Gothabilly , also known as Hellbilly , is a subculture that merges the classic sounds and styles of 1950s American Rockabilly with the dark sensibilities of the Goth subculture. Emerging as a distinct style in the 1990s, its musical roots can be traced to the late 1970s with bands like The Cramps, who blended rock and roll with macabre, B-movie horror themes.

The fashion is a "dark pin-up " look, combining traditional Rockabilly silhouettes (such as wiggle dresses, pencil skirts, and high-waisted shorts) with a gothic palette of black, red, and deep purples. These garments are often adorned with macabre or kitschy horror motifs like skulls, bats, spiderwebs, and zombies, alongside classic retro patterns like polka dots and leopard print.

The aesthetic is completed with vintage-inspired hairstyles, such as victory rolls and Bettie bangs, and makeup that fuses the classic cat-eye liner of the 1950s with the darker, more dramatic lipstick and eyeshadow of the Goth scene.

First used in the late 70s by The Cramps to describe their somber blend of rockabilly and punk rock. Thus, Goth and Rockabilly came together, in music and fashion, creating the Gothabilly. The style has also been linked to Deathrock, since there’s heavy amounts of love for vintage horror and dark humor. Goth rock is blended with the blues and country, a less aggressive form of one of its inspirations, Psychobilly. There’s an old retro rock n’ roll feel in Gothabilly, along with its dark and morbid tendencies that draw many people to the subculture.

Gothabilly fashion combines elements of gothic and rockabilly styles. A typical Gothabilly outfit includes a vintage-inspired rockabilly dress with gothic accessories like fishnet stockings, chokers, cardigans and platform shoes. This combination creates a perfect blend of edgy and retro vibes. Contrasting colors such as black and red, purple and pink, and blue and green can help make a statement with a Gothabilly outfit.

For example, you can pair a black leather jacket with a bright red or electric blue rockabilly dress. This contrast adds visual interest and highlights the fusion of different styles. Rockabilly fashion often features retro prints like polka dots, animal print, cherries, swallows, or skulls. You can incorporate these prints into your Gothabilly outfit by choosing a dress or top with a retro-inspired pattern. Pair it with gothic accessories and dark makeup to complete the look.

Accessorizing is key to achieving the Gothabilly aesthetic. Look for vintage-inspired jewelry pieces like cameo brooches, skull earrings, or spiderweb necklaces. These accessories add a touch of gothic elegance to your outfit. Hairstyle can greatly enhance your Gothabilly look. Victory rolls, pin-up curls, or a sleek black bob with bangs are a great staple that complement the retro and edgy elements of the Gothabilly aesthetic. Some components of the style may include some Fetish Goth elements with its use of black silks, satins, lace and velvet, corsets, top hats, antique jewelry, PVC, and leather.

Gothabilly music has a distinct sound that’s different from Psychobilly , while Psychobilly fuses 1950s rockabilly with 1970s punk rock in a faster, more aggressive sound, vintage monster movies and grease-stained '60s garage rock, Gothabilly fuses the bluesy side of rockabilly with gothic piano and guitar, and is defined by having slower tempos and emphasizing mood over aggression.