How celebrities are embracing goth style in all its dark, dramatic glory

From left: Florence Pugh, Jenna Ortega and Anya Taylor-Joy have frequently been seen favouring the colour black, as well as edgy designs. Photo: Agencies

Once a subcultural statement, goth style has firmly entered the mainstream, with celebrities reimagining its moody allure for modern red carpets.

Jenna Ortega doubled down on the aesthetic for her press appearances, drumming up buzz for Wednesday’s second season release.

The actress has developed something of a reputation when it comes to goth style.

Ortega’s longtime stylist, Enrique Melendez, has been working with her since she was 14.

Responsible for some of her most iconic all-black looks during the 2023 Wednesday press tour, Melendez is once again dressing her to suit the vibe.

Other past roles have also seen Ortega embrace goth fashion.

She played Astrid Deetz in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, where the costuming leaned into whimsical darkness with rich textures and bold stripes.

Charli XCX’s goth dresses bring plenty of drama. Photo: AGency

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Goth is actually a music genre, but fashion quickly adopted its dark, romantic sensibility.

It is now very much a style movement that blends moody palettes, dramatic silhouettes and a touch of theatrical flair.

Other actresses are also making goth style their own, from Anya Taylor-Joy’s dramatic red carpet gowns and smoky makeup, to Billie Eilish’s oversized silhouettes in inky tones.

They have proven that the look’s versatility goes far beyond its traditional associations with rebellion.

Even for those who have a more wholesome appearance, goth style offers a way to experiment with moodier elements.

Florence Pugh, for example, may have a more “girl-next-door” appeal, but she often incorporates gothic elements like sheer black lace, deep jewel tones and dramatic silhouettes into her red carpet looks.

Singer Charli XCX simply loves black and is often seen dressing in just that colour.

Her glossy jet-black hair is very much part of the signature aesthetic, amplifying her edgy, high-glam persona and complementing the bold, monochromatic outfits she gravitates toward.

It even has a name, “brat black”, a term coined by her hair colourist, Jacob Schwartz.

“It’s not just black – it’s an ultra-rich shade with a liquid-like shine that stands out on the carpet and while performing,” he told Cosmopolitan in February.

This is a nod to last year’s “brat summer” trend, with Charli XCX’s signature neon green visuals making the deep black pop even more.

Rihanna is often seen with dark shades and black lipstick, plus an all-black outfit. Photo: Agency

Billie Eilish’s style blends oversized silhouettes with moody palettes. Photo: Agency

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Also worth noting is how Rihanna turned heads last month on the Smurfs red carpet in a dark, edgy ensemble.

It gave striking contrast to the film’s kid-friendly theme and the poster’s explosion of bright, playful colours.

The pop and R&B sensation is often drawn to gothic-inspired fashion, frequently favouring dramatic black gowns, bold makeup and statement accessories that exude both power and mystique.

There you have it. Goth style continues to prove it is more than a passing trend – rather, it is a fashion language celebrities keep rewriting.