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Like many other trends on social media platforms, TikTok’s newest hyperfixation on “Gothcore” has everyone preparing for “the spooky season.” From fashion trends, to makeup, to overall aesthetics, the dark, grungy, and messy is so in right now. For creators jumping on the trend, the options are endless – TikTok Shop is flooded with the perfect oversized sweater for fall, makeup options for a smokey eye, and audiences yearning for a taste of cold weather. Prepping for fall means prepping the Internet for all the new trends, consumerist expectations, and aesthetics – Gothcore included.
Get into the Spooky Mood With the Gothcore Aesthetic
From fashion, to music, to a general “vibe” that captures the essence of Halloween-spirited fun! The Gothcore aesthetic is massively popular on social media — especially as the weather chills and people get amped for autumn. From aesthetic videos capturing the eerie, to fashion videos from people curating Gothcore closets, there’s no shortage of content.
What’s the Gothcore Aesthetic?
On TikTok, the gothcore aesthetic often blends traditional goth elements with modern trends, creating a unique visual and stylistic fusion. While some might see it as a way to transform their closet into a dark visual masterpiece, others see it purely as an extension of “brat summer” into the fall months. We’re a trend driven culture. If you can master the art of selling a trend (or aesthetic), you’re sure to have people following along. However, for Gothcore, it’s a bit more complicated – there’s no “recipe” for crafting the perfect Gothcore aesthetic.
@weirdoldtown #midwest #midwestern #gothic #midwestgothic #western #westerngothic #midwesthorror #horror #horrortok #creepy #core #aesthetic
Gothcore Fashion
Firstly – fashion. Gothcore fashion is what people tend to think about when they’re considering “Goth aesthetics” in the fall. It’s the darker, more grungy, and Goth-inspired textures with lace, leather, or even fishnets. Mixed with contemporary and “DIY” elements, there’s a unique blend of modern fashion with legacy Gothcore staples.
As creators continue to experiment with Gothcore, it continues to evolve. Creators shape the landscape of the trends that ultimately grow privy to your FYP. In recent months, shifts with more layered looks, platform knee-high boots, and jewelry focused looks have been incredibly popular. These looks will surely continue to blossom into Halloween-time with the Gothcore aesthetic.
Makeup also defines traditional Gothcore looks, especially with its resurgence around this season. The aesthetic is defined by dramatic styles, dark colors, heavy eyeliner, dark lipstick, and impactful shades of moody colors. While there’s not one specific look for the aesthetic, mixing these components together uniquely always hits the mark.
Symbols, language, and “vibes” also hold great power in crafting the Gothcore aesthetic. Things like skulls, crosses, spider webs, and dark roses, “pass the vibe check” for this aesthetic. Gothcore stands as a unique and fun take on a decades long style. By incorporating elements of pop, but mostly Internet, culture with the traditionally dark goth style, it’s a more approachable goth.
A mix of legacy, classic, modern, and contemporary is the way of Gothcore. If there could be a soundtrack, trust it’d be goth bands, hardcore punk, techno, or maybe a little Charli XCX.
Anti-Consumerism Shortcuts
Social media plays a huge role in consumer spending; from micro-trends to trends that last an entire season. Whether it’s in-app shopping on platforms like TikTok shop, affiliate scrolling on Amazon, or saving pieces on Pinterest, social media fosters this kind of engagement – with more apps than ever switching over to promote purchasing from content and creators.
@lcgirard Replying to @Austin 🛸 a sale isn’t a deal if you wouldn’t buy it full price!! u can’t life hack ur way to good health!! food & fun are both luxuries in this world, so let urself chill a little 🫶🫶 #deinfluence #deinfluencing #consciousconsumer #consciousconsumerism #blackfriday2023 #blackfridaydealstiktok #newyearnewme
However, with this rise in spending and consumerist expectations from influencers, many people have shifted to “underconsumption” trends. Underconsumption doesn’t mean leaving the internet behind, it means participating in trends like Gothcore by choosing more sustainable avenues. Crafting, thrift shopping, and de-influencing traditional products are fundamental pushbacks from consumerist trends. These paths allow you to participate in trends or change your aesthetic without participating in consumerism.
Of course, you’re free to spend your money where you’d like – if that means clicking an Amazon link in an influencer’s bio and scrolling endlessly, that’s your prerogative. But, with diversification on apps like TikTok, there will be de-influencers, as well, urging users to make “responsible” and sustainable choices when it comes to participation in trends like Gothcore.
Prepping for ‘Spooky Season’ Trends
While it might seem obvious to some, many users and marketing experts alike forget the significance of many holidays for the creator economy and influencers across the board. From traditional holidays like Christmas and July 4th, there’s also different seasons that tend to draw focus away from traditional media and onto social media, influencers, and the online community at large – like The Olympics or even fall and Halloween in general. People get excited to participate in these holidays, curate a certain aesthetic, and consume content that gets them prepared and excited for the upcoming season.
@miller_brook I absolutely love these and cannot believe the price. These will be used for Halloween and Christmas. 5/5 recommend. #halloweendecor #christmasdecor #floatingcandles #fypageシ
When it comes to Gothcore in preparation for fall and the Halloween season, creators can make the most out of preparing their followers and communities for engaging in the aesthetic. From promoting clothes, makeup, and music, to simply curating their own aesthetic begging to be saved by followers, to providing tips for curation – there’s a million ways to grow popularity, engagement, and reach by participating in these holidays (and more specifically, the lead up to them).
For Halloween specifically, many creators use TikTok Shop and other affiliate links to craft creative costume curations – that always tend to do well for weeks leading up to the holiday. There’s also baking recipes for the fall, new styles and clothes as it gets colder in many places, and general aesthetic curations for decorations in your home. Regardless of what your channel, platform, or viewing interests typically are – there’s space for you to enjoy Gothcore and the entire fall aesthetic alike.
