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I’d like to think our current obsession with the dark romance aesthetic started back in 2005, when a lion fell in love with a lamb. She was a girl, he was a vampire… can I make it any more obvious?
The girlies who obsessed over Alice Swan’s outfits are now all grown up, cutting bobs and buying corsets. Naturally, dark romance is an even bigger genre today than it was when Twilight came out. There are so many problematic romantic leads to obsess over these days—and more importantly, outfits to put together to cosplay a favorite character.
Emily Keyes, aka the Romance Writing Specialist, defines dark romance on her website as “a sub-genre defined by the dark elements within it.” The stories can take place in historical, fantastical, paranormal, or contemporary settings. Or right at home, wherever you are! If you work your closet right.
Ahead, discover everything there is to know about this fall’s shadowy yet chic dark romance trend.
The Dark Romance Fashion Trend
RIP The Vampire’s Wife—you would’ve loved fall 2025.
Outside the bookstore, we’re seeing dark romance pop up on the runways and red carpets. Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Season 2 press tour looks are a perfect example, as is the loved-up Morticia Addams’ style in any Addams Family iteration. Anything Dilara Findikoglu makes is perfectly suited for the trend, including the brand’s collaboration with Kylie Jenner’s Khy, a collection of pieces that “draw inspiration from fairy tales and historical costuming for a fantastical, darkly romantic lineup.”
@dilaragindikoglu / Instagram / Getty Images / Byrdie
We saw a glimpse of what was to come in the realm of dark romance style during New York Fashion Week earlier this year. So many designers utilized romantic fantasy motifs in their collections: Meruert Tolegen, Collina Strada, Alice + Olivia. The runways were full of black, lace, and brocade—sometimes all at once. Blumarine captured the dark romance essence around the same time while showing in Milan, and Valentino continues to do it up—they’ve been a blueprint for a long, long time.
Moving away from the runways, we’ve been seeing a lot of boho looks on our Instagram feeds, fueling our appetites for ruffles and maxis. It makes sense those same flowy designs and bell-sleeved tops would transition into fall.
Last winter, we were also getting into some vampiric styles. Our clothes took a more romantic turn come spring, and now that the weather is cooling we’re combining the two approaches. Ethereal girl summer let us fulfill some whimsigoth fantasies, and it’s now time to tune into our shadow a bit more.
@khy / Instagram / Getty Images / Byrdie
How to Wear the Dark Romance Trend
To find your perfect dark romance look, picture yourself on the cover of an ’80s novel. There’s a stormy sky and castle in the background. You’re running down a hill in drape-y clothes and your hair is blown out to the max.
Key components of dark romance fashion include corsets, flowy skirts, fitted peacoats, and so much frill and lace. The color palette is dark and moody—think blacks, maroons, and deep jewel tones in heavy fabrics. Beige can work, but white is typically too bright. No one should subscribe to the “no white after Labor Day” rule… unless they’re having a dark romance fall.
Getty Images / Byrdie
Really though: A fun part about adding dark romance to your wardrobe is you can make it as dramatic as you’d like. I will say the more dramatic, the better—but no one will be mad at you if you opt into the trend with a simple lace tank top.
Copenhagen Fashion Week was full of expertly utilized and layered dark romance pieces. Think satin maxi skirts with rich sweaters tossed on top—from your lover’s closet, obviously—or embellished gowns topped with a leather jacket à la Rihanna at the Smurfs premiere. (Keyes did say the dark romance setting is flexible.)
Shop the Dark Romance Trend
Sure, it’s all a little much. But it can also be quite cozy. Like a dinner for two, lit by candelabras. Keep scrolling to discover some of our favorite dark romance pieces for this fall and all eternities after; love (and a good lace turtleneck) never dies.
