You must not only act the part, but dress the part. That may mean 80s glam if you’re into covens that resemble The Witches of Eastwick or 90s gothic school girls if you’re a big, bad witch of the west like Nancy on The Craft. We tend to lean toward the aesthetic of the “white witch,” or what history refers to as a “wise woman” who practices magic for altruistic purposes. She’s cut from the same paranormal cloth as women like Stevie Nicks, whose nods to the occult in stylish numbers don’t look costumey. It’s a fine line to walk.
For runway-inspired ideas on building your own witchy wardrobe, click on the slideshow below and leave your cauldron at home. There’s no incantations required.
Witches
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Yigal Azrouël
A witch can never have too many long, black dresses. Black acts like a solar battery, soaking up energy and light, and strengthening your psychic abilities. Or so we've been told.
Image: Imaxtree
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DRKSHDW By Rick Owens
Long Dress, $625 at thecorner.com
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MICHAEL Michael Kors
Belted Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress, $250 at Neiman Marcus
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Comme des Garçons
A pointy red cape is essential when you want to keep your witchery on the DL.
Image: Imaxtree
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Saint Laurent
Hooded Wool Cape, $2,550 at Net-a-Porter
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Cushnie et Ochs
A sharp collar and a tall hat pay homage to the craft without creeping out your co-workers. A win-win for everyone.
Image: Imaxtree
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Karl Lagerfeld
Chain Wool-Felt Fedora, $230 at Net-a-Porter
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Giles
If you were making objects move while your peers were eating glue and finger painting, this dress has your name on it.
Image: Imaxtree
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Houghton
In 1987, Cher played a glam sculptor witch named Alexandra Medford in The Witches of Eastwick. If you didn't see the film, this gown by Houghton sums it up in a nutshell.
Image: Imaxtree
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John Rocha
For the baby witches who were weened on The Craft, here's your grown-up Catholic uniform in all its glory.
Image: Imaxtree
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MM6 Maison Martin Margiela
Broomsticks can be temperamental. A sturdy pair of boots under your dress will make sure you land on both feet.
Image: Imaxtree
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Alexander Wang
Runway Leather Bootie Mule, $995 at Neiman Marcus
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Belle by Sigerson Morrison
Cambell Bootie, $295 at Piperlime
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Alexander McQueen
A big look needs a big personality. If you're the love child of Hocus Pocus and The Crucible, you've met your match.
Image: Imaxtree
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Issey Miyake
Spotting a witch in pants is sort of like catching an okapi in the middle of the Congo. It's rare, but it happens.
Image: Imaxtree
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Rick Owens
Flowy fabrics are the number one ingredient in potion making. Just don't double dip. These are the kind of stains that don't come out.
Image: Imaxtree
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Vera Wang
You don't always need magic to make a grand entrance. There's always Vera Wang.
Image: Imaxtree
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Yohji Yamamoto
When angsty witches become angsty art students...
Image: Imaxtree
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Pamela Love
Rose Gold-Plate Pentagram Ring, $250 at Barneys
