A lifelong Goth shares her tips on maintaining her look while traveling. What is a Goth? The first image that comes to mind might be someone like Wednesday Addams–a pallid and morose youth who listens to the Cure and hangs out in a graveyard. But if you get to know a few real-life Goths, you’ll discover a vibrant and multi-faceted subculture populated by individuals who share a passion for the “dark side.”

Goths are drawn to specific aesthetics (Victorian, horror), as well as musical genres (darkwave, industrial). They can, however, express themselves in a variety of ways, from futuristic cyber-girls with neon pink hair to charming frilly-dressed Japanese Gothic Lolitas. If you go to a Gothic club, you might be shocked by the huge range of styles available, which go beyond the eerie cliche of black clothing and white facepaint.

I've identified as a Goth since I was a teenager. I still feel most "myself" when I'm dressed in fishnets and leather and dancing with my buddies to Bela Lugosi's Dead at clubs. My La Carmina travel blog, which focuses on my Goth clothes across the world in places like Transylvania and Salem, has become a vocation for me.

Through my years of globetrotting, I’ve found it possible to maintain a dark aesthetic in pretty much all circumstances. With some clever choices, it’s possible to adapt a Goth wardrobe (or any underground style) for the office, the gym, or for traveling the world.

Here’s how I have visited over 70 countries, in all climates and conditions, and stayed true to my style. Perhaps you’ll be surprised by how these outfits are practical for a range of circumstances, yet maintain a signature touch of the macabre. Whether you identify as Goth or with another niche subculture, I hope these tips help you stay true to your personal expression while you’re on the road.

Airport Style

I routinely fly to Asia on trips that last more than 10 hours, so it's critical that I dress comfortably. However, rather than black sweatpants or gothic pants, I want to wear something more darkly elegant.

I recommend looking for comfortable clothes that feature animal prints, skulls, and other morbid motifs. On one of my last flights, I snuggled up in a faux fur leopard print jacket from Sourpuss and a 1991NewYork shirt printed with a Japanese devil.

Halloween is my favorite time of year to stock up on these cozy Gothic wardrobe staples. Many fashion labels, such as Wildfox, Urban Outfitters, and Modcloth release limited-edition items every October. Last fall, I found a sweater printed with candy corn and a scarf covered in flying bats.

I have very long purple hair, which I put up in two “space buns” to avoid getting caught in my backpack straps when I travel. Almost every time, airport security complements the color–and squeezes my bundled hair to make sure I’m not smuggling anything inside!

I don’t wear jewelry when flying as I find it cumbersome, and spiky accessories could be deemed dangerous by airport staff. Some of my Goth friends have body jewelry that they cannot take off. If these set off the metal detector, they simply have to show them to officials (and can request a private room if they prefer).

Winter Layers

During the colder months, I enjoy wearing flashy clothing. Goths could draw influence from Hollywood films and bygone eras to stand out amid a sea of black puffer coats.

You can wear a long leather trench coat like the ones in The Matrix if you prefer cyberpunk. Bundle up with hooded capes and rows of military buttons for an exquisite Victorian aesthetic.

As a disco fan, I was delighted to find a 1970s white coat with a furry collar in a vintage store. I recently wore a hot pink Mongolian lamb coat from Skandinavik to New York Fashion Week, along with tight gothic pants and a black beret.