Festive gear not your thing? Channel your inner goth lolita this party season

Gothic Lolita fashion is making a striking entrance this season, blending dark elements – think leather, metallic accents, and intricate corsetry – with whimsical Victorian touches like oversized bows and frilly petticoats. Imagine coquette-core’s goth sister stepping out of a Tim Burton film; this style, rooted in the mid-1990s Japanese Lolita youth subculture and influenced by the Victorian era and Rococo art, is celebrated for its dramatic contrasts – deep blacks paired with rich purples or fiery reds, all softened by feminine details that evoke romance.

A standout moment in this revival was Naomi Osaka’s bold appearance in two Goth Lolita-inspired outfits by Nike, designed by Yoon Anh, co-founder of the Tokyo label Ambush, at the recent US Open. These eye-catching ensembles not only showcased the captivating aesthetic but also sparked discussions about the overarching Lolita aesthetic and the revival of Harajuku fashion, proving that nostalgia and modernity can beautifully coexist in today’s fashion landscape.

Ready to embrace this look? Here’s our curated starter pack to get you started.

Leather vest, $6,570, Chloe

Re-Nylon midi skirt, $3,200, Prada

Leather Skirt, $399.90, H&M

Silk and lace dress, $12,700, Valentino

Mesh mini dress, $1,650, Balenciaga

Cotton tulle dress, $2,463, www.ivykirk.com

Satin slip dress, US$1,835 (S$2,427), Moschino

Shearling collar, $2,043, www.anndemeulemeester.com

Polyester earrings, $776, Simone Rocha

Hannah Martin x Applied Art Forms Razor silver ring, $600, Dover Street Market Singapore

Multipocket Studs leather top handle bag, $4,000, Acne Studios

Leather boots, $2,890, Burberry

Nicole Saldana leather Mary Janes, $647, www.ssense.com

This article was originally published in Female.