Halloween 2022: Looks Inspired by Witches

For the closing Halloween series of 2022, I wanted to do something a little different. While my Easy Halloween Costumes & Stranger Things series were more focused on curating costumes for each character, this last chapter is more about the vibes.
All of these looks are inspired by each witch, and are more of a way to emanate your favorite magical ladies on an every day basis. That way, you can dress as your favorite witch all season long without needing an excuse as small as a costume party!

Hermione Granger

If I had to put together a Hermione mood board, it would include a big stack of books, cozy sweaters, a multitude of lit candles, neutral tones, and a neverending supply of parchment (or notebooks).
For this Hermione-inspired look, I had to include my wand, one of my favorite reads from this past year, a tucked turtleneck sweater, plaid ruffled skirt, and knee socks with loafers. Hermione screams classic academia, so that’s exactly what I went for!

If you want to curate your own Hermione-esque outfit, I suggest sticking with neutral tones, opting for big comfy sweaters, ruffled or pleated skirts, or if you don’t want the fuss of a skirt - the most comfortable pair of jeans you own. For shoes, stick with non-heeled classic options, like oxfords, loafters, lace up boots, or mary janes. Since extendable charms can’t be performed by us mere muggles, complete the look with a messenger or tote bag big enough to carry all the books and essentials.

Kiki of Kiki’s Delivery Service

Before I even really understood what Anime was, I knew and loved Kiki’s Delivery Servince. It was one of the two VHS tapes (yes, VHS) available at our family chiropractor’s office, so my siblings and I would watch snippets of this movie at least every other week.
One of the best things aout this particular animated character is that she wears the same thing always! So really, all you need to let your inner Kiki shine is a navy blue outfit (a dress, if you have one or wear dresses), a red hair bow (or pop of red), and flats! If you have red flats that’s perfect - but I didn’t, so I went with my beloved birdies.

If you want to turn this look into an easily recognizable Kiki costume, add a black cat & broom!

Elphaba from Wicked

You know black is this year’s pink! You deserve eachother, this hat and you.
Okay, I’m stopping there before I type out the rest of that interlude in Dancing Through Life (you’re welcome)..

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking: Sarah, isn’t Elphaba (for those of you who haven’t seen Wicked - she’s the Wicked Witch of the West) green? And yes, she absolutely is. But since this series is more based around every day looks, I wasn’t about to paint myself green, and instead went for an all black look with a pop of green!
I kept with her witchy vibes with one of my favorite pairs of chunky heeled loafers, and styled with symmetry by layering my green top over a sheer black one to match my black tights. I brought out the witch’s hat for a bit of fun, but if you’re looking for a more subtle nod to Elphaba, I’d suggest going without.

Galinda from Wicked

Also known as Glinda the Good Witch! To give a Galinda feel to any outfit, the answer is always: pink, poofy, glitter. I mean, the woman travels by bubble! While your oufit doesn’t have to include all three parameters for a Good Witch look, the one I styled does! It includes one of my favorites: Hill House Home’s Collector’s Tulle Nap Dress in Lilac Sky, and Sam Edelman’s glittery heels.

Quick tip for HHH’s Tulle Dresses: they are unlined, so make sure to get a nude colored slip to wear underneath!

Nancy Downs of The Craft

Confession time: I’ve only seen The Craft once. I know- it’s a cult classic, but I promise it’s on my list for October watches this year! For those of you out there like me who are a little less familiar with the Craft; I chose to curate outfits inspired by two of the four main characters, as they had the more stand-out styles.

First up, is Nancy. She is the ultimate essence of mid-90s punk fashion. To channel Nancy, dress in all black, rock a dark lip, and don some docs - either classic Doc Marten boots or their chunky loafers will do! If you can, try to incorporate leather, fishnet, or sheer materials, and don’t forget to top it all off with a black choker necklace.

Sarah Bailey of the Craft

The main Witch of The Craft is Sarah. And while Nancy personifies the punk fashion of the time, Sarah perfectly displays peak 1996 fashion - making it really easy to dress in outfits inspired by her!

For my look, I wanted to show off this layered look, which is built with a base of my favorite olive green longsleeved bodysuit, black tights, with a floral sleeveless shift dress over top. To finish off the look, I donned my trusty chunky black loafers - a true 90s staple.

Sabrina Spellman of the Chilling Adventures Era

No one can deny, Sabrina the Teenage Witch is one of the most iconic witches of all time. And while I love the original Sabrina’s style, I found it very similar to Sarah’s style from the craft - seeing as it premiered in 96 as well. So instead, I chose to emulate Netflix’s newer version of Sabrina! And honestly? I loved it. I found that this style was very close to my own- and I loved that it was a little darker than the original.

For this classic Sabrina look, I started with her signature black headband, then stuck with the theme by adding a black turtleneck and tights. To finish off the look, I threw on a plaid mini skirt, my favorite chunky black loafers, and applied dark lipstick.

Who’s your favorite witch or wizard whose closet you’d love to raid? Let me know in the comments below., and as always, feel free to follow along for all of the fun on instagram by following @sarah.kowalchuk, or on tiktok @sarah.kowalchuk as well!

xx, Sarah