Goldrock look and feel guide
Overview
Industrialised, noisy, overcrowded, slums, pollution, poverty, class divide, sanitation and health problems, oppressive, brutal, crime, gangs, fortitude, endurance.
Goldrock takes inspiration from the towns and cities of the Industrial Revolution, such as Birmingham, the Black Country, Manchester, Newcastle, Bolton, Sheffield, Leeds, and Glasgow during the mid-Victorian era, around 1860. These cities are vastly overcrowded, with all but the upper class living in abject poverty, working long, oppressive hours in dangerous jobs for very little pay. Breaks from this harsh existence are rare. For many, the only reprieve is attending church on a Sunday morning, where they are reminded to be grateful for what little they have. Some still find this preferable to the long hours spent in mills, factories, and mines.
It is this level of poverty that dictates the style of clothing for most Goldrock citizens. Practicality takes precedence, with many resenting the fancier styles found elsewhere in Saxum in favour of hard-wearing garments that last longer. Hand-me-downs are a necessity rather than a choice, and it is common to see people wearing clothing that is well worn and in various states of repair, typically in muted colours. However, there are exceptions. Criminals and the small middle class may opt for bolder colours, while the upper class, including both old-money aristocrats and new-money factory owners, flaunt their wealth with the finest materials and tailoring available.
A universal rule in Goldrock is that weapons are not openly carried. Some wish to avoid the attention of the law, while others prefer to pay for protection rather than handle it themselves. Pistols and knives, if carried, are done so discreetly, hidden beneath jackets, skirts, or dresses.
We also have a Pinterest to give a visual aid to the themes of Goldrock clothing:
Influences
The industrial revolution of the mid 19th Century in Britain.
Colours
Materials
Linen, wool, cotton and possibly canvas (with fancier things like silk reserved for the Upper-class)
Clothing
Goldrock fashion is dictated by necessity, class, and wealth. The poor have very few sets of clothes, often wearing the same garments until they are patched and threadbare. In contrast, the middle class, and especially the upper class, have multiple outfits, with the wealthiest able to afford well-tailored and finely made garments. Practicality remains a key factor in clothing choices, but status is still displayed through fabric quality, fit, and accessories.
Flat caps are worn by all classes, making them the most common headwear. The upper class, however, may also wear bowler or top hats as a sign of status. Headscarves and bonnets are frequently seen, particularly paired with skirts and dresses.
Coats vary depending on wealth. The working class favour sack coats or occasionally fitted coats with large shawl collars, providing warmth without extravagance. The middle and upper classes have more variation, with coats tailored to fit better and made from finer materials. Waistcoats are a common feature across all classes, typically single- or double-breasted, with richer individuals opting for higher-quality fabrics and detailing.
Shirts may be collared or collarless, with the working class wearing simpler designs. The upper class and some middle-class individuals can afford more refined shirts, often with separate, detachable collars. Ties also reflect wealth and status. The working class wear simple wraps, which can double as rags when needed, while the middle and upper classes favour more structured styles, such as neckties, bow ties, and cravats.
Trousers are always full-length and are usually held up by braces, though belts are not uncommon. Those wearing skirts and dresses typically favour full-length designs, made to be practical and long-lasting, ensuring they endure daily wear while maintaining a respectable appearance.
Jewellery and decoration
For most in Goldrock, jewellery is rarely worn. Rings and necklaces pose a danger in factories and mills, where they can easily get caught in machinery. More importantly, few can afford such luxuries. The exception is small, simple pieces passed down through generations, treasured heirlooms that are often reserved for wearing to church.
The middle class, as well as those involved in criminal enterprises, are more likely to wear jewellery as a means of displaying wealth. Pocket watches are particularly popular among those who can afford them. The upper class, by contrast, have no reservations about flaunting their status. They adorn themselves with fine jewellery and accessories, including ornate rings, necklaces, tie pins, and decorative pocket watches. Accessories such as walking canes, parasols, and fans are also common symbols of wealth and refinement.
Less Appropriate
Goldrock is firmly rooted in the mid-Victorian era, around 1860, and draws inspiration from the industrial cities of that time. Clothing that strays too far from this period or setting can feel out of place.
Avoid styles from later periods, such as the late Victorian and early 20th century, including fashions associated with media like Peaky Blinders. Steampunk elements, such as goggles, elaborate brass detailing, or exaggerated tailoring, are also not appropriate for this setting.
Denim is not commonly worn in Goldrock, nor are modern leather waistcoats, which are more associated with later biker and western aesthetics than industrial-era workwear. Clothing should reflect the harsh reality of life in Goldrock. The poor should not be dressed in pristine, perfectly tailored outfits, as this does not fit the setting. Clothes should look worn-in, practical, and in some cases, patched or repaired rather than brand new.
Further Inspiration
While this guide provides a strong foundation for the look and feel of Goldrock, players are encouraged to explore additional sources for inspiration. Historical references, films, and games can all provide useful insight into period-appropriate clothing and styles.
The following sources can help develop a more authentic and immersive aesthetic:
- Penny Dreadful (2004 - 2006) – The dark and gritty portrayal of Victorian London captures much of the atmosphere of Goldrock.
- A Thousand Blows (2025) – The harsh, unforgiving nature of life in this story aligns with the struggles faced by the poor in Goldrock.
- Oliver! (1968) – This adaptation of Dickens’ classic story highlights the squalor and poverty that is central to Goldrock's lower classes.
- Sherlock Holmes – Both the stories and their various adaptations showcase Victorian fashion, from the middle class to the aristocracy.
- Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) – A tale of crime, poverty, and class conflict in Victorian London, offering a rich visual and thematic inspiration.
- The Industrial Revolution – Photographs, paintings, and historical documents depicting the crowded, polluted conditions of industrial cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool.
- Charles Dickens’ Works – Stories like Hard Times and David Copperfield vividly depict the struggles of the working class and the divisions between the rich and poor in Victorian society.