EMBRACING THE WHIMSIGOHTIC AESTHETIC

Fashion constantly evolves, and with the significant influence of online content creators, new fashion aesthetics are continually emerging. In recent years, people have been embracing unique aesthetics to add magic and creativity to their daily lives.

One fashion aesthetic that is gradually gaining popularity is the whimsigothic aesthetic. As the name suggests, the aesthetic combines mysterious and medieval gothic elements with whimsical ones, creating a dreamy and vintage vibe. This visual is gloomy yet warm. It is also referred to as the witchy aesthetic due to its fantastical and otherworldly appearance. It evokes a mood of mystery with a touch of playfulness.

The aesthetic first existed throughout the late ’80s and ’90s without the terminology and has only been coined with this name in recent years. It was a revival of 70s hippie fashion, incorporating bohemian influences like billowy silhouettes.

Materials and Fabrics of Whimsigoth Aesthetic

This style consists of a myriad of fabrics like velvet, silk, and see-through fabrics like mesh, lace, transparent stockings, and fishnets. Although body-hugging clothes are also a part of it, this fashion style emphasizes flowy silhouettes such as flared and batwing sleeves, oversized shrugs, long skirts, and flowy dresses. In more casual looks, whimsigothic fashion also includes corduroy and leather. Knits and crochet give it a boho touch. Front tie-up tops are a common element.

Color Palette

Whimsigothic fashion is primarily associated with darker colors and jewel tones like maroon, burgundy, deep blue, purple, and emerald green. It also includes earthy tones like brown and forest green. Black is a prominent color of this aesthetic.

Patterns and Motifs

Whimsigothic themes heavily incorporate celestial motifs like the moon, stars, the sun, and constellations, as well as astrological patterns. It comprises a lot of patterns like the paisley print prevalent in the 90s. Due to the witchy aspect, natural motifs like mushrooms, crystals, tarot cards, and moths are also prevalent.

Jewelry

Whimsigothic fashion is incomplete without jewelry and features darker-toned jewelry as well as golden and silver maximalist jewelry. Key pieces include chokers, necklaces with huge pendants, stacked rings, and dangling earrings. Crystal jewelry adds a touch of charm and magic. Any piece of jewelry that looks like an enchanted talisman fits perfectly with this aesthetic!

Styling

Layering is the most important part when it comes to the whimsigothic looks, making it perfect for the fall and winter seasons. Layering can be done in several ways. Velvet camisoles and dresses are layered with cardigans, leather jackets, and afghan coats. Stockings are worn with skirts. Whimsigothic outfits are mostly perfectly paired with boots. For summer, a waistcoat serves well for layering. It’s all about creating unexpected combinations of layers, patterns, and textures.

Moreover, anything that makes the outfit flowy is added, such as slouchy bags, scarves, shawls, and capes.

Whimsigothic Aesthetic in Media

Stevie Nicks, one of the most phenomenal singers, is arguably the first person in the media to embody this look. Her long flowing gowns, her, merlin hat, and her love for black attire combined with her spell-like lyrics fully showcase the whimsigoth aesthetic. With her enchanting and mysterious persona, her fashion style even led to unfounded allegations of her being a witch. However, these claims eventually faded, and today, she is seen as the epitome of the whimsigothic aesthetic.

Whimsigoth is presented in a plethora of 90s movies and TV shows like “Practical Magic,” “Charmed,” “The Craft,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.” Tim Burton movies also play a significant role in influencing this aesthetic. Gothic movies with whimsical elements such as “Pan’s Labyrinth,” and “Crimson Peak” are further sources of inspiration for this aesthetic. Gothic literature also influenced this aesthetic to some extent.

If you’re interested in gothic literature, check out Guide To Gothic Literature: 4 Must-Read Novels

Gillian Owens from the movie “Practical Magic”

It can also be spotted beyond the supernatural genre, including Phoebe Buffay from “Friends.” Her whimsigothic outfits appropriately reflect her unique and eccentric personality.

High Fashion

The whimsigoth fashion was also prevalent in 90s high fashion. Below is a list of renowned high-fashion brands:

Anna Sui 1993

Chantal Tomas 1994

Dolce and Gabbana 1997

Florence Welch

In recent times, Florence Welch, the singer, heavily incorporates this aesthetic into her life. Her fashion looks often include flowing, vintage gowns, velvet capes, and lace in dark and earthy tones.