Mia Goth Is Dressing the Part As Our New Scream Queen

This year, director Ti West released two buzzy horror films—X and Pearl—that will eventually make up a trilogy (the third installment, MaXXXine, has no release date just yet). The center of the films is actor Mia Goth, who has commanded the screen with her portrayals of Maxine (a young, wannabe Hollywood star) and Pearl (a murderous elderly lady, who also shares a thirst for stardom). The two films are about much more than jumpscares—they’re a tale of striving for your dreams, and what terrifying lengths people will go to achieve them. 

The two films have already gained a large fanbase online, especially among Gen-Z audiences. On TikTok, there are countless compilation videos and fan edits dedicated to Goth’s captivating performances—especially that already infamous ending scene in Pearl, where she smiles and cries creepily while staring into the camera for six whole minutes. (Seriously unsettling.) Many of the comments have deemed her this generation’s new horror icon. “Mia Goth slays,” wrote one fan, “Literally!”

If Goth is 2020’s new scream queen—joining the ranks of icons like Jamie Lee Curtis, Neve Campbell, or Janet Leigh—then her red carpet style certainly reflects this. For her appearances on the step and repeat for both films, Goth has been channeling a dark, romantic aesthetic that reflects her now-signature film genre. Meaning, there’s been lots of head-to-toe black. But don’t think of her fashion choices as spooky: Goth has been leaning into demure but chic silhouettes that make a wardrobe devoid of color still interesting and fashion-forward.

Back in September, for instance, Goth attended the Venice Film Festival photocall for Pearl wearing Dolce & Gabbana’s fitted black corset dress, complete with sheer gloves, a babushka scarf, and Old Hollywood cat eye sunglasses. For the film’s premiere, she then switched into the label’s brocade column gown from the fall 2022 Alta Moda collection.