What Is a Pastel Goth? 8 Essential Elements to Understand

 
Would you like to discover Pastel Goth? Here, you’ll get to know this fantastic style. You’ll understand its essence and origins. Let’s learn how to dress in this style and how to choose elements that align with its aesthetics. After reading, you’ll define your style on your own, without any trouble.
pastel goth girl anatomy

What is a pastel goth?

Pastel Goth is a unique style that blends seemingly contrasting elements, Just imagine the classic Gothic look from the traditional Gothic subculture, now mixed with brighter and more delicate elements.

In this way, traditional Gothic elements like a fascination with the occult, black clothes, and dark makeup harmonize with the sweet pastel aspects of the kawaii aesthetic. If you’re someone who doesn’t follow the crowd and enjoys pastel colors, then this style is definitely for you. This particular subculture draws inspiration from a variety of sources. For example, you may encounter combinations of Korean, Japanese, and anime styles with punk accessories or emo hairstyles. The key message is to enjoy expressing yourself and let your creativity shine through your fashion choices.

For instance, a black skull adorned with pastel-colored flowers represents this fusion very well.

fashion pastel goth anime girls

Dark but cute and pastel trend has been gaining traction in recent years, offering a fascinating avenue for individuals to showcase their creativity and uniqueness.

Pastel Goth and kawaii aesthetic

The style is often associated with the kawaii aesthetic. Sweet and charming elements are frequently added to this style.

Kawaii, goth, pastel colors, grunge, and punk? Would you agree that this is a unique style? It distinguishes itself from other fashion trends. It combines elements that may seem contradictory, making it a distinctive means of self-expression through fashion.

How to be pastel goth?

This style is all about expressing your individuality. You should combine two different worlds – traditional Gothic Aesthetic Outfits  and the delicate kawaii style.

The essentials for a wardrobe include

Stylish Outfits

Remember to choose typical elements for the gothic culture. Gothic elements are crucial.

pastel goth accessories

Gothic Elements

Crosses: One of the most characteristic elements of Gothic style. They can be found as necklaces, bracelets, rings, or earrings.

Leather Accessories: Bracelets, gloves, collars, and other accessories made from dark leather are popular additions to Gothic style.

Flowers: Black roses are a classic choice.

Bats: nocturnal creatures are a common element in dark aesthetics

Crescent Moon: The crescent moon is often used in goth art and jewelry, symbolizing the night and the mystical.

Other: skulls, ravens, coffins, spiderweb.

pastel goth aesthetic

Wardrobe

Shirts and Tops: These can replace corsets when aiming for a more modern look. There’s a wide variety to explore, but remember to balance pastel and cute T-shirts and tops with more traditional Gothic items. Similarly, pair dark and Gothic tops with pastel-colored accessories. You can also consider sweaters with large cryptic fonts or spooky quotes.

Skirts and Dresses: Tops can be paired with short skirts. Opt for pastel-colored dresses and skirts,

Corsets: Corsets can create a dramatic silhouette and are typically worn to accentuate the waist and enhance the overall Gothic aesthetic

Stockings and Leggings: Consider stockings and leggings with unique and unsettling prints for a striking touch.

Hair Accessories: Don’t forget hairpins and other hair accessories to complete your hairstyle.  Black snapbacks, bonnets or spiky headbands, crowns and cute bows can add an extra touch to your look.

Other Accessories: Your pastel goth accessories can be a combination of punk, kawaii style, emo, and goth.

Footwear: Choose black boots, platform boots, or sneakers to complement your outfit.

pastel goth aesthetic model
pastel goth aesthetic

Unique Hairstyles

Pastel Goth hair is characterized by a rich color palette, including delicate shades of pink, mint, turquoise, azure, purple, and gradient tones. However, before coloring your hair in shades like blue or pink, there are several factors you should consider:

Hair Health: Start by assessing the current health of your hair. If your hair is already damaged or over-processed, it might be best to wait and focus on hair care and repair before adding more color.

Hair Type: Keep in mind that different hair types (straight, curly, wavy) may react differently to hair dye. Consider how the color will appear on your specific hair type and texture.

Skin Tone: Understand that certain hair colors complement different skin tones. Determine if the color you have in mind will enhance your natural complexion or if you need to adjust the shade for a more flattering look.

Also, remember that you have options if you’re hesitant about permanent hair coloring. You can always use a natural wig or resort to partial hair coloring, affecting only the ends or individual strands.

super cute pastel goth minimalistic style
pastel girl with blue hair

Makeup

The essence of your look lies in blending dark elements, such as black lipstick or eyeliner, with a blend of soft pastel colors. You can opt for a witchly pale shade on your eyelids, or go for a cheerful unicorn rainbow look. Typically, eyebrows are coordinated with your hair color, but exceptions are certainly allowed.

Pastel Goth Color Palette

To create a Pastel Goth look by mixing BLACK with other pastel colors, you can follow these tips:

  • Start with  pastel colors like pastel pink, pastel purple, pastel blue, pastel mint green, or pastel lavender. These colors should be the dominant shades in your outfit.
  • Instead of making black the dominant color, use it as an accent. Incorporate black elements through accessories, clothing items, or makeup. For example, you can add black elements like a black choker, black boots, black nail polish, or black eyeliner.
  • You can layer black clothing items over your pastel base. For instance,you might wear a pastel pink dress and add a black jacket
  • Accessories are a great way to incorporate black into your Pastel Goth look

Remember that the key to Pastel Goth is the balance between the sweet, soft pastels and the edgier, dark elements of black. Feel free to experiment and customize your look to reflect your personal style and creativity.

Who Invented Pastel Goth?

Pastel Goth gained traction thanks to the creativity and experimentation of fashion enthusiasts and artists who adopted this aesthetic. Although there isn’t a specific person who can be credited with inventing Pastel Goth, there are individuals known for contributing to its promotion. For example, the well-known model Nakagawa Juria helped popularize this style in Japan.

Where Is Pastel Goth From?

Thanks to its high popularity in Japan and its association with the kawaii style, many people believe that it is a style straight from Japan. Actually, pastel Goth is a style that doesn’t have a specific geographic origin. Instead, it developed organically on the internet and through online communities.

 

When Was Pastel Goth Invented?

In the 2010s, the term started becoming popular on Tumblr. This online community played a significant role in making the style more widely known and appreciated.

What is The Difference Between Pastel Goth and Goth?

Most people associate Pastel Goth primarily with the fashion style and nothing more. Some argue that they have nothing in common, and Pastel Goth is only a fashion style. It’s worth acknowledging that the music-based Goth subculture has a much older history. However, it cannot be said that Pastel Goth lacks its own style, which extends beyond clothing.

In summary, it can be said that:

Goth: The Gothic subculture evolved in the 1970s and 1980s in the United Kingdom. Its roots trace back to post-punk and punk music. Goth is associated with literature, film, and art that explore themes of darkness.

Pastel Goth, as a subculture, emerged in 2010 on social media and is not tied to a specific period or cultural movement. It primarily focuses on fashion and aesthetics. Pastel Goth is influenced by the kawaii (cute) culture, as well as elements of Japanese and Korean street fashion. It combines these influences with gothic aesthetics.

very cute girl in pastel colors goth accessories
goth emo gril with blue hair
Traditional Goth vs Pastel

Is Pastel Goth a Lifestyle or Just a Fashion Trend?

It is a subculture with various interpretations and shades that depend on personal choices and preferences. Purists see this subculture only as a clothing style. Some say that to be part of this subculture, you should listen to and know goth music, considering it the main element of the subculture. 
 
However, others may extend aesthetic to other areas of their lives. How someone defines and practices Pastel Goth can vary greatly, and it’s a matter of personal choice.

Summary

pastel goth girl model

I hope you now have a better understanding of the Pastel Goth style, and most importantly, you’re ready to incorporate Pastel Goth into your own style.

Remember, fashion style is all about showing your feelings and being yourself. Your style should reflect your individuality, and it’s a canvas for your unique personality. Don’t be afraid to get creative and let your true self shine through your fashion choices. Be dark and cute, be you!

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