The biggest influence on goth aesthetics comes from victorian era, from novels and poetry to clothing and etiquette . Many goths have bookshelves filled with E.A.Poe, Mary Shelley,Bram Stoker and Lord Byron and certain parts of victorian era have leaked into the goth subculture. Although victorian fashion is widespread throughout gothic scene, none wear it with as much style and grace as victorian goths.
It takes a lot of backbone and sacrifice to be a victorian goth, it takes balls and grace and good manners and it takes commitment to look and behave like a true victorian lady or gentleman.
Many victorian goths enjoy reenacting etiquette and customs of the era like kissing hand of a lady, writing actual letters on lace stamped stationery, diaries in big, leather notebooks, sniffing powdered tobacco, having tea parties, and picnics in graveyards. Restrictive victorian era manners are a must. How someone presents themselves to the world and society is very important, as it has to be done with grace and dignity.
Victorian goth is very detailed, intricate and often historically accurate look.
Wearing heavy, layered and uncomfortable clothing for sake of self expression and social statement.
It includes corsets, stockings, bloomers, petticoats, veils, parasols, top hats, pocket watches, three pieces suits, canes, intricate jewelry,big hats and sometimes: stuffed ravens.
Look can be toned down for day to day wear or work, using just statement pieces and combining them with modern, work appropriate clothes.
Ruffled blouse always looks great with black skirt and boots, especially for goths who work in the office.
Accessories and boots are made to emulate the era, so it goes a bit above classic New Rock and Dr.Martens.
It takes a bit more work to find boots and shoes that go with the look, hours of internet trolling and traveling to other countries to find perfect pair of witch boots or shoes, with lace and cute buttons and perfectly fitting.
Same goes for jewelry, most goths buy from other gifted goths who make victorian style lockets, bags, hats, watches and various nicknacks with skulls, bats, old keys and other goth imagery.
Hairstyles and makeup tend to be elegant and romantic for girls, some goth gentlemen like to wear sideburns and/or moustache.
Many victorian goths like classical music and opera coupled with darkwave, postpunk and gothic music.
Most popular music includes band are:
Emilie Autumn, Rasputina, Sopor Aeternus, Ensemble of Shadows,Abney Park, Lacrimosa, Autumn Tears, The Dresden Dolls, The Clockwork Quartet, Hannah Fury, Lady Laudanum, Life's Decay, Nox Arcana , The Decemberists and Unextraordinary Gentlemen.
