The other side of the “not witchy enough” coin is the big Pagan festival where many people like to dress over the top, which, let’s face it, is way fun. I love to wear my so-called “witchy” clothes to events where I’m meeting with other witches and Pagans. Flowing black, a sexy corset, a pirate shirt, or funky boots are a blast to wear, and it does make us feel witchy, doesn’t it? I’ve also been to Pagan events where many people were totally casual—jeans, T-shirts, or even business casual. Some people might have their Born Again Pagan T-shirt on, and most wore their spiritual jewelry. I’ve actually seen some people at these events either snub one person for not dressing witchy enough, and another for being too theatrical and over the top. To me this is really unbelievable. As Pagans and witches, we need to stick together and not judge each other, especially for something as material and subjective as fashion. A Pagan festival should be a place to get away from worries about being judged. We get enough of that in the everyday world, we shouldn’t have to worry about it from our fellow witches.
Allow me to illustrate this point. Below are descriptions of a few witches I know personally and what they are often seen wearing in the everyday world. You probably know at least some people who fit these descriptions. Don’t think for a minute that any of these is more of a witch than the other; I’ve known powerful witches who have worked all of these styles and everything in between. One witch can change their look depending on where they plan to go, but the witch inside is what counts.
Corporate Witch
This is the witch in the business world. This witch often wears a suit or slacks and blazer with a nice shirt because they understand that in the corporate world, such clothing is acceptable and portrays an illusion of power. Even to another witch, they might not be recognized, except for that certain air about them. Charisma, perhaps? This witch might have a small piece of magical jewelry tucked away somewhere, or maybe not. They also might have a piece much more subtle that they have enchanted the heck out of. This witch, although totally incognito at work, probably has a closet full of the finest ritual wear you’ve ever seen.
Business Casual Witch
The casual witch often comes in under the radar and can be seen in a blouse and slacks or really nice jeans for a woman, perhaps an oxford, designer T-shirt, or polo shirt for a man. This might be a teacher, PTA member, bartender, retailer, or someone you meet at a family gathering. This witch chooses the colors of their clothes for magical purposes for that day. They might wear New Age–style jewelry, such as magical stones/crystals or Celtic knots, in lieu of a pentagram or other witch-specific jewelry. Possibly wearing magical oils, this witch is keeping the world moving, working witchy ways behind the scenes with a quiet strength.
Day-Off Witch
You’ve run into this witch at the store, on their day off, picking up milk, bread, and eggs or gassing up the car. Jeans or shorts, paired with who knows what, but sometimes it’ll be a sci-fi/fantasy T-shirt, or even a T-shirt proclaiming their witch status. After all, it’s their day off! You’re likely to spot the tell tale pentagram, Greenman, or Goddess jewelry, though it may be tucked depending how far out of the broom closet they are.
Hippie Witch
Broom stick skirts, tie-dye, batik, and funky embroidered clothes made in India are the mainstay for this free spirit. You can see the hippie witch sporting their style working at a record store, boutique, on their days off, or at a Pagan Festival. The hippie witch is often in a setting where witch-specific jewelry is not a big deal at all, so they’re probably wearing plenty of it mixed with hippie stuff. Magical oils are a great scent for this witch, either pure or blended.
Gothy/Classic Witch
Black, red, and purple are some of the shades you’ll see the goth or classic witch wearing. Anything with an old world flair, medieval lace-up stuff, like you might find in Bram Stoker’s closet. This witch probably owns some fabulous pointy witch hats. Classic witchy boots, combat boots, or anything in between will be seen stomping out this high fashion witchy style. Any witch-specific jewelry will be worn right out in the open. Dramatic makeup finishes this wild witchy look. You’ll probably spot this witch out for the night or at indoor events (some outdoor events are too hot for this style).
So which witch is the witchiest? All of them! These can be, and often are, the same witch on different days. The important thing to remember is that whether you look like an obvious witch to anyone on the street or not, a witch is who you are on the inside. It’s a belief, a faith, a way of life, and it doesn’t matter what you look like. You can take away all the trappings of a witch, but the person inside is still the same. You are a magical person whether you’re in a business
