and street style. Autumn/Winter 2025 is all about the revival of the Gothic aesthetic; not just in costume or nostalgia, but as a refined, expressive style that’s equally accessible for women and men. Here’s how to lean into it and make it your own.

What is the Goth Revival this season?

This isn’t the goth of decades past; think less rigid, more polished, more wearable. It’s a mix of dark romance, Victorian undertones, punk flair, and high fashion drama. Lace, leather, dramatic silhouettes, moody color palettes, and accessories with attitude are key. Goth fashion is making a comeback with structured silhouettes, vampy accessories, and surprising elements.

Black lace is powerful this season. Byrdie highlights its role as both standout evening wear and accent trim for more subdued outfits. It’s Gothic in texture and detail, featuring transparent lace sleeves, lace trims, and contrast fabrics, and often paired with matte leathers or velvets to deepen the mood.

Key Elements of Goth Style for Fall/Winter 2025 

Here are the building blocks to mastering the goth aesthetic, women and men alike:

Mood & Color Palette

Deep blacks remain the foundation. Pair them with rich jewel tones (such as wine burgundy, deep emerald, oxblood) and occasional dark neutrals (charcoal grey, inky navy). Metallic accents, think silver or darkened pewter, add drama without overwhelming the space.  

Textures & Fabrics

Lace (predominantly black, or lace overlays), satin, velvet, and leather. Sheer or mesh panels are also crucial for layering. The contrast of delicate and strong materials is what gives goth its impact.

Silhouettes

Structured but tailored pieces, not overly rigid. These include fitted jackets or blazers, trousers with clean lines, slips or slip skirts featuring lace details, and sometimes flowing gowns for her, as well as dramatic capes/coats that could also work for him. The idea is power + romance.

Details & Accessories

Chokers, dark boots (combat or leather), ornate jewelry or rings with Gothic motifs, gloves, dramatic cuffs, lace trims, and perhaps corset-inspired elements. Makeup is moody: smoky eyes, dark lips, and contrasting skin tones. Hair may lean sleek, slicked back, or have a vintage wave. 

Wearability & Balance

The trick is not to look like you just walked out of a costume. For everyday looks, balance gothic pieces with neutral basics. A lace-trim slip under a leather jacket. Glossy boots with an all-black suit. Or a dramatic coat with understated pants. Let your accents shine. 

Why Now? Cultural & Fashion Context 

Influencer & Pop Culture Push: Figures like Jenna Ortega (thanks to Wednesday), as well as dark romantic fantasy in films, shows, and even music videos, have helped push goth back into the limelight.

Desire for Expression: After years of minimalism and overly clean aesthetics, many are craving styles that allow edge, personality, and a bit of mystery. Goth offers emotional depth, statement, and theatricality.

How Each Can Make Goth Their Own

For Her:

Try a full lace dress or gown with layering, maybe a sheer black lace top over a bodice or camisole.

Pair a lace-trim slip skirt with boots and a blazer for the day; strip the layers off for the night.

Incorporate corset tops or bodices under jackets for structured stylings.

For Him:

Lean into gothic tailoring with black slim trousers, jackets featuring lace or mesh accents, or coats boasting dramatic collars.

Add subtle gothic touches, such as leather gloves, boots, and dark shirts with lace or mesh elements.

Mix textures, such as matte vs. gloss, and leather vs. lace, to create a layered and interesting look.

Tips to Avoid Looking Costume-y

·      One Statement + One Neutral: If you wear a lace gown, keep accessories minimal. If the jacket is ornate, balance it with a plain tee or shirt.

·      Fit Matters: Tailoring helps. An ill-fitting gothic piece can feel overwhelming.

·      Proportions: Balance volume and shape, don’t combine too many dramatic items at once (e.g., don’t pair oversized coat + voluminous trousers + large accessories).

·      Mood in Makeup/Hair: Let hair & makeup echo the look, but not overdo it unless the occasion calls for it. A smoky eye or dark lip can go a long way. 

Fall/Winter 2025’s goth revival isn’t just about dressing dark; it’s about channeling drama, romance, attitude, and authenticity. Whether you’re playing with full gothic glamour or nodding to it through trim, texture, or attitude, the season gives you room to experiment.

For both her and him, goth becomes a tool of identity, a way to stand out, and a way to stay elegant, mysterious, and intensely stylish.