Get out your spell book, warm up your broom, and dust off your pointy hat—this fall is the season of the witch. No, it’s not just because Practical Magic 2 cast its spell on theatergoers (though the return of the Owens sisters was certainly exciting), or because Ryan Murphy is reviving the sorceress-focused chapter of American Horror Story. It’s not even because Disney is releasing a new animated film about a magically gifted teenager called Hexed, or because Halloween is almost here. I’m talking about that distinctly witchy vibe that influenced the fall collections. There’s no better time than now, as the first chill of autumn arrives, to embrace your inner enchantress.
“I think we’re all craving escapism from everything that’s going on in the world, and the witchy look feels oddly comforting yet unfamiliar and satisfying for those who want to dress for themselves firmly through the female gaze,” says Kristen Bateman, a fashion writer and Vogue contributor who herself has a bit of a magical look.
Looking back at the fall collections, now arriving in stores, you can see a strong sense of the supernatural in subtle shades ranging from the magical to the macabre. A diverse group of designers—Comme des Garçons, Rick Owens, Erdem, Lanvin, to name just a few—all indulged, to some degree, in some toil and trouble. Indeed, the dizzying range of witchy aesthetics on display—scary, glamorous, melancholic, avant-garde, and so on—shows that we’ve let go of clichéd ideas about how a witch should look and opened up what a witch can be. In fact, a recent email pitch from Urban Outfitters highlighted a “whimsical witchcore aesthetic” as trending, pointing to frilly tops and loose trousers in muddy tones. It evoked more of an Earth goddess than the pointy-hatted crone of old.
“The aesthetic has definitely evolved over the years into something more glamorous than it used to be,” says Bateman, who sees Comme des Garçons and Simone Rocha as go-to brands for enchantress-core (plus vintage piano shawls and antique jewelry) and counts Michèle Lamy as her ultimate fashion witch. “And I think anyone who likes dressing differently can appreciate a witchy vibe and the power of black and a good symbol.”
“Romantic goth is having a moment,” adds Tiffany Hsu, chief buying officer at MyTheresa, who names brands like Alexander McQueen, Maria Lucia Hohan, and David Koma for making clothes worthy of a high-fashion high priestess. “It’s romantic more than black. We’re seeing cape details, fishtail hems, and long trumpet sleeves, especially in evening and cocktail styles. Corsetry and lace are part of it too—that whole Wuthering Heights mood but very witchy.”
“I think fashion and spirituality always work together,” says Ebony Jasmine Harris, a glamour witch (who uses presence, intention, and personal energy to shape how you are perceived by others), spiritual occultist, and spiritual deconstructionist. Harris explains that because glamour magic has “been around for thousands of years at this point,” there is no single way to dress as a witch, but fashion is deeply important to it as a practice. She also points to “color magic,” one of the oldest forms of magic: “So depending on the color you wear, you could wear black to be less seen, almost like cloaking, or you could wear black to feel stronger, or more powerful, or more protected. You could wear white because you want to represent purity, or you could wear white to tap in deeper to the spiritual realms.”
But why is this special strain of enchantment trending right now? “We need it,” says Bateman. “Aside from Practical Magic 2 and other spooky cultural releases, I feel like people are embracing their darker, weirder sides mMore than ever.” She points to younger people collecting antiques and the growing Victorian influence as clear examples. “It overlaps with a dark, witchy moment. We also all want to believe in what others think is impossible.” Perhaps, as the wider world feels so beyond our control, witchcraft offers a way to feel a kind of agency separate from the political and social systems that are actively working against us. Beyond making beautiful clothes that we happily spend our money on, designers also try to sense the mood of the moment. By landing on a distinctly witchy vibe, they are indeed tapping into a widespread hope for a little magic in our lives. “I think sometimes we get to see a bit of the fashion designer’s own magic in their own path,” Harris says. “Because to me, fashion is an expression of your mental state, your spiritual state, of what’s going on personally.” Or, as Bateman so eloquently puts it: “It’s a way of thinking and a way of dressing for yourself, far from the male gaze. It’s deeply, divinely feminine.”
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Get In Crones This Fall Were Dressing Like Witches
1 What does get in crones actually mean
Its a playful rallying cry like get in loser were going shopping inviting everyone to join the witchy fall aesthetic Crone is a term for an older wise woman reclaimed here as a badge of honor
2 What is dressing like a witch as a style
Its a fall fashion look inspired by witch imagery long dark dresses flowing layers boots cloaks widebrim hats chunky jewelry and moody colors like black burgundy deep green and purple
3 Do I have to be a witch to dress like one
Not at all Its an aesthetic not a membership Anyone can wear the look regardless of beliefs
4 Why is this trend popular in fall
Fall already leans dark cozy and layered think Halloween crisp air and candlelight Witchy style fits that mood perfectly and feels both festive and comfortable
5 What are the key pieces I need to start
A long black dress or skirt a cozy knit layer ankle or tall boots a widebrim hat and one statement piece like a crystal pendant or a belt with a big buckle
6 Can I do this on a budget
Yes Thrift stores secondhand apps and your own closet are goldmines A black maxi skirt a chunky sweater and boots you already own can read as witchy with the right styling
7 What colors work best
Black is the classic but also deep burgundy forest green plum navy charcoal and rust Metallics like silver and brass work well for jewelry and accents
8 Is this style only for Halloween
No it works all autumn and even into winter Swap lighter fabrics for wool and velvet as it gets colder
9 How do I make the look feel like me and not a costume
Mix witchy pieces with your everyday clothes Wear one or two elements at a time like a long skirt with a plain tee or a hat with jeans instead of the full headtotoe look
10 What shoes should I wear
Ankle