The fashion victim in this edition of The Accessory is senior Stella Rosen. Stella describes personal style as “[However] every person chooses to make their outfits their own.” She explains that “you can wear something and accessorize or wear something the way it’s not supposed to be worn,” giving you more creative control over your outfits. Wearing clothing the “the wrong way” can bring new life to your old pieces of clothing. The biggest example of this is the recent trend on the fashion side of TikTok, which includes wearing a pair of jeans as a shirt with a belt instead of a pair of pants.
Stella explained that her style has evolved to incorporate more gothic elements as she gets older, while her earlier style was more hippie-inspired. Fabrics that frequently appear in her wardrobe include velvet and suede. Staple pieces consist of her boots, which are featured in both outfits, stylish belts, and tank tops. Even in cold weather, Stella confidently showcases her favorite tank tops!
Stella does not base her outfits and style on any particular trends; however, she adds,“If I like something one week and I hate it the next, I’m going to change.” This is a perfect example of how your personal style is constantly evolving. Think about it— you’re probably not going around sporting the same clothes you wore in elementary or middle school. Anyone should be able to express themselves through their clothing. Our style can be the biggest reflection of who we are. As our personalities change and mature, so does our style.
The Whimsigoth Style: What is it?
The best way to describe this fashion trend is as the “’90s TV show witch aesthetic,” according to fashion YouTuber Beepworld. The trend is a nice mixture of whimsical, gothic, and bohemian influences that originated in the ‘70s. While there isn’t a specific start date for the fashion trend, Whimsigoth fashion is said to have debuted in the late ‘80s with a resurgence of popularity in the late ‘90s.
Media Presence
Popular TV shows such as “Charmed,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” along with the movie “Practical Magic,” helped cultivate the silhouettes and styles most associated with the trend. Evan Collins, co-founder of the Consumer Aesthetics Research Institute, coined the name for the trend, though the exact timing remains unclear.
Stevie Nicks, a former member of Fleetwood Mac, is often regarded as one of the first influencers of the Whimsigoth trend. Her iconic black two-piece dress with long organza sleeves remains one of the most popular Whimsigoth outfits in pop culture. Phoebe Buffay, a character from the TV show Friends, is another style icon for Whimsigoth fashion. The dramatic, free-spirited clothing styles of both women continue to inspire Pinterest boards and TikTok influencers everywhere.
Fabrics
With this trend, you are likely to see lighter, more airy fabrics layered with heavier ones. Mesh, lace, corduroy, denim, pleather, silk, velvet, crochet, and knit fabrics all play a prominent role in Whimsigoth fashion. Flowing fabrics are typically used for maxi skirts and tank tops.
Styling
It has been established that the way you style an outfit can dramatically change its vibe. By how you put your pieces together, you essentially tell the story of who you are.
As mentioned earlier, layering is a key aspect of this trend. The Whimsigoth wardrobe primarily consists of lace detailing, tie-front shirts, skirts of various lengths, opaque tights, overalls, cardigans or overshirts, and an occasional pair of jeans.
Common patterns such as celestial prints (stars, moons, suns, and skies), nature motifs, floral prints, patchwork, and paisley are often combined to create a mismatched and cozy vibe. The color palette for this trend typically includes neutrals (whites, blacks, and greys), jewel tones (burgundy, deep purple, dark emerald green, and navy blue), earth tones (browns and olive green), and warm tones (creams, golds, mustard, and burnt orange).
Accessorizing can make or break an outfit. Trendy accessories include beaded belts, long necklaces, statement rings, crystal jewelry, dangling earrings, hair scarves, boots, and tote bags.
Shopping Recommendation
I’ve said it once before, and I’ll say it a million times: Thrifting is the best way to find clothing. With a little effort, you can strike gold. If you have no luck thrifting, consider checking Earthbound Trading Co. (available both online and at Great Northern Mall), Amazon, and SHEIN. When searching online for clothing, be specific about what you’re looking for. (See the photo captions for some tips!)