My New Goth Style in the 21st Century with DressLily

July 17, 2017 / 39 Comments

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.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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Shelbee on the Edge