Dark Romance Is Taking Over Pop Culture—and Our Closets

A slightly more cold weather-appropriate take on the slinky slip dresses we’ve been seeing everywhere lately, this satin number boasts a glamorous 1930s silhouette with puff sleeves and lace panels at the shoulders and skirt that don’t reveal too much.

The tie neck and button-topped, faux-corset bodice (featuring stretchy smocking at the back) make this top seem straight out of a period piece. It’ll look just as good paired with a silky maxi skirt for a holiday party as it would with a pair of jeans at the bar.

I’m completely obsessed with this guipure lace blouse, which features an intricate, open design and high neckline that screams “Victorian chic.” Yes, that’s now a thing. It is see-through, so depending on how much skin you’re willing to show, you may want to wear a cami or bandeau bra underneath. BTW, it also comes in white if you’re feeling more like a haunted baby doll than lady-in-mourning.

Lacy legs lend mystery and allure to an ensemble, whether peeking through the slit of a skirt or fully displayed beneath the hem of minidress. These sumptuous stretch tights, woven with an intricate floral design, make for a delicious addition to your hosiery collection.

Not everything needs a lace accent to feel darkly romantic. Take this office-ready top, for example. With its ruffled cuffs, dramatic bow and stripes that Tim Burton himself would approve of, it’s the perfect piece to subtly nod to the trend without going full goth.

This fashion moment is finally giving brooches their due. If you don’t have time to go rummaging through grandma’s jewelry box, however, you can’t go wrong with this pin from Anthropologie. It’s made from 14-karat gold-plated brass and boasts a ruby red cubic zirconia at its center that may or may not hold a centuries-old curse.

Is it a splurge? Yes. Is it precisely what I would imagine wearing to dinner at Dracula’s castle? Also yes. Crafted entirely from silk, this beauty is adorned with delicate white lace and features ruching at the bust and sleeves to round out its rich texture and vintage look. Dare I say it’s also the perfect pick for a holiday fête by the fireplace? After all, A Christmas Carol is a ghost story…

It’s no coincidence that the flouncy ruffles and voluminous sleeves of this design give you a sense of the ‘70s—the decade’s fashion was pretty much defined by its revival of romantic aesthetics. That said, this sheer blouse is just the thing for catching the wave this time around.

Between their jacquard florals, velvet bows and heel low enough to easily escape errant spirits, these pointed-toe slingbacks, which quite a few buyers describe as “classy” and “comfortable,” are an elegant addition to your moody winter fits.

Instantly add a touch of romanticism to any look with this drapey velvet cardigan. Complete with a ruffled chiffon hem, this layer looks (and feels, according to buyers) so luxe, I can’t believe it’s less than $50.

Although this frilly, flowy lace top also comes in black and ivory, I’m swooning over it in this ashy purple shade that gives it a dusty, abandoned bride look à la Miss Havisham (style icon? I think so). The mock neck and billowy bell sleeves simply drive the vibe home. 

Another GBD (Gothic Black Dress) that’s begging for a spot in my already GBD-filled closet? This stunner from Boden. I can’t get over the embroidered Victorian neckline and sheer tulle overlay, topped with petite velvet polka dots that supply textural and visual appeal.

If you’re just looking to dabble in the aesthetic without getting too dramatic, this lace top is perfection. It turns down the volume both literally and figuratively with its close-fitting. hip-length silhouette that is casual enough to dress up or down. But it still displays a hint of romance thanks to its subtle puff sleeves and angled seaming at the bust. Goth at the Gap? We love to see it.