Those Rules That Should be Considered When Dressing A Gothique Lady

Ladies, We see far too much beauty in the world of the gothique to abide when so many of you commit fashion atrocities of a most vile degree.

1) The first thing to remember, is that black clothing is your best friend. Light splashes of jewel tones (maroons, purples, the occasional bit of white) accentuate the blackness of what you are wearing. Beyond that, all other colors are taboo. Most especially the dreaded "Neon" shades, which are *known* to turn us to dust when placed in sunlight.

2) Makeup is your best tool to accomplish the look of the Gothique.
Lipstick should be of a dark coloration. Use the dark reds, purples, and blacks to achieve your look. Certain metallic colors, most notably silver, and the most recent combinations of fine jewel tones with silver are often highly appropriate as well.
Eyeliner should be Ebony, and elegantly applied. If you have a good hand at it the eyeliner may be extended down the face, flowing and blending with your bone structure. Spiderwebs are gauche. So are other overdone patterns...be abstract and make the lines flow and move with your face. Remember, ladies, that the simplest eyeliner can often be the most attractive.
Eyeshadow can be a series of browns or black and greys, depending upon your basal skin tone. Some Ladies prefer the Grey shadow as a complete circle around the eyes, but We find this to be too Halloween. One popular method of application is to use a light grey/brown on the lids of your eyes, and a dark brown/black just above in the crease of your lids to accentuate. Another popular method is to create a "Cat's Eyes" look with darker shadows near the eyelash line and progressively lighter shadows as one moves further in and up on the eyelid. If you wish, you may spread the shadow in a dovetail to the sides, following underneath with the eyeliner.
Pale powder is applied before mascara, but after everything else. It should be applied liberally, and to all parts of flesh that are showing. There is nothing more distasteful than a pale beautiful face above a healthy tan neck, arms and decolletage.
Foundation should be pale, not white. Let's not look like clowns at the circus, Ladies.
Mascara is always black, and don't forget to emphasize the lower lashes as well as the upper! But please, no *globs* of mascara, and false eyelashes are right out.

3) Always wear clothing that accentuates the less generous portions of your anatomy and minimizes the more generous portions. This keeps the illusion of "gauntness" which so many of us Goth Ladies strive for. Your skirts, if they are long, should just barely brush the tops of your feet, and swirl around your legs as you walk. If you prefer short skirts, they should be at just the middle of your thigh.
The right shoes are the perfect compliment to a Lady's outfit. Dancer's shoes, flats, mary janes, and court shoes are all excellent when worn. Short boots with heels are appropriate, as are tall boots that are worn fitted to the Lady's calf and ankles. Combat boots, although popular, are clunky and unseemly. A definate "no-no."

4) Acceptable styles of Gothique clothing are as follows:

a: anything that looks victorian or as though it has come from times well steeped in history. For a Victorian feel, use items such as waistcoats, poet's shirts with lace at cuff and collar, corsets, or long satin gloves. Fashions from other eras which enhance a Lady's looks, however, are always appropriate.
b: dresses with trains and trailing sleeves, lace trimming, or ribbons on shoulder or sleeve.
c: any long skirt or dress that is fitted down to the knees and then has an elegant flare of cloth to the floor.
d: any long coat that is fitted at the bust and waist, with a flare to the Lady's knees, lace trim on the sleeves, or velvet trim on the collar.

5) All clothing should be made of Lace, Satin, Silk, Brocade, Chiffon or Velvet. Do try for natural fibers, most especially if you intend to dance or be active in your clothing. You will be happier for it. Polyester will wither your skin, and anything else will just look like "Trailer Trash". There is no comparison to a good fabric, and don't forget to check the stitching for quality. Stitches should be even and strong and hems should be straight and flat.

6) Hair should flow freely and look healthy. Any hair color is acceptable, but if you must dye your hair, then be sure to use a good conditioner, and take time and care while grooming your locks. Dull frizzy hair is the mark of an ill-groomed Lady, and should be well avoided. Complex and overly large hairstyles are definitely out. Simplicity is the Lady's best choice, as it will ensure that your hair does not detract from your face or clothing.

...And remember, Girls: If you are going to take a photograph of yourself, use Black and White film to express your truly Dark and Sinister nature!