Little did Charles Addams know that when his comic character appeared in 1938, he would spark the beginning of one of the most iconic goth babes. Below are pictures of the original comics featuring Morticia.
The Dress
Usually depicted with a plunge neckline, Morticia's dress was sometimes a scoop neckline instead. The drape changes from angling left to angling right. They could be different gowns, though it could suggest movement as well, possibly making this a bias-cut piece (common in the 1930s and allowing for more movement).
There is no mention of the fabric which comprises her gown. H. Kevin Miserocchi mentions "gauze" in The Addams Family: an Evilution, though it is unclear who specifically dictated this fact.
In this and other illustrations, the neckline appears to have a cowl-neck appearance.
She is perhaps wearing layers as the sleeves are tattered in two spots: along the 3/4 length line and at the elbow.
Other Outfits
This hooded mini-cape is worn by someone attending the movies with Fester. It could be a friend as the face looks very little like Tish as we know her. It could perhaps be her on an off-day.
The umbrella: often recreated with a pagoda-style umbrella or lace, this is a simple period-accurate piece. They seem to care more about function than fashion.
The Makeup
Her appearance is of the "undead" so one might assume her pale complexion and dark lips are simply a side effect of her natural state. However, if it is a created look on her part, the few colored drawings we have of Morticia usually depict black lips with pale skin. There are a handful of illustrations where she appears to have no eye makeup at all and others where eye shadow is donned.
This picture with no context features an all-natural lip.
Although a potentially unpublished comic, her lips appear untainted.
There are a very few where her lips are red. Her eyebrows are high, arched, and rounded (similar to 30s starlets). This would make perfect sense as she first appeared in the late 30s. Many women tend to cling to some trends of their adult youth.
The Shawl
They are usually tattered-looking or feature tassels on the ends. Likely not a triangle shawl, judging by the shape.
It almost looks like a kind of sweater here as it clings to her arms.
This one might perhaps be a triangle shawl wrapped around her. There are faint lines drawn at the top while her left arm is slightly visible. These could be interpreted as stripes, though it seems likely to be a lacy shawl due to its slightly sheer nature.
The Hair
On her debut in 1938, the unnamed glamour ghoul had her hair pinned back in a low bun.
Two strands drape down each side
It is typically straight, appearing have a slight wave as its silky strands fall on her collar bone and chest.
The Shoes
With her feet typically hidden from view, here her bare toes can be seen: no stockings, no heels. Although it is maybe sexier to imagine she struggles with heels underneath that fitted frock, she appears to keep things very comfortable.
Fingernails
Given all of her hobbies, it would be almost miraculous to have manicured nails. It is no surprise that in very few (one or two) her nails display polish.
An illustration with nail polish
Hobbies
Seen moonbathing, appreciating nature, gardening, going out to eat, knitting, tending to pets, watching tv and home movies, taking car and boat rides, occasionally shopping to her dismay, playing cards, reading (though not necessarily fiction), helping in the kitchen, and spending time with family.
Notice she's not a Barbie: two or three outfits for all occasions.
Lingerie? Don't see anything special here...
Considered by many to be the original glamour ghoul, goth, fashion icon of darkness, Morticia Addams shows us simplicity with her fitted wardrobe of black. Shopping very little, her clothing is thread-bare, but her heart is full for her family.
