My New Goth Style in the 21st Century with DressLily
Way back when…meaning 25 years or more back…when I was in high school (Yikes…my 25th high school reunion is in the planning process), I was a little bit Goth. I dyed my hair the blackest black even back then. And I would use to baby powder on my face to get it as pale as I could. The darker the lipstick and the heavier the eyeliner, the better. Combat boots were my favorite footwear. And black was my favorite color. Unfortunately, I also hid from cameras so there is not a photograph to be found of my 90’s Goth style.
*This is a sponsored post. I received this dress in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
But that little Goth girl still lives somewhere in my soul and I feel inspired to bring her out every now and then. As you can see, I have still have the black knee high combat boots stashed away for when I am feeling Goth-inspired. My hair is still the blackest black so the transition can be made easily.
When I ordered this red lace dress from DressLily, my intention was not to style it as Goth. Although, I am not sure what my intention was…I had just been on the search for a red dress for such a long time, I figured I would give this one a try.
When it arrived and I tried it on, that’s when I got a bit confused as to how I should style it. It’s a lot of red. And it’s really short. And a wee bit sheer. And very lacy. But not dressy lacy. It’s sort of a casual lacy dress. One that calls for a more casual style. I stood staring in the mirror wondering how the heck I should accessorize it. I am not a huge fan of the red and white color combination (it reminds me of gimmicky Valentine’s Day). Black was the only way to go…which triggered that old Goth spirit to resurface. But with a more modern 21st Century twist appropriate for a woman in her 40’s.
Although some may not think that a dress this short and black knee high socks and boots is appropriate at all for a woman in her 40’s. To that, I say “Ha! I will wear what I like!” Thank you to Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb, I have tossed all fashion rules out the window and I dress in a way that makes me feel great. I also refuse to place myself in style box…my style oscillates from Goth to preppy to boho to rock and roll to sassy to vintage to feminine to grunge…Some may call me fickle, but I am remaining true to myself by always keeping my fashion on the edge.
So tell me, do you wear what you like or do you abide by strict fashion rules? Do you ever resurrect a style from your youth? Or have you remained true to your youthful sartorial choices through the years? How has your style evolved?
Outfit Details
Dress: Openwork Plus Size Lace Dress c/o DressLily (Unfortunately, this dress is now sold out. But DressLily has lots of other fun, pretty, and even Goth style red lace dresses).
Vest: A few years old from Target (Similar here).
Boots: Really old. I think I purchased these at Journey’s. You can view their current selection of combat boots here.
Necklace: Shelbee’s Shoppe (Sold out). But DressLily has a whole array of similar wrap chokers. All of them are under $5.
Bracelet: Cato Fashions (No longer available, but you can view their selection of bracelets here).
Wearing what I like on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.
39 Comments
Theresa Campbell
Ha! You look totally appropriate for a woman in her 40s who has confidence in her own unique style. Don’t ever change! Always love the idea of pairing something feminine (lace dress) with something masculine-ish (black boots). And I love red, though it is tough to match with other colors. But black and red is a classic combination. I also like red worn with leopard prints.
Theresa
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Theresa, thank you so much for this marvelous compliment! And that vote of confidence to stay true to myself. I do love a good leopard and red pairing as well. But the style of this dress was so weird…I think leopard is a little dressier than the dress even though it is lacy! I don’t know. This one baffled me from a styling perspective!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kellyann
Yes ma’am you should wear what you like and own it! This look definitely says grown up goth and you pulled it off marvelously. You look great in this dress and the combat boots and vest give it that fabulous edge!
xo,
Kellyann
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Wow, Kellyann! Thank you so much for that fabulous compliment! I love the phrase “grown up goth” and I am totally owning it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tina von Tinaspinkfriday
Shelbee so cute to hear you was a goth. You look great in your style 25 years later 😉
XO Tina
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Tina, thank you so much! I always did have a little bit of a dark side to this cheerful personality! Hahaha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar
Those boots are AWESOME!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh these old things! Thanks, Tamar! These boots might be from high school (well, maybe not that old, but they are pretty old).
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Nice. Look like that you are on your 10th. Some of us, have been out of high school 30 years.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Patrick! And I for sure have been out of high school for 25 years so I am not too far behind you!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
To wear an outfit you feel convidant in is most important. Because you can see if a woman feels comfortabel in the way she wears het clothes! And you radiance selfconvidence! And I aplaud that! I also wore black in my puberty, punk as we called it!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I agree with you completely, Nancy! You were punk?! That is amazing and I love it! Thanks so much for stopping by and for the lovely comment.
xoxo
Shelbee
jess jannenga
Love it,. the Goth reference. You certainly pull of this look in fun way! Pretty dress and I love that you don’t sacrifice your own style by adding the boots. Cool!
Have a great week!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jess! I definitely need to remain true to my own style even when I am changing up the genres so to speak!
xoxo
Shelbee
Becky Hastings
When it comes to fashion I find myself……LOST! I’m not a shopper and finding clothes that I love, that are comfortable, and that look great is a hard combo. I wish I had more fashion sense that fits into my real life.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh no, Becky! You just need to find someone to help you! Another person’s perspective is always helpful in determining what suits your body type and then once you find that, you just stick with it! If there is a way I can help you remotely, please feel free to email me! Also a great fashion blog to follow that offers fabulous styling tips for all body types is Get Your Pretty On. Thanks so much for stopping by!
xoxo
Shelbee
Elizabeth Ramsey
It looks great! A grown up goth looks suits you. You seem comfortable in that skin but not gimmicky looking. I had a short-lived punk phase in HS. Torn fishnets, pink highlights in hair. ….ah, those days!
Elizabeth / NattyGal.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Elizabeth! I definitely have worn my share of torn tights and wildly colored hair!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura @ Walking in Memphis in High Heels
LOVE this pretty colored dress! Your confidence and fun personality always shine through!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Laura!
xoxo
Shelbee
Alicia O'Brien
I could see myself in this dress when the weather warms up, I like these tunic style dresses. Not sure I could pull of the goth look like you can though 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Alicia! Usually, I would wear a dress his short over leggings or jeans, but I have been much more daring lately and it’s too hot for pants anyway. And I think you can pull off any style that you like as you are wearing it with confidence!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kara Aragon
Great mix of soft & edgy fabrics. Love the socks especially.
Kara Aragon
http://www.thekaragon.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Kara, thank you so much!
xoxo
Shelbee
Brooke
I don’t abide by fashion rules, I wear what I like! I like how you wore your red dress, embracing your inner goth girl!
Brooke
Pumps and Push-Ups
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Brooke! And keep rocking your own style! You are always fabulous.
xoxo
Shelbee
miri
I really love the way you styled this dress. I can see the Goth influence but it is very elegant and chic!
XO
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com/2017/07/20/charcoal-jumpsuit-paleo-festival/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Miri! That is very kind of you!
xoxo
Shelbee
Trina Morgan
Loves! Perfect outfit on you Shelby. Yass! I’m also having a linkup if you would like to join. Have a great weekend 🙂
http://www.tipsyheelz.com/2017/07/tshirt-and-skirt-linkup.html
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Trina! I will be by soon to join your link up and I will add it to my list of link ups as well!
xoxo
Shelbee
nicole
You look cool and edgy in this outfit! Thanks for linking up to Top of the the World Style.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nicole!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
I love this goth inspired look! That dress is adorable and those boots and vest give the outfit a nice edge! I’m sharing this outfit as my top two pick for #TFF linkup tomorrow! I hope you will stop by and linkup again!
Jill
Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh wow, thanks so much Jill! This just made my morning. I am honored! I will be by shortly to add my links for this week.
xoxo
Shelbee
Kelsey Bang
loving those boots! super cool look!
kelseybang.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kelsey! Have a great weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
military boots
After exploring a few of the blog posts on your blog, I seriously like
your technique of writing a blog. I book-marked it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back soon. Take a look at my web site too and tell me what you think.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much! I do love styling my combat boots. I checked out your page and there are some great options in combat boots there!
xoxo
Shelbee
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