The Baby Bat's Guide to the Medieval Goth Aesthetic
Do you long to explore ancient realms of magic and mystery? The imaginative medieval gothic aesthetic could be just the thing to transport you through the sands of time.
The medieval goth aesthetic is a dark spin on European fashion and aesthetics spanning the Middle Ages and Renaissance, or roughly 1000-1600 CE. It often involves fantasy elements inspired by stories like The Lord of the Rings or role playing games like Dungeons & Dragons combined with historical costumes. Medieval gothic looks are dramatic and intricate, ideal for cosplay and activities like the Renaissance Faire.
Medieval Gothic Dresses
A beautiful, flowing dress in a dark and sumptuous fabric like silk or brocade is probably the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of this aesthetic. If you’ve ever wanted to dress like an evil queen in a fairytale, this is your chance to embrace those shadowy and despotic vibes with a dress that says “bring me the heart of Snow White.”
Green Linen Dress ($165)
A forest or moss green dress in a simple style with embellishments like laces or flared sleeves is perfect for a medieval goth look. Style it with dark accessories for a hint of mystery. (You’ll love the adorable yet witchy fox and moon design on this handmade linen dress.)
Black Medieval Dress ($84)
A black dress with a buckle closure corset ($107) has a hard edge perfect for that dark mage aesthetic. Or, wear it with the matching cord belt for a light, airy feel.
Pink Elven Dress ($107)
This ethereal dress can be styled with black makeup and accessories for an added gothic edge, or you can simply channel your inner elven princess. It also comes in white and pale green for a look that’s right out of Rivendell.
Dark Red Velvet Dress ($90)
Dreamy and romantic while still being rich and dark, this color is ideal for your inner Juliet. This dress also comes in black for an added dose of dark drama.
Off the Shoulder White Dress ($165)
A delicate take on the medieval goth aesthetic, this dress would be perfectly at home at the Renaissance Faire–and it’s handmade to fit your specific measurements. A great contrast with a black corset and dark makeup.
Dark Fairycore
One aesthetic that is close to medieval gothic is dark fairycore. It involves taking fairytale elements like wings, leaves, and flowers and putting a gothic spin on them. Movies like Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, Hellboy II, and Pan’s Labyrinth can give you some inspiration for this enchanted yet ominous aesthetic.
If you like a little fairytale whimsy with a dark and menacing edge, this could be the look for you.
Witchcore
Witchcore is an aesthetic that shares a lot of characteristics with medieval goth, such as long, flowy dresses and corsets, often worn with a cloak or shawl. Some witchcore clothes are more modern, however–such as shirt dresses and mesh tops–so there is a bit of divergence. Clothes tend to be black, often with pentagrams and other symbols related to witch folklore.
Medieval Goth Aesthetic Inspiration
Medieval Goth Clothes
- Peasant blouse with flared sleeves ($85)
- Long, layered skirt ($69)
- Corset and/or bodice ($79)
- Mules, slippers, and leather boots
- Hooded cloak ($67)
- Shawl and/or black veil ($58)
Medieval Goth Accessories
- Celtic knot pendant ($32)
- Leather wrist guards or gloves ($28)
- Chain mail jewelry
- Dark diadem or tiara ($28)
- Rings and jewelry with dark stones
- Sword or dagger ($30)
- Flower crown ($41)
- Elf ears ($12)
- Armor-inspired accessories like metal epaulets or wrist guards
Medieval Goth Fabrics & Embellishments
- Linen
- Brocade
- Leather
- Suede
- Silk
- Damask
- Wool
- Velvet
- Embroidery
- Beading
Fabric patterns include: fleurs de lis, scrollwork patterns, tartan, and florals.
Medieval Goth Colors
- Black
- Off-white & beige
- Burgundy
- Charcoal
- Deep green
- Olive
- Purple
- Brown
- Royal Blue
- Crimson
Medieval Goth Books, Film, Art, and TV
- The Lord of the Rings
- Game of Thrones
- The Silmarillion
- The Mists of Avalon
- Dante’s Inferno
- The Green Knight
- “La Belle Dame Sans Merci” by John Keats
- Shakespearean tragedies like Hamlet and Romeo & Juliet
- The Lady of Shallot by Alfred Lord Tennyson
- Pre-Raphaelite artists like D.G. Rosetti
- The Seventh Seal
- Medieval gothic architecture and cathedral decorations such as gargoyles and sculptures
- Medieval gothic castles
- The Name of the Rose
- The Borgias
This overview of all things medieval gothic should help you get in touch with your inner dark enchantress.
If you’re looking for a place to show off all your medieval goth finds, check out our guides to the PA Renaissance Faire and the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival, and plan a trip to a fantasy realm.
