“Forever Goth: Grace Dent’s Eternal Affection for the Color Black”
If you were to ask my closest friends to describe me, they’d likely paint a picture of Morticia Addams-esque elegance. Even on a tropical vacation, my suitcase is a sea of black: sundresses, bikinis, sarongs. It’s not that I exclusively don black attire; I’ve made countless attempts over the years to embrace colors and patterns. However, every deviation from black has been a deliberate effort. Black is my default, my instinctual choice.
Venturing into bolder hues or floral prints feels like a forced departure from my true self. It’s as if I’m masquerading as someone more conventional—a woman who effortlessly gravitates towards vibrant shifts or playful slogan tees. This alternate persona might relish the opportunity to sport a bold red coat or revel in the whimsy of a colorful ensemble for a wedding.
Temporarily, I can slip into this persona for a photo shoot or a television appearance. I’ll play the part of someone who adores fuchsia or embraces emerald hues. But beneath the facade lies exhaustion. Everything feels overly complicated; life is too short to agonize over color palettes and fashion choices. When I return home, it’s to the comforting embrace of black.
In my bedroom, a collection of black jeans, fitted tunics, and slouchy knitwear awaits. Each garment is a familiar embrace, a return to my true self. “Once a goth, always a goth,” I often mumble to myself as I catch my reflection—a sentiment unchanged since my teenage years spent haunting Carlisle town center with crimped hair and an armful of bangles.
Goth may have been a passing phase for many, but for me, it’s a lifelong ethos. While others may associate sophistication with Jackie Onassis or chic minimalism with Isabella Rossellini, it was Siouxsie Sioux’s iconic appearance on Top Of The Pops that left an indelible mark on my psyche. Her gothic allure stood in stark contrast to the festive cheer surrounding her—a reminder that beauty transcends convention.
Siouxsie’s unapologetic embrace of black resonated deeply with me. Black clothing possesses a quiet power; it defies expectations and invites intrigue. It doesn’t conform to societal norms or project a false image of joviality. Instead, it exudes mystery—a quality far more alluring than mere visibility.
My affinity for black only grew as I navigated adolescence, eschewing vibrant colors in favor of the comforting embrace of darkness. While my peers embraced neon and pastels, I found solace in the simplicity of black. It was a rebellion against societal expectations—a declaration of independence in a world obsessed with conformity.
Decades later, my love for black remains unwavering. Fashion trends may come and go, but the timeless elegance of a well-cut black dress endures. It requires minimal effort yet commands maximum attention—a testament to its enduring appeal.
Black may be touted for its slimming properties, but its true magic lies in its ability to defy perception. It doesn’t seek to conceal; rather, it empowers. It celebrates every curve and contour, embracing the beauty of individuality.
In a world that often dictates standards of beauty, black serves as a defiant statement—a declaration of self-assurance in the face of societal pressure. So, while others may criticize my penchant for black attire, I wear it with pride—a symbol of strength, confidence, and unwavering individuality.