~ Chapter 11 ~ Forgotten Accessories

In the darkness, goths rule the nightworld so it’s time to shine some light on the newest trends and dust the webs off our inner goths. In this series of chapters, I will be exploring the emergence of the latest trends in fashion’s underworld.

I’ve always wanted to dress in a gothic wardrobe fulltime but as I grow older the demands of the workplace require a much more modest approach to fashion and everyday life just doesn’t allow it as often.

So here’s my approach to the latest gothic trends that you can wear at work, in public, and even abroad. Dress how you want to dress. Gothic trends are emerging more elegant and mysterious than before and it’s time to add some new styles into the mix.

Past Relics

I love reviving fashion from the past because there are some things that just shouldn’t disappear! In this chapter of gothic fashion I’ve chosen two main concepts of accessories for both women and men. Worn for special occasions or every day events brooches and tie pins can be a versatile accessory that makes your look even more special and well put together.

Brooches & Charms

Existing longer than history can trace, a brooch was first used to fasten two pieces of clothes together. Throughout history they began to evolve into intricate accessories and are seen this way today. Brooches can be used to accessorize your look and add some uniqueness to a rather solid look. Not limited to one place, stereotypically on the lapel of a jacket, you can pin them just about anywhere to hats, shirts, bags, gloves, even in your hair. They come in a variety of sizes and themes to match your wardrobe and suit your personality.  I remembered my grandma used to wear them and I thought they were for “older women” only, but then I discovered that it’s not true. Just how fashion changes so do the style of brooches. With so many styles to choose from I’ve narrowed down a few of my favorite kinds.

The Cameo

Historically carved from stone, bones, and ivory the faces were hand carved into the material making them very expensive. The smaller the more value! Now we are lucky to have them in plastic so they won’t break as easily and no elephants are harmed in the process. Not just faces are carved but you can find nature inspired ones and other unique designs too.

Medieval Inspired

A little more flashy than other styles of brooches, medieval ones and throughout the times of older history these have a lot of deep culture to them. You can find ones inspired by Celtic knots, Viking and Norse mythology, the queens of England and so many great other historical time periods.

Emerging Pieces

Just take a look at how many styles of brooches there are to choose from! Anyone can find a piece to express their unique tastes it just takes some time, research and of course planning of where to put it. For me I love nature so I tend to look for ones with subtle colors and natural shapes. An important thing to note about brooches is that if it comes into contact with your skin or hair oils you may want to invest in a metal that won’t change colors or rub black and green onto your skin and fabrics. Your natural oils have a tendency to break down the metal’s protective coating. Read more about buying the right kind of real jewelry (here)

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Tie & Collar Pins

Tie Pins, Clips, and Bars

There are three main types of tie accessories, but why use them at all? A tie itself might be a useless accessory to begin with, and a rather hazardous one if you ask me, it can get wet when washing hands, in the way while eating and flaps in your face on a windy day just to cause more irritation. So why not tame that little strip of fabric? Tie pins and bars are meant to do just that. They keep the tie in place and looking tidy all day long while providing an opportunity to add some personal style. The three types are tie pins, clips, and bars.

Tie Pins

A single pin that is usually placed towards the top of the tie is small and elegant for every style and not that noticeable. Perfect if you don’t like flashy style but still want a little pop to your wardrobe these are perfect for you! Usually secured with a clasp, chain in the back, or using a long pin they are simple and fast to use.

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Tie Clips and Bars

A tie clip or also known as a tie bar (although some call these tie pins) is a bar that securely fits across the tie and connects to your shirt underneath so that the tie can only move from below the pin. This accessory is more noticeable and divides your tie into two parts drawing the viewers eye directly to its shiny surface. Keeping that in mind, remember it will be the show piece of your tie so choose wisely! Too gaudy for a job interview may not go over very well or be taken seriously. Consider your fashion and the appropriate time to wear the more special pieces.

Bonus Accessories!

Just to introduce a few of my other favorite accessories take a look at these lapel pins and collar pins. They can be that extra special accessory to brighten a solid color blazer or button up shirt. Not just for special occasions they are great for the office and come in a variety of unique styles.

Who knew that you could dress up your tie! Since I don’t wear ties, I didn’t learn these tricks until moving to Japan and saw the wide variety of tie and jacket accessories they have to offer. It’s such a genius idea! Spruce up your tie by adding a pin of your choice. It gives your rather simple styles more variety and expression and they can range from all different sizes and designs. If you want them to last search for metals such as stainless steel or silver, others made of gold will be more fragile so if you have rough hands it may not last as long or the stem of the pin can easily break. Brooches and tie decorations may have been accessories of the past but even now they can be modernized and used once again.

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