By: The Gothling

So it’s happened. You finally landed that job that will pay for everything you need, and most of what you want. The only problem is, it’s a corporate job, complete with corporate dress code. What’s a Goth girl (or guy) to do?

Luckily, most corporate clothing is already black, which makes searching for clothes in your closet easier. The problem is, most of the skirts we like to wear are too short or have too many details, like D-rings, corseting, and patterning (think plaid schoolgirl skirts). If you have any pencil skirts with smaller, less noticeable corseting, you could probably get away with them at the office. For tops, corsets, sadly, are a no-no, as are the fishnet tops and incredibly low cut tanks. If you are allowed to wear them, Ren-style blouses and poet shirts will bring your character out. There are jackets being put out by Tripp and other clothing companies that are business suit styled, but with corseting and hook-and-eye closures that can be worn in all but the über-conservative offices. Micro-fishnets will also add a bit of your Gothy-ness to come out in your clothes, while still maintaining the professional demeanor required. The big boots, unfortunately, have to be left in the closet. There are some mary-janes and heels that would pass muster, as long as they don’t have too big of a platform. I

Accessories allow for more of the Goth to come out. More and more places are becoming lenient on smaller, less obtrusive facial piercings. Necklaces featuring crosses, ankhs, and pentacles are allowable as religious symbols, but inverted pentacles should be left at home due to the negative connotations they have in the mainstream. Matching with the earrings is okay, but if they’re too big or too long, you may have Mr. Boss looming over your desk reminding you that you’re at the office, not the club.

Hair and make-up are where you may (or may not) have a good amount of freedom. You may have to go lighter on the eyeliner, but not many bosses would object to red lipstick instead of black. All but the most extreme of hairstyles will be fine in the office. Dreads and dreadfalls are probably out, but spiked hair and updos can usually pass muster.

Guys, I’m sorry to say, but corporate jobs pretty much only allow for plain black pants, black button down shirts, and black polos. If your boss is not a total Nazi when it comes to dress, you may be able to wear some club jewelry and eyeliner.

As it stands, good luck to you in the corporate world. Just don’t forget, some of the people to be found there are worse blood-sucking vampires than any of our friends at the clubs. It ain’t easy being Goth, but that’s half the fun.

In my next article, I’ll be profiling an SD based corsetry retailer. I’m trying to take my column in a new direction by profiling Gothic retailers and hopefully, some musical groups, to expose everyone to new fashion and fashion icons. Until then, my dark and lovelies, good night.