Building a Witchy Capsule Wardrobe

The idea of witches has been haunting humankind across continents for centuries. What began as a real-life hysteria that resulted in countless deaths has been reclaimed over time, celebrated in popular television shows (Charmed, Bewitched, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) and movies (The Craft, Practical Magic, Kiki’s Delivery Service), and even becoming a family-friendly Halloween tradition. Though things like witch trials and witch hunts sound like absurd concepts from a distant and radically ignorant time, in reality accusations of witchcraft continue to be taken seriously in multiple countries to this day. But for those of us lucky enough to live without fear of being criminally accused of collaborating with the devil, we can now have a little fun with the “witch” label.

Unsurprisingly, musicians have long embraced the witchy look. Fleetwood Mac frontwoman Stevie Nicks is probably considered by most to have the ultimate witchy rock star aesthetic, complete with an on-stage style of billowing bell sleeves and a discography full of supernatural songs. But it doesn’t end there. Florence Welch’s ethereal closet of flowing vintage gowns prompted Rolling Stone to describe her as “the Stevie Nicks of the Twilight generation,” while Kate Bush has created a style and sound that has inspired many a “is Kate Bush a witch?” Google search. Lorde’s predominantly black wardrobe and unconventional movements have also garnered plenty of discussion. “People keep asking me what I will be for Halloween and my answer is that I am Halloween,” she once tweeted.

Though the most common visual presentation of a witch involves a green-skinned woman in a pointy hat riding a broom, a modern witchy wardrobe is decidedly more stylish. With a combination of flowy chiffons, lustrous velvets, chunky knits, tough leathers, delicate silks, and intricate lace fabrics, it’s a look that is made all the more impactful due to its layers and textures. A little goth, a little bohemian, a little mystical – a witchy wardrobe can be a fun and spooky style to wear year-round, not just in October. If parsing the look down to a capsule-worthy fifteen pieces, these are the witchy essentials.

Whether it’s got billowing layers of ruffles or a sleek, simple cut; whether it’s a dress adorned with the most dramatic bell sleeves or a shoulder-baring style with no sleeves at all, the black maxi dress is probably the quintessential witchy garment. And while pretty details can be enticing, don’t overlook the potential of a basic black maxi. Though it may appear plain on its own, treat it like a canvas onto which you can create endless accessorizing opportunities. Top it with a velvet jacket, wrap it in a chunky belt, or pair it with some lace-up boots, and you’ve upgraded that nondescript dress and turned it into the ideal witchy outfit.

Pictured above, left to right:
R.Vivimos Cotton Backless Dress
Eleter V-Neck Lace Romper Dress
Amoretu Long Sleeve Off Shoulder Dress
Punk Rave Lace Split Sleeve Dress

Perhaps the most extravagant item in any witchy wardrobe is an ornate kimono. It’s all in the details: look for fringe, beading, embroidery, sequins, or scalloped lace hems. This is a piece where embellishment is key, so don’t go for understated!

Pictured above, left to right:
Bsubseach Lace Crochet Open Front Kimono
PrettyGuide Beaded Fringed Oversized Shawl
Genovega Burnout Velvet Kimono Cardigan
FINCATI Eyelash Lace Oversized Kimono Robe

The little black dress is a staple for many women, and that’s no different when it comes to a witchy one. When you’re wanting to wear a dress but don’t want quite as much coverage as a maxi provides, a midi, mini, or cocktail-length LBD fits the bill. And if you’re wanting to add a little color to your closet, feel free! Deep burgundy, rich purple, and earthy olive green will mix in easily.

Pictured above, left to right:
Inorin Velvet V Neck Bell Sleeve Dress
VIVICASLTE Flare Bell Sleeve Mini Dress
LAI MENG FIVE CATS Faux Leather Dress
MISSLOOK Loose Tunic V Neck Ruffle Dress

Stevie Nicks wouldn’t settle for bland outerwear, and neither should you. This is another opportunity to add some eye-catching details to your wardrobe: take things in an edgy rock ‘n’ roll direction with a motorcycle jacket, keep it romantic with a soft velvet blazer, or go for a unique, structured cape.

Pictured above, left to right:
R.Vivimos Ruffled Asymmetric Velvet Jacket
Chouyatou Studded Faux Leather Biker Jacket
Futurino Open Front Velvet Jacket
ASMAX Open Front Longline Blazer Cape

Modernize a vintage-inspired blouse, or juxtapose an oversized top effortlessly with a pair of black skinny jeans or leggings. Keep it basic, or elevate them by choosing fun fabrics like velvet and faux leather, or cool details like corset lacing and patterned designs.

Pictured above, left to right:
Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Skinny Jean
Tagoo Faux Leather Leggings
Dearlovers Lace Up Front Leggings
Cemi Ceri J2 Love Velvet Leggings

Can you really call it a witchy wardrobe if you don’t have at least one garment you can dramatically swoop around in? A drapey, oversized top pairs perfectly with leggings and skinny jeans, and creates quite a striking silhouette. Look for loose batwing sweaters and asymmetrical, cape-like tops.

Pictured above, left to right:
Vivicastle Loose Batwing Dolman Tunic
Exlura Off Shoulder Batwing Sweater
PRETTYGARDEN Asymmetrical Shirt
BELONGSCI Balloon Sleeve V-Neck Blouse

Another versatile, witchy staple is the black maxi skirt. Whether you dress it up with a silky tank or heels, or dress it down with a band tee and boots, it will work for almost any season or situation.

Pictured above, left to right:
Lock and Love High Waist Maxi Skirt
HEYHUN Boho Lace Maxi Skirt
[BLANKNYC] Vegan Leather Maxi Skirt
BCBGMAXAZRIA Pleated Maxi Skirt

A delicate lace shirt works beautifully in any witchy wardrobe, especially when the dainty, vintage aspect of the fabric is contrasted against something decidedly more modern, like a leather jacket or skinny jean. Whether it’s a summer-appropriate crop top or a turtleneck sweater with lacey puffed sleeves, the lace shirt is practically a witchy prerequisite.

Pictured above, left to right:
Grabsa Scalloped Sheer Floral Lace Blouse
Floerns High Neck Lace Lantern Sleeve Blouse
Tobrief Sheer Mesh Lace Peplum Top
MakeMeChic Scallop Trim Lace Crop Top

Who doesn’t love a good graphic tee? This casual basic can be incorporated into a witchy wardrobe with ease, especially if its print features subject matter involving paganism, witchcraft, astrology, tarot, voodoo, or the occult.

Pictured above, left to right:
Witchy Woman T-Shirt
Mortus Viventi Lovers Tarot Card T-Shirt
Goth Moth and Crescent Moon T-Shirt
Marie Laveau New Orleans Voodoo T-Shirt

No other shoe style fits a witchy look better than the lace-up boot. Add a grunge touch with some chunky combat boots, make it sexy with buckle-adorned snakeskin, or go all out with some thigh-highs to peak out from under a lace maxi dress.

Pictured above, left to right:
Allegra K Platform Chunky Lace-Up Boots
Forever Over-The-Knee Boots
MACKIN J Pointed Toe Buckle Boots
Dr. Martens Heeled Kendra Boots

Keep the pointy hat in the costume drawer, and make a wide-brimmed fedora your new classic. It’s great for staying spooky while keeping the sun out of your eyes at the same time. 😉

Pictured above, left to right:
Restyle Wool Witch Hat
Lanzom Wide Brim Fedora
Clecibor Woolen Felt Fedora
Lanzom Classic Wide Brim Panama Hat

You can change the entire vibe of an outfit just by changing your tights. Make it sweet with florals, cosmic with stars and moons, or turn heads with gothic crosses, pentagrams and serpents. If funky patterns aren’t your thing, go for a more simple sheer or fishnet style.

Pictured above, left to right:
Leg Avenue Celestial Fishnet Tights
Leg Avenue Snake Fishnet Tights
Leg Avenue Cross Fishnet Tights
Leg Avenue Pentagram Fishnet Tights

Make a statement with a nature-inspired necklace. Keep things earth-oriented with colorful geodes, animal skulls and taxidermy pendants, but why stop at just one? Layer on the crystals on chains of various lengths to complete the look.

Pictured above, left to right:
MJartoria Moon Pentagram Necklace Set
YOOE Crow Skull Necklace
Restyle Moon Phases Long Necklace
Bivei Wire Wrap Quartz Crystal Necklace

Few things can alter the look of an outfit as much as the addition of a belt. Define the waist of a flowy dress with a wide one, or add Victorian-esque details with a corset style lace-up variation.

Pictured above, left to right:
GRACE KARIN Lace-Up Corset Belt
Calvin Klein Linen Stretch Belt
KOL Fashion Lace Elastic Corset Belt
Syuer Retro Cinch Belt

Now that you’ve got a witchy wardrobe, add the finishing touches via your make-up choices. Create a smoky eye with a cool-toned neutral eyeshadow palette, then add lip and nail colors in shades of burgundy and black. Voila! You’re one witchy woman!

Pictured above, left to right:
Lime Crime Venus Immortalis Palette
MAC Satin Lipstick in Cyber
OPI Nail Lacquer in Black Onyx
Wet N Wild Rebel Rose Makeup Box Set