TREND
CASTLECORE: YOUR GUIDE TO STYLING THE GOTHIC TREND
By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 6 January 2025
Robert Eggers' 2024 take on the 1922 vampire film Nosferatu, itself a screen adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, might be the official signpost that medieval is back in the cultural zeitgeist. Instant signifiers of the trend include monochromatic black looks, maxi dresses with sheer and floral embroidery, lace trims and buckles. If you're unsure if a piece fits the bill, just ask yourself if a group of hot fictional vampires would wear it.
ASOS LOVES:
ASOS DESIGN tie front ruffle midaxi dress with high low hem in black, £65
River Island faux leather lace up trouser in black, £59
Allsaints Madea chain bag with beads in black, £275
Although the bulk of the trend draws from the Dark Ages, glimpses of Roman-inspired decadence is scattered throughout in the form of metallic accents, romantic draping and premium fabrics – just look to Rabanne SS24 or Balmain SS22. We’re taking day-to-day ‘fitspo from the latter: mix gold or silver-detailed skirts with slouchy tops.
ASOS LOVES:
ASOS DESIGN mesh sheer cap sleeve maxi dress with exposed seams and full hem in plum, £45
Topshop sheer metallic long sleeve top in gunmetal, £36
Miss Selfridge godet insert maxi skirt in brown, £39.99
The OG It-girl of castlecore, Joan of Arc, and her common depiction in chainmail and suits of armour has inspired everything from Alexander McQueen's FW98 collection to Zendaya’s 2018 Met Gala look and most recently, Dior Resort 2025. Dressing like an Elden Ring character may not be your cuppa though, so add touches of metal into your looks instead. Examples include a festival-ready slouchy dress + belt combo, silver heels for out-out occasions, or layer retro-style jewellery.
ASOS LOVES:
COLLUSION chainmail backless mini dress in silver, £28.99
ASOS DESIGN necklace with mixed pearl and chain detail in silver tone, £16
Bronx New Camperos biker ankle boots in bronze, £140
Pictures: ASOS and Getty
We're back in the age of ultra-femme details like ruffles, cinched corsets and puffy silhouettes, but in a gothic Victorian, Bride of Chucky kind of way, not a Bridgerton kind of way. Cute pleated minidress? Make that dark dirty leather. Girly lace tights with bows? Cop a black pair instead and you’re all set. Our take on castlecore subverts 2023's coquette craze – that also means vampy makeup’s your go-to, apologies to the soft glam loyalists.
ASOS LOVES:
Murci exclusive leather look sleeveless buckle detail pleated mini dress in brown, £69
Topshop satin halter with lace trim in ivory, £32
Taideux fuller bust Regina satin off shoulder boned corset top in cream, £99
Collective The Label Halterneck corset crop top in black pu, £46
