Okay, you guys: just today we got invited to a party for Saturday (6 days from now). The host wants people to dress "goth/punk."

I cannot think of 2 styles more diametrically opposed to my wardrobe.

I *so* need suggestions for what the hell I can wear. Please please please. (I'm gonna just say right now that "punk" is never gonna happen on me, for many reasons, not least of which is my clothing, which is not in any way punk-adaptable. "Goth" -- or at least what might pass for "hey, at least she tried" -- is much more likely.)

Helllllllp!

t edit I'm really not willing to buy new clothes, so I have to work with what I have.

I'm no Goth expert, but I know you have a black skirt and a corset.

Steph, goth is going to be easiest. You have corsets, right? Go with the flow on what people think Goth is. It's a party.

Wear your corset; the flamey one would be ok, but if anyone takes exception to a pink and black corset, have Jilli text them with an ass-kicking. Wear a black skirt, doesn't matter what length. Black tights, or red, or purple or burgundy. Fishnets, in any color.

Silver jewelry, any crosses or crucifixes you have.

Anything with garnet, ruby, amythest, obsidian, amber. Unless it's a big amber happy face, maybe.

A heavy eye, red or burgundy lip.

What kind of hats do you have? Or Tim? Or just spray the hell of your hair, or tie a pony back with a scrap of velvet ribbon -- 50 cents at a Hobby Lobby or craft store.

Shoes -- anything from boots to flats.

Take a Xanax, go the party and forget it. Anyone tells you you're not dressed Goth enough, smile politely and tell them "The Queen of the Goths says I am!"

black clothes (or dark gem tones like purple, burgundy, forest green...). My fallback goth clubbing garb is a black, dark blue or burgundy dress with a black corset over it. Dark eyeliner and lipstick don't hurt either. No need to go stereotypical with black lipstick, it doesn't look good on, well, really *anyone* and a deep congealed-blood red is just as goth without making your teeth look as yellow.

eta: bonus goth points for velvet, lace, leather, vinyl, fishnets, or flowy silken-type fabrics. Heck, or black jeans with a tshirt. You can make just about anything work with the right attitude.

Steph, goth is going to be easiest. You have corsets, right? Go with the flow on what people think Goth is. It's a party.

Yep. Corset, some sort of flowy skirt, and a lacy or velvety top. Hang on, let me go look at your flickr and I can probably give you more specific answers.

No need to go stereotypical with black lipstick, it doesn't look good on, well, really *anyone*

Yeah, there are about ... maybe five or six people I've seen in the goth scene over the years that look good in black lipstick.

Flickr is thwarting me; I can't find any wardrobe photos of you right off the bat.

Anyway, yes. Go with a corset, worn over a black or dark jewel-toned dress (or skirt & blouse). Black nail polish (and Wet & Wild make a decent black quick-dry creme formula for $1.50 if you don't have any), dark eye makeup, and dark lipstick. (Again, if you don't have any dark lipstick, W&W has good dark shades for cheap.)

(Also, let me beg of you: please don't give into the temptation to draw squiggly lines on your face with eyeliner. I mean, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't, but my ElderGoth status requires me to say it.)

Tie a piece of black lace or ribbon around your throat for a choker, and wear a big pendant on a long piece of ribbon. Ta-da! A perfectly acceptable goth outfit.

This skirt: [link] this shirt (but in black): [link] and a black underbust corset?

(Also, let me beg of you: please don't give into the temptation to draw squiggly lines on your face with eyeliner. I mean, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't, but my ElderGoth status requires me to say it.)

But...I *want* to look like The Crow!!!

friends don't let friends dress like The Crow

smonster, sorry about the job. Too bad about B, too, that's hard. I will call you in the morning and we will mumble and groan at each other, okay?