I was at the mall the other day, wandering aimlessly through my old favorite store Hot Topic, when I realized their selection wasn’t quite as rad as it used to be.
I found myself longing for the days of yore when Hot Topic was the epitome of emo/goth/alt style. Sigh.
As I wistfully paged through their band t-shirts, a revelation struck – there must be other stores out there that can satisfy my dark little heart!
So I did what any millennial would do, and crowdsourced ideas from my Instagram followers.
Thanks to their suggestions, I now have a list of 17 awesome Hot Topic alternatives to share with you fine people. Get ready to revamp your wardrobe!
Fun fact: I used to work at Hot Topic back in college.
Let’s just say I went through a pretty intense goth phase.
I may or may not have had a lip ring, chunky boots, and raccoon-esque black eyeliner permanently smudged under my eyes. I thought I was so edgy.
The real question is – where can we find the next Hot Topic now that the OG has lost its edge?
Dolls Kill
Dolls Kill has all the attitude of Hot Topic in its heyday, but with way more festival fashion inspo.
We’re talking kawaii tutus in pastel hues, holographic bomber jackets that shine like a disco ball under the sun, and plenty of fishnets to layer under your daisy dukes.
They also have a great selection of platform shoes ranging from demonia creepers to fluffy fur-lined sandals that would make even Lisa Frank jealous. I’m obsessed with their Y2K baby tee collection – everything is cropped with low rise pants in mind.
Grab a Paris Hilton velour track suit and heart-shaped sunnies to complete the 2000s hottie look. Another fun throwback are their selection of babydoll dresses with puff sleeves and corset ties, perfect for twirling around the dancefloor at a rave.
Overall Dolls Kill is the perfect store for that cool alt girl or guy who loves bright colors, standing out in a crowd, and nostalgic vibes from decades past.
Black Craft Cult
For the goth who isn’t ready to say goodbye to pentagrams, inverted crosses, and other dark imagery, Black Craft Cult has you covered.
Their t-shirts feature plenty of skulls, occult symbols, and sarcastic sayings to make you feel like one of the dark overlords. I’m currently obsessed with their “Coffin Case” iPhone cases that come in several ominous colorways.
They also have a great selection of creepy home decor like Ouija board throw pillows, candelabras, faux taxidermy bats, and more.
I recently picked up one of their antique-looking wall mirrors with a cool raven design forged into the frame.
It adds such an ominous vibe above my dresser. Black Craft Cult is definitely the place to get your Tim Burton on.
Bonus – they also have a selection of fragrances with names like “Black Mass” and “Undead Seduction” that pair perfectly with their creepy aesthetic.
Spencers
Ah, Spencer’s. It’s got all the nostalgia of pre-2010 Hot Topic, with novelty gifts and stoner gear galore.
They have tons of throwback band tees featuring names like Nirvana, Green Day, and Blink 182 – perfect for recapturing that 90s alt kid vibe.
I especially love their selection of plaid pants and Mini backpacks for going on punk rock adventures. They also have an epic collection of funky beaded jewelry, chokers, and hair accessories like scrunchies and claw clips.
Got a sweet tooth? Grab some sour candy or sprinkle-coated popcorn from the massive candy shop at the front.
Feeling parched? Peep their collection of cheeky soda cans and energy drinks with names like “Nice” and “Peace Out.” Oh, and of course Spencer’s is still the go-to for gag gifts, bachelorette party gear, adult onesies, and stoner accessories. It’s a veritable trip back to the mall goth days.
Nasty Gal
Nasty Gal has gone through plenty of ups and downs over the years, but one thing remains consistent – their cool grunge style clothing.
They offer tons of faux leather pieces like biker jackets, cargo pants, mini skirts, and more, so you can get that sleek rock n’ roll vibe.
I especially love their mesh and fishnet tops layered over cute bralettes – it reminds me of the bold style of 90s icons like Gwen Stefani.
Nasty Gal also carries super fun clubwear like minidresses with daring cutouts, perfect for dancing the night away.
And their shoe selection is killer – every gal needs a go-to pair of vegan leather thigh high boots. Finish off your Nasty Gal ‘fit with layered gold necklaces and delicate nose rings for that irresistible cool girl edge.
Lip Service
The name says it all – Lip Service offers risque tees and form-fitting dresses for the edgy vixen in all of us.
We’re talking corsets with heart shaped cups, mini skirts with buckles and straps galore, and bodysuits that hug every curve just right.
The bold slogans are giving me major 80s hair band vibes (“Addicted to Metal” and “Satan’s Angel” are personal faves).
I especially love their selection of fishnets and tights in every pattern imaginable – leopard, polka dot, glittery, striped.
They instantly add a sexy punk edge to any outfit. Finish off the look with their Demonia platforms, chokers, and dark lipstick for full vamp mode. Lip Service has all the Rock of Ages inspo your closet desires.
Iron Fist
Iron Fist carries creepy-cute clothing and accessories with skulls, rainbows, unicorns, and more.
They have an epic selection of shoes like platform creepers, slip on sneakers covered in skull prints, and thigh high boots with bold colors and studded straps.
I’m currently obsessed with their Killstar collab – think badass biker jackets and babydoll dresses splattered in blood red.
Iron Fist’s accessories are super fun too – don’t miss their fishnet gloves or chokers with Gothic charms. Grab some acid wash denim, a cheeky graphic tee, and get ready for your next color run or music festival in head-to-toe Iron Fist.
Dollskill
Dollskill is like modern Hot Topic’s wild younger sister. Their clothes are bold, bizarre, and not for the faint of heart.
Lots of their pieces give me 90s/Y2K vibes like cargo pants with bright printed flames, cropped fuzzy sweaters in every color, and butterfly hair clips galore.
They also carry ravewear like holographic choker tops and bell bottom pants covered in trippy prints.
Some of my fave finds are their jeans with embroidered gothic crosses all over and babydoll dresses with O-ring hardware.
Dollskill embraces anime-inspired pieces too, like schoolgirl skirts and saisai socks covered in sushi. Overall their aesthetic is fun, playful, and full of color. Alien babes – this is your new fave shopping spot!
Lazy Oaf
Lazy Oaf has the kind of quirky, casual pieces that make getting dressed fun. Their stuff is giving me major 90s Nickelodeon vibes with bold prints, jelly shoes, and splatters of color.
They have the cutest cropped tees and sweatshirts with phrases like “Alien Babe” and “Freak Show.” The patterns are reminiscent of Lisa Frank, but still totally wearable for adults.
I especially love their iridescent purses in fun blob shapes, as well as their colorful platform sandals that remind me of my childhood jelly shoes.
Grab a squishy glitter backpack, cute cami dress, and get ready for compliments galore! Lazy Oaf is a 90s dream.
Disturbia
For gen-z goths who want to pay homage to icons like Marilyn Manson and The Cure, Disturbia has all the vampy goodness your closet desires.
They offer tons of fishnets, shredded tops, and sweet lace-up boots in vinyl and velvet materials. Disturbia carries great basics too, like ribbed tank tops and striped thigh-high socks perfect for layering.
Some of my favorite finds are their maxi dresses with embroidered skull designs – so effortlessly spooky! I also love their selection of pleated miniskirts, chokers, and chunky boots that Cruela Deville would covet. A Disturbia ‘fit just feels so romantic, rebellious, and idyllic all at once.
Black Milk Clothing
Black Milk knows that fandom never goes out of style. Express your love for Harry Potter, Pokemon, superheroes and more through their unique leggings, dresses and swimwear.
Their Disney collabs are so fun and nostalgic! I have Little Mermaid leggings that always get compliments. They also embrace girl power themes with pieces featuring Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Frida Kahlo, and more inspiring women.
Black Milk uses super soft, stretchy fabrics so everything is comfy – perfect for lounging or a concert! Bonus – they use eco-friendly materials like recycled nylon. Grab a Sailor Moon tee, Golden Girls bomber jacket, and rep your fandom in style.
Killstar
Killstar embraces occult imagery with romantic, gothic style dresses and coords. You’ll find tons of lace, ruffles, and rich velvets that Lizzie Borden would approve of.
They carry basics like striped shirts and ribbed leggings for layering, along with dainty jewelry pieces like moon phase rings and charm anklets. Of course you’ll also find plenty of their signature pentagrams,inverted crosses, and buckles to goth it up.
I’m obsessed with Killstar’s cozy loungewear like their Baphomet hoodie and horror movie tank tops – because what’s comfier than worshipping Satan? Overall Killstar is the place to layer on all things darkly glam.
Tokyo Kawaii Life
For Harajuku sweetness with some creepy flair, look no further than Tokyo Kawaii Life. They offer pastel goth fashions like babydoll dresses and moon phase chokers embellished with pearls.
You’ll also find kawaii basics like striped thigh high socks and Blair Waldorf-esque headbands in soft pinks and lavenders.
Tokyo Kawaii Life embraces Japanese streetwear too – I’m loving their cropped anime graphic tees and colorful sneakers covered in glitter and rhinestones. Grab a unicorn backpack, sweet coord, and unleash your inner Shirley Temple goth.
Sourpuss
Sourpuss features rock n’ roll inspired clothing and accessories with plenty of studs, chains, and bold graphics.
They carry great basics like striped leggings, fishnets, and cropped band tees that can be endlessly mixed and matched. I especially love their plaid miniskirts with silver chain details, as well as their selection of edgy jewelry like spike chokers and safety pin earrings.
Their retro sunglasses remind me of the cool 90s shades everyone was rocking at Lollapalooza. Sourpuss also has rad outerwear pieces like faux leather moto jackets that add instant attitude to any outfit. Grab some high-waisted shorts, a Slipknot crop top, and get ready to mosh in your most rockin’ Sourpuss gear.
Rebel Circus
Rebel Circus embraces all forms of self expression – from rainbow unicorns to sugar skulls. They have the trippiest selection of printed pants that are giving me 1970s hippie vibes in the best way.
Think flare leg jeans covered in Pink Floyd album art – yes please! I’m also obsessed with their faux fur coats in lush colors like emerald green and royal purple. Rebel Circus carries all the staples too like striped thigh highs, bandanas, and chokers with fun charms.
They also have a great selection of creepy-cute home decor and accessories like holographic Ouija planchettes and rave-ready diffraction glasses. Peruse their selection of alternative threads and quirky goods for your most rebellious lewk.
Tragic Beautiful
For all the romantic souls out there, Tragic Beautiful has the Victorian-inspired threads of your dreams. We’re talking rich velvets, lace accents, and luxe silhouettes perfect for a modern day Stevie Nicks.
Tragic Beautiful does gothic glam so well – I especially love their corset dresses and draped capes that add drama to any look. Their floral maxi dresses splattered in black give me major 90s witchy vibes in the best way.
And their selection of delicate chokers, ear cuffs, and heirloom-looking rings provide the perfect moody finishing touches. One of my personal faves is their “Mistress of the Dark” tee featuring Elvira – it’s so deliciously retro.
I also adore their crushed velvet pants in jewel tones like emerald and sapphire. Pair them with a bell sleeve blouse and you’ll be feeling your paranormal romance fantasy. For bewitching sophistication, look no further than Tragic Beautiful.
Current Air
Current Air is on the cutting edge of alternative streetwear with an urban edge. Their clothing features dark palettes and deconstructed elements like raw hems and asymmetric cuts. If you love fashion-forward looks, you’ll find plenty of inspo here.
Current Air does killer collabs with brands like Stranger Things that will satisfy your need for all things sci-fi.
Their Futura collection also has bold graphic tees with a retro-futuristic vibe. Some of my favorite pieces are their cargo joggers with unique utility details, oversized band tees perfect for layering, and boxy cropped jackets with cool dystopian prints.
Current Air accessories complete the cyberpunk rebel look – think chain wallets, stacked jewelry, and cool holographic sneakers. Their innovative takes on alt style are perfect for the progressive dresser.
Jawbreaker
Edgy streetwear label Jawbreaker is bringing some bold Y2K flavor to the alt scene. Their clothing features bright colors, graffiti prints, and urban influenced silhouettes.
It’s perfect for the alt baddie who still wants to stand out. Jawbreaker carries tons of novelty pieces like cargo pants with animated flames and corsets made from actual soda can tabs – so cool! Their ironic graphic tees feature logos from retro brands like Blockbuster and Tower Records.
And I love their modern takes on Y2K accessories like chunky rhinestone belts, jelly shoes, and door knocker earrings. Jawbreaker also offers counterculture inspired designs, like social justice tees and LGBTQ pride pieces. Rep your identities and interests in their innovative, inclusive threads.
Rock Rebel
Long live rock n’ roll – that’s the mantra at Rock Rebel. This brand embraces musical countercultures past and present with band merch, grunge attire, and punk pieces.
You’ll find vintage tour tees, leather jackets splattered in studs, and counterculture slogan tops perfect for concerts.
The 90s nostalgia is real with their selection of plaid pants, choker necklaces, and cropped sweaters to channel your inner alt icons.
I also love Rock Rebel’s shoes – chunky Creepers, stacked combat boots, and platform sneakers ideal for stomping around in. And no rocker look is complete without their skull rings, piercings, and bold metal jewelry. Rock Rebel gives you the building blocks for your own rock n roll revolution.
