So it’s come to this – I just watched someone explain how they’re goth while applying egirl makeup. I can’t tell you how frustrating that is.
I was with someone who constantly wanted me to be goth. He even labeled me the type of goth he felt I was, when I constantly told him I was an egirl.
An egirl takes alternative a step further – we have certain things we like, and either mesh them together or wear them separately on any given day. The looks are typically for the internet, but can mesh properly into everyday wear. Egirls fall under cosplayers, gamers, cat girls, and alternative women who change their aesthetic because they can.
The makeup is cutesy, often with the millennial eye wing, highlighter, pinks, hearts or stars stamped on the face…freckles, and lashes. Goth makeup focuses on, in some cases, appearing to be “dead.” Often times, it’s referred to as corpse paint, especially when the neck is blackened.
Alternative women usually follow the same guidelines with their makeup and use different colors…similar to an egirl. Or, if they prefer black…they’ll let you know immediately that they are just alternative.
Knowing the history of the goth culture, separate from being an egirl or alternative is important because it was built brick by brick. It focuses on the beauty of darkness, deriving looks from poetry, books, music and even the Gothics of Romania.
The idea is that this world is already dead – why are you trying to fit in. BDSM plays a huge role in this culture and sometimes meshes with the fashion as well. It is to be respected and not used to garner attention.
That is where egirls come in. I always label my content as such because that is what I represent. I don’t believe in choosing one thing, I love doing it all. But respect for certain communities means letting people know out loud, that you are or are not what you claim to be.
Egirls are typically cosplayers, nerds and gamers. And I cannot stress this enough – float in and out of different styles because they can. Think pleated skirts, coquette, thigh high socks, dresses and oversized hoodies.
Here are examples of goth, alternative, and egirl fashions so we can clear up the confusion.
Victorian Goth
Corset lined dress – choker (by the way, chokers indicate top or bottom – it is usually bottom), monochrome split dye hair. Black lipstick and eyeshadow. Simple and elegant.
Alternative
This falls under Punk, Metal heads, and Emo. The styles are bolder, urban and often times including brighter color choices like red, hot pink or even neon green. The music is different – and has the same titles. While these cultures are into the macabre like goths, it isn’t as elegant or romantic.
Both goth and alternative are political. Taking the stance that the world system needs immediate changing. The patriarchy isn’t fond of women that are goth or alternative as they have a tendency to think for themselves.
Egirl (Cat Girl)
Cutesy, gaming headset. Pastel colors, dresses, bows (coquette) and nerdy.
While egirls colors and styles vary, most are cutesy. I often change my look to fit my mood, but I never wear the badge of goth whenever I put on a black dress. You can wear whatever you like!
Egirl is alternative, but isn’t as dark or extreme as someone who is Punk or goth. However, the styles can (and will mesh). If you are wise, you can tell if someone is a cat girl or if they’re Victorian goth 🙄 it’s not rocket science.
Most of the people who are goth have gone down every avenue available and that is where they landed. Be it death, abuse, drugs and sobriety, and self harm. You are on the outside looking in and should respect people within their communities.
In the end, all groups mentioned are going to cosplay, and eat food. Because they’re human and cosplaying is fun. They’re not categorizing themselves out of boredom. It is a way to deal with pain. (ESPECIALLY the Alternative and Goth community)
Egirls are alternative, but I’ve split the categories for better explanation. I sincerely hope this doesn’t go over anyone’s head.
The Heiress JCS 