The Craft Costume
We are the weirdos, mister. Channel 90s cult goth style.
The Craft is a beloved 1996 supernatural horror film following four outcast high school girls who practice witchcraft. Dressing up as Nancy Downs or her coven is a massive hit for Halloween because it perfectly blends 90s grunge fashion with spooky, occult vibes. The signature look consists of a dark schoolgirl uniform styled with heavy silver jewelry, combat boots, and vampy makeup.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $35–85
Try it on
See yourself as The Craft
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
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Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a The Craft costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete The Craft costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Plaid pleated skirt
A high-waisted pleated tennis skirt in dark green, grey, or black plaid.
DIY: Use any dark pleated skirt or a black denim skirt from your closet.
White button-down shirt
A classic white collared schoolgirl shirt or polo, worn slightly unbuttoned.
DIY: An oversized white t-shirt tucked in can work in a pinch.
Black cardigan or PVC jacket
A fitted black button-up cardigan or a shiny black PVC trench coat for Nancy's dramatic look.
DIY: A black leather jacket or oversized black blazer.
Layered silver cross necklaces
Multiple silver chain necklaces, rosaries, and large crucifix pendants layered together.
DIY: String plastic or metal charms onto black cord or safety pins.
Black combat boots
Chunky, heavy-soled black lace-up combat boots.
DIY: Any chunky black boots or dark loafers with black socks.
Spiked collar or choker
A black faux-leather choker with small metal studs or a silver ring detail.
DIY: Tie a strip of black velvet ribbon tightly around your neck.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made The Craft costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the white collared button-down shirt, leaving the top couple of buttons open.
- 2
Tuck the shirt into the high-waisted plaid pleated skirt.
- 3
Layer the black cardigan over the shirt, or opt for a black PVC trench coat if going for Nancy's specific look.
- 4
Put on black knee-high socks or sheer black tights, then lace up your chunky black combat boots.
- 5
Layer multiple silver cross necklaces and rosaries over your shirt, and add a black choker.
- 6
Apply dark, vampy makeup and style your hair messy or slicked back to complete the 90s goth aesthetic.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair in messy, textured 90s waves, or slick it back if channeling Nancy. Apply dark, smoky eyeshadow, heavy black eyeliner, and a deep plum, dark brown, or black lipstick.
The Craft for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair Nancy with a 90s-style high school jock character like Chris Hooker in a varsity jacket.
- group
- Gather three friends to complete the full four-member coven (Nancy, Sarah, Bonnie, and Rochelle) with matching plaid skirts.
- kids
- A junior version with a plaid school uniform skirt, black cardigan, and temporary dark lipstick.
- Plus size
- A pleated skater skirt with an elastic waistband paired with a stretchy black button-down cardigan offers a comfortable, screen-accurate fit.
- pet
- A small black cat costume or a dog wearing a miniature plaid bandana.
Tips
- Thrift stores are goldmines for 90s-era cardigans, white button-downs, and plaid skirts.
- Keep your makeup matte to stay true to the 90s grunge aesthetic; avoid modern highlighters and glitter.
- If dressing in a group, coordinate your plaid skirt colors (greens, reds, and greys) so you look cohesive but distinct.
The Craft costume FAQ
- How do you dress like Nancy from The Craft?
- To dress like Nancy Downs, wear a white button-down shirt under a black cardigan or shiny PVC trench coat, a green plaid pleated skirt, heavy combat boots, layered silver cross necklaces, a spiked choker, and dark plum or black lipstick.
- What kind of skirts do they wear in The Craft?
- The characters wear classic high-waisted, pleated tartan and plaid schoolgirl skirts, primarily in dark green, grey, and black tones.
- Is The Craft costume easy to DIY?
- Yes, it is very easy to DIY because it relies on standard 90s grunge fashion items like plaid skirts, cardigans, and combat boots that can easily be found in thrift stores or your own closet.
Did you know? The film's costume designer, Deborah Everton, deliberately gave each of the four girls a distinct style representing their elemental magic: Nancy was water (dark, reflective PVC), Rochelle was earth (plush textures and nature tones), Bonnie was fire, and Sarah was air.