What is a pin-up dress?

A pin-up dress takes its cues from 1940s and 1950s pin-up illustrations and photos: a defined waist, a flattering neckline, a full or fitted skirt, and prints like polka dots, cherries or florals. It overlaps with rockabilly style, which is tied to 1950s rock and roll, and remains a staple of the retro scene.

How do you style a goth dress?

A long goth dress pairs well with boots or platform shoes and a fitted jacket or long black coat. A shorter version works with fishnet tights and boots. Accessories such as jewelry, a buckled belt or lace gloves finish the look without overloading it, so let one statement piece lead the outfit.

How do I choose the right size for a rockabilly dress?

Measure your bust and waist, then use the size chart on the EMP product page, since cuts vary from brand to brand. Swing dresses are fitted through the bust and waist, so those measurements matter most. It is also worth checking the fabric content for elastane, which adds some give.

Who sells the dresses listed on Vinyles.com?

Every dress in this collection is sold by EMP, an online store specializing in band merchandise and alternative fashion. Vinyles.com lists the items and links to EMP through the button on each product page, and price, sizes, shipping and returns are handled under EMP's terms.

Official merch shop

Licensed T-shirts, hoodies and accessories from your favourite artists, sold by EMP.

Goth Dresses, Pin-Up and Rockabilly Styles: Finding Your Cut

Gothic dresses, pin-up and rockabilly styles in one collection

Whether you want a goth dress in velvet or lace, a polka-dot pin-up swing dress or a rockabilly party frock, this collection gathers mini, midi and maxi dresses from the EMP selection listed on Vinyles.com. The brands you'll see most are H&R London, Hell Bunny, Killstar, Voodoo Vixen, Gothicana by EMP, Jawbreaker and KIHILIST by KILLSTAR, with Urban Classics adding more casual everyday dresses.

Every dress is sold by EMP, an online store specializing in band merchandise and alternative fashion. The "View on EMP" button on each product page opens the item at EMP, and price, sizes, stock, shipping and returns follow EMP's own terms.

Rockabilly and pin-up dresses: the 1950s silhouette

Rockabilly and pin-up fashion draws on the styles of the 1940s and 1950s: a defined waist, full skirt, sweetheart or Peter Pan collar, and prints like polka dots, cherries, florals or gingham. A swing dress flares from the waist and is often worn with a petticoat for extra volume, while a pencil dress stays fitted down to the knee. For this look, check out Hell Bunny, H&R London, Voodoo Vixen, Banned Retro, Belsira, Vive Maria and Queen Kerosin.

Gothic dresses, long or short: brands worth knowing

Gothic dresses borrow from the look that grew around the post-punk and goth scene of the late 1970s and 1980s: mostly black, with velvet, lace, lacing and moon, cross or bat motifs. Long, flowing gothic maxi dresses sit alongside shorter, edgier cuts. Killstar and KIHILIST by KILLSTAR, Gothicana by EMP, Poizen Industries, Banned Alternative, Sinister Gothic and Vixxsin all cover this style, and Killstar also has dedicated lines, including its collaboration with the band Motionless In White (Motionless In White by Killstar) and The Exorcist by Killstar.

Sizing, fabric and care

A fitted dress is less forgiving than a tee, so take your bust, waist and length measurements and check them against the size chart on the EMP product page, noting whether the fabric has stretch. Velvet, lace and petticoat styles need gentle care, often hand washing or a delicate cycle, but the care label always decides. Jackets and tops from the same selection are in the other merch categories if you want to complete the outfit.