Mall Goth

That early-2000s mall goth energy, kept intact: black mesh, chains, plaid, studs and a Y2K grunge twist running through all of it. This is the version of goth that grew up in food courts and Hot Topic aisles, not in cathedrals.

What is mall goth?

Mall goth is the commercial, accessible strain of gothic fashion that took over the late 1990s and early 2000s. It borrows the black palette and hardware of traditional goth, then loosens it with nu-metal band-tee attitude, cargo and plaid, oversized fits and a lot of visible metal. It is darker than emo, softer than trad goth, and more fun than either.

What goes into a mall goth outfit?

• Black mesh or fishnet layered under a graphic top
• Plaid skirts, cargo pants or wide-leg bottoms
• Studded belts, spiked cuffs and layered wallet chains
• Chunky platform boots or creepers
• Chokers, cross pendants and stacked silver hardware

Whether you lived through it the first time or found it through a 2000s mood board, our mall goth clothing edit has the tops, skirts and accessories to build the whole look. Shop the pieces and put your own outfit together.

Goes well with: y2k clothing, pastel grunge, e-girl clothing, platform boots.