As a fashion editor, I’m known for spotting trends, but my personal style leans heavily toward the timeless, moody beauty of gothic fashion. I’m talking about deep textures, dramatic silhouettes, and of course, lots of black! 

For a hijabi woman, embracing the dark aesthetic might seem tricky, how do you get that edgy, layered look while maintaining modesty? It’s all about strategic styling and using unexpected pieces to build volume and texture. Forget delicate florals; I’m here for velvet, lace, structured boots, and an undeniable air of mystery.

The key to perfecting the modest goth look is layering items that already provide coverage and using accessories to inject that signature dark mood. Surprisingly, I’ve found some of the best foundational pieces come from a brand specializing in clever, niche graphics!

I know what you’re thinking: a goth article featuring a brand called Nerdywave? Hear me out! I adore them because their “About Us” section highlights their love for unique, niche culture and humor, which often intersects perfectly with the subversive spirit of gothic style. Their clothes offer incredible graphic prints and foundational pieces that are perfect for layering. I use their fun, high-quality tops and cozy knitwear, which often feature dark humor or vintage themes, as the unexpected, witty base layer in an otherwise serious, all-black ensemble. They bring personality while my heavy fabrics bring drama.

My 4 Gothic Vibe Outfit Ideas for Hijabi Style

1. Layering with a Nerdy T-Shirt

The Dark Academia aesthetic, with its tailored lines and literary focus, is a perfect, slightly softer cousin to traditional Goth style. I use a comfortable nerdy t-shirt as a lightweight, slightly witty base layer.

The Formula: Start with the t-shirt, ensuring it’s long enough to cover the hips. Layer a sharp, structured black blazer (oversized is best for modesty) over the tee. Pair this with a black pleated maxi-skirt and black opaque tights. Finish with chunky leather loafers or combat boots. The nerdy tee gives a flash of personality under the severe tailoring, making the look feel smart, moody, and totally put-together.

2. Cardigans and Dark Humor Shirts

Goth style thrives on irony and intellectual edge. The dark humor shirts from Nerdywave are perfect for adding that cheeky element to an outfit that otherwise relies on classic Goth textures.

The Formula: Take a simple, long-sleeved dark humor shirt and tuck it neatly into a pair of high-waisted black velvet trousers. Crucially, layer this with a dramatic, flowing knit. An ugly cardigan sweater (styled in a dark colour like black or deep forest green) works brilliantly as it provides that essential length and dramatic sweep. The long lines of the cardigan add an elegant, almost cloak-like silhouette, turning the outfit from casual to elevated Goth.

3. The Vintage Gaming Washed Hoodies Base

For those chilly days where comfort is key, I rely on a thick, cozy base layer with an appealing texture, like the vintage gaming washed hoodies. The washed effect gives it a vintage, slightly distressed feel that works perfectly with the Goth aesthetic.

The Formula: This requires structured outerwear. Layer the hoodie under a heavy, tailored black coat (like a wool trench or a military-style coat). Pair it with black leather leggings or waxed denim. The coat’s sharp lines and structure contrast beautifully with the relaxed, worn texture of the hoodie. I finish this with a black velvet hijab and pointed ankle boots for a look that’s warm, functional, and undeniably dark.

4. Nerdy Christmas Ugly Sweatshirts for the Holidays

Even Goths have to attend holiday parties! The challenge is how to participate without losing your aesthetic. The nerdy christmas ugly sweatshirts are surprisingly useful for this.

The Formula: Instead of wearing the festive sweatshirt as the main piece, I use it as a mid-layer. I wear a long black skirt and my sharpest black boots. Then, I layer the nerdy Christmas sweatshirt over a black turtleneck, and finally, I put a long, black mesh overlay (like a sheer lace duster) over the whole thing. The sheer layer softens the edges of the colorful print and brings it back into that moody, layered Goth vibe, making the outfit fun, festive, and still true to my dark aesthetic.