Nu-Goth is a contemporary evolution of the Goth subculture that emerged in the early 2010s, primarily through Tumblr and Instagram. The aesthetic is defined by its fusion of traditional Goth elements with modern minimalist, hipster, and streetwear fashion. The Nu-Goth look is more streamlined and less theatrical than older Goth styles, characterized by a monochromatic palette and garments like black maxi skirts, oversized sweaters, leggings, and platform boots.
The style is heavily accessorized with occult and alchemical symbols, such as triangles and astrological signs, often featured on silver jewelry, harnesses, and wide-brimmed hats. The term "Nu-Goth" is often controversial within the broader Goth community, with critics arguing that it is more of a fashion trend than a music-based subculture. While some adherents listen to classic gothic rock, the style is more frequently associated with "goth-adjacent" electronic genres like Witch House or dark EBM and artists such as Chelsea Wolfe and Zola Jesus.
Philosophy[]
Disclaimer: This is merely a broad general spectrum for Nu-Goths as a collective and does not reflect Nu-Goths as an individual which may have different philosophies. No two Nu-Goths will be the same, but all harbor some commonality.
Nu-Goths are known to welcome Baby Bats & Mall Goths to their subculture and are more lenient on the music knowledge compared to their Trad Goth counterparts. As previously stated, many Nu-Goths (but not all) believe the visual/fashion characteristics of Goth are more important than the music genre.
Interestingly, while there is a clear stylistic difference between the two, Trad Goth fashion as it began in the 80s was extremely broad and undefined. Therefore, there is no reason that someone could not be Trad Goth and Nu-Goth at the same time or why they could not mix visual influences.
Yet for every Nu-Goth that overlooks the music, there are Nu-Goths who admit the importance of having knowledge about the differences between Goth music and other dark genres like Metal, in order to understand the culture better.
Usually those who are under the Nu-Goth Umbrella are Pastel Goths.
Fashion[]
The main characteristic of the fashion is black, gray and white outfits with occult prints and accessories. Nu-Goth fashion is very modern and sleek (extremely similar to Health Goth).
They tend to be more influenced by 90s Trad Goth more than by the 80s. They also show a stronger focus on Gothic (but not Goth) icons, especially Wednesday Addams from Addams Family Values and to a smaller degree, movies like The Craft.
It also depends on the individuals taste in style but it will always be modern and up with the times, you'll almost always see these key features:
- Stereotypical "goth" motifs
- Round oversized hats
- Round sunglasses
- Silver moon or pentagram jewelry
- Peter Pan collar dresses
- Fashion harness
- Monochrome graphic print tees
- Leather jackets
- Black lipstick
- Tattoo chokers
- Inverted cross leggings
- Spiked ankle boots
- Creepers
- Ouija boards
- Edgy Disney edits
Music[]
Popular bands among Nu-Goth include:
- Salem
- Zola Jesus
- White Ring
- Humanfobia
- Mater Suspiria Vision
- Ritualz
- Switchblade Symphony
- Chelsea Wolfe
Some bands liked by Nu-Goths include those from the 90s to modern Goth scene. But for the most part their aesthetic imagery and music does take heavily from Witch House and darker forms of EBM.
It is important to note that Nu-Goth supports and encourages self discovery above all else. Within the subculture, people are encouraged to listen to all genres of music to expand one's sense of self (as many in the Trad Goth scene have done).
For this reason, it is not uncommon to run into Nu-Goths who listen to Metal or Post-Hardcore.
Resources[]
External links to help get a better understanding of this aesthetic.
Blogs[]
Vendors[]
Be cautious of the vendors you seek, many have negative reputations surrounding company beliefs, misuse of funds, and treatment of workers.
Pinterest Boards[]
- Nu-Goth by Lady Hydra
- Nu-Goth (and causal goth) by nol
- Nu-Goth by Na'amah
- Nu-Goth & pastel Goth by Alma
- Nu-Goth by Naomi C Yuuji
- Nu-Goth✨ by Luna
Gallery[]
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| Goth Subculture | ||
| Primary Aesthetics | ||
|
Goth 𓋹 Deathrock 𓋹 Romantic Goth 𓋹 Trad Goth 𓋹 Victorian Goth | ||
| Fusion and Inspired Aesthetics | ||
|
Bubble Goth 𓋹 Corporate Goth 𓋹 Cybergoth 𓋹 Ethnogoth 𓋹 Fetish Goth 𓋹 Gothabilly 𓋹 Health Goth 𓋹 Mallgoth 𓋹 Nu-Goth 𓋹 Pastel Goth 𓋹 Perky Goth 𓋹 Tribal Goth 𓋹 White Goth | ||