The Addams family is back for the next generation in the new Tim Burton-created Netflix series Wednesday, which premiered on Nov. 23. Jenna Ortega stars as Wednesday Addams, a stoic, morbid teen fascinated by the darker parts of life. After an incident at her public high school, Wednesday is sent to Nevermore Academy, “a school for outcasts” like her and the rest of the Addams family. There, she’s thrown into new social cliques, and a deadly mystery (sorry, no spoilers here).
Aside from the storytelling that feels reminiscent of The Vampire Diaries and other supernatural teen shows, Wednesday and the other characters boast an amazing wardrobe straight from the mind of Wednesday costume designer Colleen Atwood.
The gothic wardrobe designed by Atwood for Wednesday is the perfect compliment to the gargoyles perched over Nevermore Academy, and the gloomy weather that seems to hang over Wednesday Addams permanently.
If you’ve been asking yourself “WWWW?” or “ What Would Wednesday Wear?” a little too often recently, here are 7 gothic fashion wardrobe essentials to add to your closet ASAP.
- Pinstripe Vest
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Stripes are worn in a variety of ways throughout the film, from the Nevermore Academy uniform to Wednesday’s striped cardigan. This Pinstripe Detail Two Piece Set from Emmiol ($30) is perfect for a subtle pinstripe moment. Better yet, this set can be worn together or as separates. Style the vest with a stiff cotton shirt, black trousers, and oxford shoes.
- Lug-Sole Oxfords
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Wednesday can be seen wearing lug-sole oxfords with her school uniform. Oxfords have come back in a big way this season, and are a staple in gothic fashion. The Collins Shoe from UNIF ($138) is just one of many pairs of lug-sole oxfords available on the market. IMHO, 2022 Wednesday Addams would love UNIF.
- Checkered Sweater
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Although checkered patterns have been popular over the past few years — with the avant-basic aesthetic and among “skater” companies like Vans — Wednesday adds a new, gothic twist to the style. The Mix Match Relaxed Cardigan Sweater from Vans ($85) is similar to the checkered sweaters she wears throughout the show. Style this sweater with combat boots and a black leather jacket (along with other black accessories) to make it more Wednesday Addams and less Cali skater.
- Long, Pleated Skirt
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Wednesday’s school uniform includes a long pleated skirt, which she can be seen wearing throughout the series. This long pleated skirt from Amazon is only $30, and has an elastic waist for an easy fit. Style the skirt with a black sweater and boots for a cozy vibe, or with a blazer and a button down shirt to emulate the Nevermore Academy uniform.
- Peter Pan-Collared Dress
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Wednesday’s most iconic outfit is a black dress with a white peter pan collar. Atwood paid homage to the original Addams Family cartoons that appeared in The New Yorker by styling Jenna Ortega in a black mini dress complete with a peter pan collar towards the beginning of the series. The Scheana Dress from Reformation ($218) is the perfect black mini to emulate Wednesday’s signature look. Plus, it’s sustainable. Add some loafers or oxfords to complete the look. If you’re looking for something at a lower price point, detached peter pan collars can also be purchased on Amazon, to be tucked under a black sweater or vest of your choice.
- Trench Coat
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Jenna Ortega was styled in a variety of amazing coats – like this $825 LK Bennet Cropped Leather Jacket – but the trench coat that she wore throughout the series is just one example of how Atwood combined classic silhouettes with edgy, gothic styles to create modern-day Wednesday Addams. This ASOS DESIGN Smart Brushed Boyfriend Wool Mix Coat ($107) can be styled with a long black skirt, boots, and a black sweater to emulate Wednesday’s signature look.
- Organza Midi Dress
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Although the Free People Hailey Dress ($168) isn’t exactly like the number that Wednesday wore to the Rave’N Dance at Nevermore, it can be further goth-ified with the addition of black tights and platform combat boots.
