Jenna Ortega’s gothic fashion in Wednesday is going viral across platforms

In a cultural moment where television, fashion, and social media are tightly woven, the Netflix series Wednesday has ignited a global resurgence of gothic fashion, driven by the magnetic style of lead actress Jenna Ortega. As Wednesday Addams, Ortega has become more than a character—she’s a symbol of a new wave of aesthetic expression among Gen Z, transforming subcultural fashion into a mainstream movement.

From pinstriped Fendi gowns to vintage corset-inspired silhouettes, Jenna Ortega’s bold red carpet choices are redefining how the world sees gothic fashion. But the influence doesn’t stop at premieres and paparazzi—it spills over into the feeds of TikTok, inspiring millions of teens to emulate the modern gothic aesthetic. In this article, we explore how Wednesday is shaping the gothic trend, how Ortega’s stylistic choices are elevating the look, and why this fashion movement is more than just a seasonal fad.

Jenna Ortega’s Gothic Fashion Evolution: A Character Becomes a Muse

The gothic transformation of Jenna Ortega began with her role in Wednesday, but it’s expanded far beyond the screen. At the Australian premiere of Wednesday Season 2, Ortega appeared in a pinstriped Fendi dress with a matching fur coat, perfectly capturing the cold elegance of gothic style. Her thin eyebrows, layered chains, and center-parted hair echoed the character’s essence while adding a high-fashion twist.

A few weeks earlier in New York, she wore a black silk slip dress with cut-out leather straps by Belgian designer Ann Demeulemeester. Paired with knee-high corset boots, the outfit exuded a theatrical yet sophisticated gothic-romantic appeal. These choices weren’t accidental—they were calculated nods to gothic fashion history, now updated for the digital age.

Jenna Ortega’s wardrobe isn’t just designed to promote a TV show. It’s a reflection of a wider movement, where fashion meets character identity. Each outfit reinforces the aesthetic of Wednesday Addams while giving Ortega her own voice as a gothic fashion icon.

From Netflix to TikTok: The Viral Influence of Wednesday’s Style

While Ortega’s appearances on red carpets may draw headlines, the real viral energy of gothic fashion stems from social media, particularly TikTok. On the platform, thousands of creators—many teenagers—post videos recreating Wednesday-inspired looks. The trend typically includes center-parted sleek hair, smoky or smudged eyeliner, and tight black clothing that echoes Wednesday’s classic silhouette.

The paradox is striking: in trying to emulate the “weird girl” aesthetic, millions are now adopting the very style that used to stand outside the mainstream. It’s not just about rebellion—it’s about self-expression.

In an interview, Ortega acknowledged the emotional connection between character and fashion:

“I think gothic fashion gives a voice to people who feel different or misunderstood, and Wednesday is definitely one of those characters. Wearing these clothes helps me get into her mindset. It’s not just clothing—it’s a way of showing who she is inside.”

Her comment speaks to why the gothic fashion craze resonates so deeply—it’s not simply about looking different, but about owning your identity in a world that often demands conformity.

The Gothic Revival: Lingerie, Crosses, and High Fashion Influence

Ortega’s gothic wardrobe goes far beyond black dresses. Her looks are artfully layered with lingerie-inspired designs, silver crosses, latex fabrics, and nods to Victorian and Elizabethan fashion—all of which have roots in gothic subculture. For example, at a Seth Meyers appearance, she wore a deconstructed lingerie dress by Elena Walz, while her Paris premiere look—a corset dress by Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood—showcased the blending of gothic with haute couture.

Her stylist, Enrique Melendez, is a key figure in shaping this aesthetic. He frequently sources from avant-garde and alternative designers, such as a high-neck latex gown by Mohammed Ashi that Ortega wore at the UK premiere. The gown fused corsetry with futurist tailoring, proving that gothic fashion can be both historical and progressive.

Gothic Fashion: From Subculture to Global Trend

Though gothic fashion has roots in the European underground of the 1980s and ’90s, its current revival is international. Influences range from gothic literature and medieval architecture to the sound and visuals of post-punk bands and New Romantic icons. Key characteristics include dark color palettes, high collars, lace or sheer fabrics, and symbolic accessories like crosses, chains, and silver rings.

Designers such as Rick Owens (often dubbed the “god of darkness”) have long represented the gothic aesthetic on high-fashion runways. Recently, luxury brands like Alexander McQueen, Dior, and Chanel have infused gothic elements into seasonal collections, further cementing its presence in mainstream fashion.

Even influencers like Gabbriette, the Italian-American fashion muse, are bringing gothic back into the limelight. Her appearance at the U.S. premiere of I Know What You Did Last Summer in a heavily gothic outfit drew comparisons to 1990s goth icons like Jennifer Love Hewitt.

The Subcultural Tension: Authenticity vs. Commercialization

Despite its mainstream appeal, gothic fashion is still rooted in subculture. Scholars like Dick Hebdige have described how subcultures communicate resistance through style. Similarly, Agnes Jasper of the University of Amsterdam has studied the Dutch gothic scene, where many participants resist being labeled as “goth” in order to preserve authenticity.

This tension is clearly visible today. As global brands adopt gothic fashion for commercial purposes, long-time followers of the subculture often push back, emphasizing individuality over trends. Gothic fashion, at its core, remains about internal identity—not mass appeal.

Yet in the current era, especially on platforms like TikTok, young people are finding ways to blend the personal with the popular. They’re not simply copying Ortega’s looks—they’re reinventing them, adding their own flair and cultural influences.

Retail Reflections: A Global Shift in Fashion Demand

Retailers are feeling the shift. At Miss Sunshine, a boutique in Tel Aviv known for gothic and alternative fashion, owner Alva Shafik has observed a surge in demand.

“It’s no longer just the niche fans wearing this. Younger teens, ages 15–20, are embracing extremes of the style,” she explained. “They’re confident, experimental, and it’s becoming very popular in Israel.”

The boutique, which once struggled to move gothic inventory, now sees teenagers blending Y2K fashion with Lolita-inspired gothic styles—a mix that reflects a new era of hybrid subcultures. According to Shafik, gothic fashion today is softer, more elegant, and more introspective than the traditional punk-goth style of previous decades.

“Many girls used to shop for skull prints but were told no by their parents,” she said. “Now, gothic fashion is on the rise among a new generation that wants something deeper.”

The Rise of a Generational Identity Through Fashion

What we’re seeing is more than a passing trend—gothic fashion is becoming a generational identity. For Gen Z, it offers a way to explore emotional depth, aesthetic boldness, and individualism in a digital world saturated with curated perfection.

Wednesday, with Jenna Ortega at its center, has become a cultural catalyst for this shift. The show’s visual style, its rebellious main character, and the powerful imagery of its promotional run have all contributed to a movement that resonates far beyond the screen.

As the second season airs and Ortega continues to evolve her personal style in public appearances, the influence of gothic fashion shows no signs of fading. In fact, it’s growing—one smoky eyeliner tutorial, corset dress, and center-parted hairstyle at a time.

Why Gothic Fashion Is Here to Stay

From its origins in subculture to its current presence on global red carpets and TikTok For You pages, gothic fashion has found new life through Wednesday and Jenna Ortega’s portrayal of its style. It speaks to a generation that values authenticity, emotion, and aesthetic power—and it does so with elegance, mystery, and defiant charm.

Whether it’s a high-fashion latex gown or a smudged eyeliner look recorded on a smartphone, gothic style is no longer confined to niche spaces. It’s evolving, expanding, and becoming a language of its own—one that young people everywhere are learning to speak fluently.