Buying guide for Best witch costumes
Most people like a good scare on Halloween, but you don’t want to give your kids nightmares. If you want a spooky costume that won’t terrify your little ones too much, it’s hard to top a classic witch costume.
The best thing about witch costumes is that they come in plenty of different styles, so there’s bound to be an option that matches your style. Still, all witch costumes usually have the same pieces to create the traditional witchy look. You can find both adult and child-size witch costumes, so you could purchase one for yourself or dress your kids up as mini witches.
If you’re looking for a witch costume, start by choosing the style you like best. Next, decide which pieces you want the costume to include and what items you’re comfortable purchasing separately. Consider other features that might sell your look as well, such as sizing options and included accessories.
Witch costume styles
While all witch costumes may seem the same, you can actually find them in several styles.
The classic witch costume
Classic witch costumes are fairly simple and usually include a dress and other pieces that are entirely black. The dress typically has a rounded or V-neckline, wide bell sleeves, and a hemline that hits under the knee. A classic witch costume is an excellent choice for a child or an adult.
The scary witch costume
Scary witch costumes often parallel the classic styles, but the dress may have a higher neckline, and ragged hemlines may be accentuated. The accessories may feature spooky details, such as fake spiders or cobwebs.
The cute witch costume
Cute witch costumes are usually meant for children, though you can also find some adult-sized options. These dresses often feature tulle skirts with purple and orange accents on a black background. Some have glitter or metallic embellishments and include striped tights for added fun.
The gothic witch costume
Gothic witch costumes typically have a vintage look. Some dresses have a corset-style bodice, and nearly all have dramatic bell sleeves and long skirts.
The sexy witch costume
Sexy witch costumes are fun for adults who want a sultry look. These costumes tend to show more skin, usually including a dress with a low neckline and a hemline over the knee.
Basic witch costume pieces
Witch costumes vary in the items that they contain, but most include a few basics that capture the look.
Dress
All witch costumes include some type of dress, which is usually solid black. The design of the dress differs based on the costume’s style, but it typically has long sleeves and a hemline with a ragged edge that hits at the mid-calf. Some witch costumes feature a separate top and skirt, which you may find more comfortable to wear.
Witch’s hat
No witch costume is complete without the classic pointy black hat. Some hats feature embellishments such as fake spiders, cobwebs, or other spooky accessories. Others feature a sash in a contrasting color to dress it up a bit.
Witch’s cape or cloak
Elaborate witch costumes may include a cloak or cape to wear over the dress. While this isn’t an essential piece for a witch costume, it certainly adds a fun and dramatic look. Some capes and cloaks have hoods, which you can wear over your head instead of the classic hat. Other capes and cloaks feature embellishments, such as glitter or embossed details.
DID YOU KNOW?
If you don’t want to buy a complete costume, you can wear a black dress you already own and purchase a separate cloak and hat to create the witch look.
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Features to consider when choosing the best witch costume
Size
Witch costumes are available in adult and child sizes, but it’s important to note that both adult and child sizes often run small. Before you buy—especially if you’re purchasing online—consult the sizing chart, which is typically provided on the Amazon page for the costume.
Because most witch costumes contain a dress, you will probably need to know the measurements for your chest, waist, and hips. Some sizing charts also refer to height in inches. This information can help you find a witch dress of the right length. Use a tape measure to check your measurements and height. Compare your numbers to the costume’s sizing chart to find the best fit. If you’re between two sizes, choose the larger size for the most comfortable fit.
Accessories
While most witch costumes only include the basic clothing you need to look like a witch, pricier costumes may include additional accessories that bring the look to life. In addition to the traditional witch hat, for example, some costumes include a classic witch’s broom, a belt to accentuate the waist, tights, or gloves.
If your costume doesn’t come with accessories, you could also purchase them separately. Fun choices you may already have at home include earrings, a necklace, a choker, or a broach with a spooky design.
Durability
Since you’ll probably wear the costume only once, durability and quality may not be your top concerns.
However, if you plan to don your costume for a stage production, fan convention, or another event that requires you to wear it more than once, consider how well-made the costume is and how durable the materials are. You may need to pay more for a costume made of hardy materials that won’t tear, rip, or snag easily.
If your witch costume comes with a plain black hat, dress it up by wrapping a piece of black lace around the base to create a spooky veil.
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How do you accessorize a witch costume?
Witch makeup
If you want the most dramatic look for your costume, consider pairing it with witch makeup. This makeup is typically sold in kit form, but you can also find individual products that allow you to change your skin color and add other scary details.
Some witch makeup kits contain prosthetics that let you change the shape of your face such that you can have a pointy nose or a mole on your chin.
Makeup brushes
To successfully apply witch makeup with your costume, a high-quality set of makeup brushes comes in handy. Most sets contain a mix of face and eye brushes, so you have everything you need to apply convincing witch makeup.
Costume wig
You might decide to pair your witch costume with a wig to change the color, length, or texture of your hair. A long black wig is one of the most popular options, but purple wigs and orange wigs are also fun choices.
DID YOU KNOW?
Fishnet tights pair well with a witch costume. You can even find styles with spider or cobweb patterns woven into the fishnet.
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How much do witch costumes cost?
Inexpensive
The most affordable witch costumes are usually costumes for children or basic costumes for adults. Child witch costumes typically consist of two or three pieces, while adult costumes often include only a dress. These costumes generally cost between $20 and $40.
Mid-range
Mid-range witch costumes typically have more elaborate styles and may have multiple pieces. These costumes all generally include a hat, and some come with other accessories, such as tights. Expect to pay between $40 and $70 for a Halloween witch costume like this.
Expensive
The priciest witch costumes are often quite elaborate. Although you can find some options for children here, most are adult witch costumes. For somewhere between $70 and $140, the best witch costumes in this price range include accessories such as a witch’s broom, gloves, and jewelry. If you’re looking for a stage witch costume, note that these costumes are likely to be of higher design quality.
Tips
- Pair your costume with the right accessories. A corn broom is a standard accessory for a witch, but you may prefer a wand or crystal ball. Black cats are often associated with witches, so you may want to carry a stuffed black cat toy.
- Complement your costume with makeup. While the costume alone can give you a witchy look, pairing it with dark eye makeup and lipstick can take your look to the next level. You may even want to change the color of your skin tone to a more witch-like shade. Green face makeup can do the trick, but some people opt for a gray skin tone.
- Create a spooky manicure for your costume. You could paint your nails black, dark red, or purple. You could also use nail decals in shapes like spiders, bats, or cobwebs. If you want a more dramatic look, you might apply long fake nails with a stiletto or coffin shape.
FAQ
Q. Is a witch costume comfortable?
A. Witch costumes usually consist of a dress or top and skirt that aren’t particularly form-fitting. That makes it more comfortable to wear. These costumes generally don’t include a mask either, so you don’t have to worry about getting hot or having trouble breathing.
Q. What ages can wear a witch costume?
A. You can find a witch costume for any age. Many witch costumes are designed for children, so they aren’t too scary. These costumes tend to have a whimsical look with tulle skirts and fun striped tights.
However, you can also find plenty of witch costumes for adults. Some contain simple black dresses, but others exude a menacing appearance. Adults who want a sexy Halloween witch look can easily find this as well.
Q. What shoes should I wear with a witch costume?
A. You can pair your witch costume with many different shoes, but most people prefer to stick to a black pair. Pumps work well, but you can also wear boots or flats.
Q. How should I do my makeup with a witch costume?
A. It depends on the type of witch look you’re going for. If you want a classic “Wizard of Oz” style witch, apply green face paint to your face, neck, and hands. Use darker tones to contour your face to give it a gaunt look. If you prefer a modern take on the witch look, opt for a dark, smoky eye with shades of black, deep purple, or dark red. Black lipstick also works well for a witch costume, as do deep red and purple.
