Alyson Hannigan in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'

Willow Rosenberg, portrayed by Alyson Hannigan, is probably my favorite character on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  She is the one with the most character growth, the only one of the Scooby Gang to go bad, and the one who rocks overalls better than anyone. Willow is my favorite type of girl, one who would wear an authentic Inuit coat to a high school costume party. She can make outfits that would look ridiculous on a child, nevertheless, a teenager, look trendy and effortless. (Shh, her mom picked them out.) 

Willow begins a nobody who can't even get her childhood best friend to really notice her. As she gains a purpose fighting alongside Buffy, her confidence grows. Her character arch climbs from 'seeing the softer side of Sears' to dating the lead guitarist in a band. She was one of the first openly gay characters on television. After her girlfriend is murdered, she turns into a killer trying to get revenge and end the world out of grief and magic addiction. She ends the series, redeemed, as the next incarnate of the women guardians of the Slayer. Her character goes full circle and it all starts with typical teenage problems, like getting catfished by a demon on the internet.

Willow's look borrows heavily from childhood: bright colors, gaudy cartoon jewelry, bucket hats, fuzzy sweaters with a kitten stitched on the front, and barely any makeup. My mind instantly goes to candy when looking at most of her ensembles, so don't forget the little Pez Witch. If you want to really commit dye your hair fiery red.

Grab your spell book, and try not to go over to the dark side, as we recreate this witch-approved look:

The three key pieces of this look are:

Overalls. Get them a little baggy, about a size up. In the body, look for a boxy cut, steer away from thin cut middle pieces or tight legs. You want the straps and top of the overalls to hit below your collarbone. Think about the overalls you wore as a child, look for something like that but in your size.  Take a note from Willow and play around with colors. 

Striped Sweater. Find something fuzzy, colorful, and crew neck. This look is about comfort and nostalgic fun so you can continue with boxy cuts or look for something tighter to contrast with the loose overalls. You can also go for a cropped cut to show a little waist. You don't have to go with stripes, those are just a Willow-staple, but keep in the kid theme and look for something ridiculous. You'll know when you find it.  

Witch/Kid-Inspired Earrings. Willow is our resident Wicca; it might be fun to rummage through clearance for some early-Halloween witchy treasures. Look for chunky, dangle earrings. Why not just attach small toys to a chain? Don't shy away from childish novelty, in fact, run toward it at full speed. Check out Clarie's jewelry racks.

My Recreation: 

photo cred: Sarah Howard

The Breakdown:

Overalls: Etsy.com (Originally Gloria Vanderbelt)

Sweater: Goodwill-125st-Harlem, NY

Earrings: gift from my hometown bestie

It's the computer age, nerds are in.

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