With the changing of the season and Halloween quickly approaching, many have begun turning their attention to nostalgic fall watches ranging from “Hocus Pocus” to “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

Spooky plots and fantastical elements like spellcasting and enchanted objects are not the only things catching viewers’ attention. Many have taken note of the fashion in these ‘90s nostalgic watches, deeming it the ‘whimsigoth’ aesthetic.

Tasha Kardos, owner of Midnight Fairy Jewelry, said the aesthetic, which is a combination of whimsical and gothic, is enchanting yet dark.

“The ‘whimsigoth’ aesthetic combines the dark mysterious gothic style with a whimsical almost fairytale-like charm,” she said. “It’s dark yet warm, a mix of macabre and enchanting.”

‘Whimsigoth’ began to gain attention on TikTok in 2022, but the name was originally created by Evan Collins, an architectural designer and co-founder of the Consumer Aesthetic Research Institute, to describe moody home decorations, Glamour said. 

Although the aesthetic has gained a resurgence on TikTok, it was popular in the ‘90s as shown through movies and TV shows, especially Tim Burton movies and “The Craft.” 

Some even say the aesthetic goes back to Fleetwood Mac’s earlier years of fame, particularly reflected in the style of singer Stevie Nicks. Nick’s witchy style staples of layered skirts and dramatic sleeves have become popular within the aesthetic.

“When I think of ‘whimsigoth,’ I always tend to think of witches, fall and Halloween,” Kardos said.

Kardos also said the aesthetic has a spiritual base as many who practice witchcraft or use spiritual items like crystals enjoy dressing like the aesthetic. With this in mind, she advises those interested in trying out the style to do their research to avoid appropriation.

“If people wish to include things into their style with ‘whimsigoth’ that involves spiritual things such as tarot [cards], pendulums or other spiritual tools,” she said, “make sure they do it respectfully and to not appropriate [it].” 

From a young age, Kardos was drawn to the dark yet enchanting style. This left a lasting mark on her as her store Midnight Fairy Jewelry draws heavily from the aesthetic with its ethereal chokers and crystal earrings.

To include ‘whimsigoth’ into your style, Kardos says to incorporate dark jewel-toned colors, an assortment of different textures and clothing staples like maxi skirts. The aesthetic also draws heavily from celestial imagery like stars and the moon.

“Colors such as dark oranges, maroon, royal blues and purples, emerald green. Bold and warm but also dark and enchanting,” she said. “Velvet, lace, corduroy and leather/pleather are also staple materials.”

For those near the downtown Kent area, stores like Sun in Leo and Tiger Rae are great places to find clothes incorporating those bold, dark colors. However, there is a chance shoppers may encounter long, flowy maxi skirts and blouses at Einstein’s Attic and local thrift stores like Goodwill, Kardos said.

Midnight Fairy Jewelry often hosts events, like spiritual fairs, attended by different vendors like Flora and Fibers Boutique, which sells handmade, knitted and crocheted shrugs “beautifully” fitting the ‘whimsigoth’ aesthetic, Kardos said. 

She recommends people attend these events to purchase one-of-a-kind accessories similar to those witchy and whimsical ‘whimsigothic’ accessories, or even to purchase accessories aligned with other aesthetics.

“I feel like a lot of these small businesses that [sell] at our events have items that fit into the aesthetic,” she said. “It’s always great to support small, local businesses.”

To find more information about these upcoming events, Kardos recommends visiting Midnight Fairy Jewelry and Acorn Alley’s Instagram profiles. 

With the endless possibilities as to where to purchase clothing and accessories aligned with the “whimsigoth” aesthetic, this fall has the potential to be very witchy and spooky. 

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