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In just over three weeks,Wednesday on Netflix has accrued a staggering one billion viewing hours, positing it as the second most-watched English-language show on the platform behind Stranger Things and garnering a couple Golden Globe nominations (including Best Actress for Jenna Ortega) along the way. But perhaps of equal interest to the awards buzz and smashing records is the fashion. From Wednesday’s chunky Prada oxfords to her Alaïa gown and Louboutins for the now-iconic "Rave ’N' Dance," the beloved misanthrope has fashionistas everywhere clamoring for her soft goth aesthetic. (We dare say Thing would approve.)
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The traditional goth look is usually synonymous with a lot of black—think dark clothes and makeup that are heavily contrasted against a pale complexion and plenty of metallic accessories. The soft goth aesthetic, by comparison, scales back in intensity—just look to Miss Mid-Week for a little inspiration.
The opening scenes of Wednesday see its heroine sporting an homage to the classic costume of the ‘90s films. With an exaggerated swallow-tailed collar and updated French-cuff sleeves, she pairs her dress with staple black tights and heeled Mary Janes.
She does away with the heavy black eyeliner of goth looks past and instead opts for a more neutral smoky eye and a light berry lip; her clothes, meanwhile, include more shades of black and gray contrasted against white with subtly feminine touches.
Needless to say, the internet can’t stop talking about Wednesday’s soft goth outfits—and we've rounded up everything you need to be well on your your way to looking (stylishly) half-dead, too.
The teen’s signature outfit gets a grown-up twist in the form of this babydoll-cut frock with a pleated skirt. It's made of lightweight crepe fabric with side pockets and also comes in plus sizes.
Size range: XS to XL
Wednesday would appreciate these tights—Sheertex has pretty much put them through the meat grinder to verify their durability. The company's claim to fame is that its nylons will last ten times longer than a standard drugstore pair. (This writer can attest and loves the compression band and reinforced toe.)
Size range: XS to XXXL
Mary Janes are anything but child’s play. Wednesday wears a similar pair with an ankle strap on her way to drop piranhas into the school pool. Madewell's version comes in half sizes, has been crafted from responsibly-sourced leather and offers a padded insole for comfy (and not painful) feet. They're also 50 percent off right now with coupon code ITSAWRAP.
Though Wednesday's Nevermore Academy costume was custom-made for Jenna Ortega, you can still find pieces from it, like those Prada shoes. For a cool $1,420, you can wear the exact same pair of oxfords as Wednesday. They've been a staple for any soft goth for ages—perfect for stomping around. The Italian-made shoes feature a calf leather upper with a chunky lug sole. Not ready to pony up? A similar pair from ASOS is $45.
Wednesday quickly put her own spin on the Nevermore uniform by swapping the standard royal purple blazer for a black rendition. This pinstripe version comes with a singular button and two patch pockets. Reviewers have praised it as having high quality, comfortable fabric and a good value—and you can ditch the shirt underneath it to take it from office attire to night out.
For a quick, budget-friendly way to get in on the Wednesday craze, Amazon is always the home of a good deal. This machine-washable polyester skirt comes in 24 colors (though our subject, of course, would wear black or gray), with a stretchy elastic waistband and has more than 1,700 5-star reviews. Pair it with a gray sweater vest and tie or opt to keep things simple with a button down.
Size range: S to XXL
Wednesday's dance scene might be iconic, but it’s her Alaïa dress that puts it over the top. The costume designer, Colleen Atwood, sourced the gown from Alaïa’s Bond Street boutique (dresses run in the mid-four figures), but lucky for us, there are plenty of similar options. This Boden tulle midi dress, which features ruffles and polka dot detailing, is far more affordable and comes in a petite and regular fit. It's also machine washable with a full-body lining.
If you love the collar of the Alaïa dress, split the outfit into two parts and start with this sheer blouse by Anthropologie, which comes in standard and petite sizing. We also love those elastic tie cuffs.
Size range: XXS to XL
Pair the top with this tulle midi skirt for a similar effect that you'd get from the dress. (Trust us, it’s to die for.) Despite its delicate look, it can be thrown in the wash, and it's also available in petite sizing, so you short gals won't drown in its fabric.
Size range: XXS to XL
Top off the whole ensemble with Wednesday’s exact Christian Louboutin Mary Janes, complete with a 2-inch leather-covered block heel. If today isn’t the day you drop $895 on a pair of Italian-made patent-leather pumps, Madewell makes a similar pair that also completes the soft goth girl’s signature look.
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