Back to (School) Black

Perhaps we are mourning the end of summer sunshine or grieving the return to classes and deadlines – either way – black on black seems to have taken over the streets of St Andrews fashion.  

With a new semester fully underway, and Autumn chills in the air, St Andrews students seem to be drawing inspiration from the gothic revival in runway fashion shows across the globe and incorporating black into their every-day wardrobe. The re-emergence of gothic fashion began in the late winter/early spring of this year and has evolved into an emo-punk wave in the Autumn/Winter (A/W) 2025 Fashion Week displays. St Andrews street style seems to have adapted flawlessly to this trend, combining the dark romance of gothic fashion with the mixing of prints and textures  which is often seen with punk style.  

Elie Saab’s pre-fall 25 collection is the perfect example of gothic elegance and dark romance, whilst Berlin Fashion Week A/W 2025 perfectly reflected the tumultuous global political climate in its angsty goth fashion display from brands such as RICHERT BEIL and Marie Leuder which utilised muted colours and mesh to create gothic mastery. 

Credit: @eliesaabworld Instagram

 Gothic fashion originated in the 1970s/80s as a natural evolution of the punk cultural scene incorporating elements of Victorian mourning culture such as corsets, lace, and DIY accessories.

Credit: British Vogue

With the close links between goth and punk style, it is only natural that we see traces of the gothic-romantic style in the punk trends taking over fashion this A/W season. The last emergence of punk style occurred in Britain during a time when Thatcherism was at its peak and fashion became a tool of rebellion. However, it seems now we are using the punk style as a form of nostalgia and comfort with Alexander McQueen pioneering the return of the classic leather jacket. Think dramatic ruffles and lace, long flowing silhouettes, and materials such as silk and leather paired to give the perfect Victorian-era inspired look this autumn.

Speaking of Victorian-inspired fashion, the cultural phenomenon of Victorian gothic novels being remade in Hollywood cinema is the perfect inspiration for a black-on-black ensemble. With the upcoming release of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and Emerald Fennell’s’ much anticipated adaptation of Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, it is no mystery why gothic fashion is making a true comeback.  

With the Frankenstein movie being filmed in Glasgow, so close to our little seaside town, it seems only fitting we embrace this new trend in our own unique St Andrews way. 

Credit: @voguemagazine Instagram

Images have been leaked from the set of the upcoming Wuthering Heights movie showcasing Margot Robbie in an all-black funeral attire completed with a dramatic lace veil.

Whilst a Victorian gown and veil may be impractical attire for lectures, it is still possible to take inspiration from Margot Robbie by embracing the long silhouette of a black velvet dress paired with knee high black boots to combat the Scottish coastal chill this season. When it comes to gothic fashion, layers are your friend and in a town such as St Andrews, where student style often leans business casual, you can never go wrong with a sleek black leather blazer or perhaps a classic trench coat in a trending black suede.

Credit: @itsnaawal Instagram

The magic of Gothic style is that you can dress it up or down, and the colour black will never go out of style! Whether you are donning an oversized black blazer to wow your tutorial group or pairing dark denim and a leather jacket for a mid-week coffee date, you will find that the options for incorporating gothic style into your everyday outfits are limitless.