It's the season of the witch! Harness the whimsigoth vibe and add a little magic to your life

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September 16, 2026, 3:40 PM

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With Halloween just weeks away, "Practical Magic 2" dominating box office ticket sales and the debut of "American Horror Story: 13" -- aka the return of the "Coven" universe -- on the way, we are experiencing a new season of the witch.

As such, the term "whimsigoth" has hit an all-time high on Google and spurned searches for all things burnout velvet, bell sleeve, witchy dresses and more.

Whimsigoth has deep ties to mid-1990s grunge culture, too, so related searches for identifiers of the era, like Mary Jane shoes and romantic goth looks, are also on the rise.

If this catches your fancy, you're in the right place. We've curated a list to help steer you in the right direction so you can infuse everything from your outfit to your bedroom decor with a heavy dose of magic.

Keep reading to discover more ways to hardness your inner witch!

Witch-up your wardrobe and beauty routine

When shopping for a witchy-meets-whimsigoth wardrobe, think to yourself: "Would Stevie Nicks wear this?" If the answer is yes, you're heading in the right direction.

Some pieces that stick out to us this season include the Deep V Ruffle dress from Popilush, a bell-sleeved mini that's flattering, fluttery and pairs beautifully with a pair of pointy, knee-high boots or lace-up ankle bootie for a retro-inspired look that's fit for Samantha Stevens herself. We also love burnout velvet scarves, vintage-style rings like the one here from Gorjana, and Free People's viral bloomer pants that are still going strong after a few seasons at the top of the trend cycle.

On the beauty front, you can't go wrong with intrinsically witchy brand Rituel de Fille, whose Black Orb eyeliner is a standby in our makeup kits: try the shade Iron, a deep red-black, to lend an enigmatic depth and piercing quality to your peepers. Another great pick is the Marc Jacobs Beauty Money Shot Multi-Use Illuminating Gel Highlighter, the perfect product for achieving an otherworldly glow.

Cast a whimsical spell on your home

When it comes to casting a spell on your home, the most important thing you can do is make it your own. Thrifted items, family heirlooms and pieces with history are vital to curating a space that feels authentic to you so that the magic you create in your surroundings is comforting and innate.

Once you have a good base, it's time to play! Celestial pieces draw to mind the heyday of whimsigoth, while certain Halloween decor from places like At Home and Michaels is designed with year-round use in mind for the right customer.

The vibe is all about rich textiles when creating a witch-worthy home, so think cozy throws, lush rugs and velvet curtains when shopping for pieces that add texture to your space.

Add some magic to your daily routine

To inspire yourself to live a more magical life, tuck into a witchy classic like a new edition of "Practical Magic" or the smash hit "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" to kickstart your fall with a warm night in. Other options for reading include the stunning coffee table book "Tales of the Fae: Enchanting Stories of Fairies, Elves, and Sprites" from Chronicle Books. You also could pick up a beautiful journal to record your rituals and take note of special moments each day.

Another way to make your day feel special is to take a hot bath with a fancy bath bomb -- Lush make incredible options for exactly this -- or splash on an esoteric fragrance that goes beyond your signature scent to awaken your senses in an all-new way. For that, we're huge fans of Fulton & Roark's latest, Lover's Lane, a juicy, peppery blend sure to spark a love spell of your own. There's also the spicy musk of Ex Nihilo's Demon Dancer, an irreverent scent that will have folks asking what you're wearing all day.

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