How To Steal The Witchy '90s Aesthetic From Practical Magic

Once something that would get you burned at the stake, identifying as a witch has far fewer consequences these days. With witchcraft noticeably on the rise, self-proclaimed witches seem to be everywhere. 

According to a 2014 Pew Research study, roughly one million people identified as Pagan or Wiccan. And with more and more people looking beyond Christianity for answers, that number is rising. "Right now, we're in the middle of a witch moment," Silicon Valley witch Jason Mankey told USA Today in 2021. "Witchcraft is popular now and the number of witches in America is growing fast." 

With all these witchy vibes surrounding us, it only makes sense that one might turn to 1998's "Practical Magic" to embrace the witch aesthetic. Even if you think witchcraft is a bunch of malarkey, "Practical Magic" offers up a lot of fashion inspo as the summer ends and the fall begins, so you're perfectly dressed for the season. 

Let's be honest: a witch isn't rolling into Tiffany's looking to drop several thousand dollars on jewelry. Instead, they're going to stick to thrift stores and estate sales to find the most eclectic pieces they possibly can. Then, of course, they're going to layer their necklaces, because one just isn't enough. If you go this route, big vintage earrings and cuffs will help round out the look.

Since maxi skirts never really go out of style, the versatile piece sort of rides the wave of being in or in-in. In other words, there's a very good chance that most people have at least one maxi skirt in their closet for when the fashion trends shift even more in their direction. Maxi skirts are very much on par with the relaxed whimsy of a witch, making them ideal for summoning the magic around you. And yes, short people can wear maxi skirts and look amazing too. 

If you've seen "Practical Magic," then you know Nicole Kidman's character, Gillian Owens, rocks velvet quite a bit. Whether you opt for a velvet dress, velvet tank top, or velvet skirt, you'll feel like you were plucked from the set of the film. Velvet is a cozy and comfortable material that will appeal to your inner witch, especially if it's complemented with strands upon strands of vintage jewelry. 

Nothing says "I have a caldron at home and I'm not afraid to use it" quite like dark colors and florals. On a dress, skirt, or blouse with billowy sleeves, this combination serves up a whole boatload of magic — both light and dark. It's also ideal for the short days and long nights of fall, since it transitions easily from day to night. 

In "Practical Magic," there's a lynchpin scene where Sandra Bullock's character, Sally Owens, is wearing a pair of cutoff denim shorts, a baby tee (which became trendy again in summer 2024), and knee-high boots as she runs in for a kiss. What's eternally cool about this outfit is that you never really know exactly what you're going to get for temperatures in autumn, so shorts and knee-high boots have you covered. Add the baby tee, like Sally, and a bulky cardigan, and you've officially nailed the witchy vibe.