Honestly, if you grew up in the late 90s, you probably spent at least one Friday night wishing you could just point your finger at a mirror and change your clothes.
We all wanted that magic.
The Sabrina the Teenage Witch dress wasn’t just one specific garment; it was an entire mood that shifted from "preppy high schooler" to "whimsigoth icon" before we even knew what those words meant. Melissa Joan Hart’s wardrobe was a wild ride. One week she’s in a neon butterfly-print top, and the next she’s wearing a sheer black overlay that would make a modern-day influencer drool.
The Outfits That Defined a Generation
The fashion in the original ABC series (and later The WB) was actually pretty chaotic.
Melissa Joan Hart has even said in interviews that her style on the show was "bizarre," moving from Avril Lavigne vibes to "office temp" depending on the plot. But for the rest of us? It was peak inspiration. The quintessential Sabrina the Teenage Witch dress usually involved a few specific ingredients: velvet, spaghetti straps, and a lot of sheer mesh.
That Iconic Opening Credits Look
Remember the sparkly beige-gold dress from the season one intro? The one where she tries on multiple outfits before settling on the one with the velvet choker? That look is the blueprint. It was simple, a bit shimmery, and felt like something you could actually find at the mall.
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Why the Look Is Blowing Up Again in 2026
Fashion is a circle.
You’ve probably noticed that the "Whimsigoth" aesthetic is everywhere on TikTok and Pinterest right now. People are hunting for vintage 90s pieces that feel moody but playful. This is exactly where the Sabrina aesthetic lives. It’s that intersection of 1960s mod—think shift dresses and knee-high boots—and 1990s grunge.
Shipka vs. Hart: The Two Sabrinas
When Netflix dropped Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, the fashion took a sharp turn into "Dark Academia." Kiernan Shipka’s Sabrina was all about the red coat and the black headband.
It was polished.
But the 90s version? That was experimental. Melissa’s Sabrina wore things that didn't always make sense, like denim off-the-shoulder tops or animal print turtlenecks. If you're looking for a Sabrina the Teenage Witch dress today, you're likely choosing between two worlds:
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- The 90s Vibe: Sheer floral overlays, velvet mini dresses, and clunky Steve Madden-style slides.
- The Netflix Vibe: Peter Pan collars, lace detailing, and deep crimson velvets.
How to Style the Look Without Looking Like a Costume
You don't want to look like you're heading to a Halloween party in January.
The trick to pulling off a Sabrina the Teenage Witch dress in a modern way is all in the layering. Back in the day, Dianne Kennedy (the costume designer for the early seasons) leaned heavily into the 70s-meets-90s look.
Try this:
- Take a black slip dress.
- Throw a sheer, long-sleeve mesh top underneath.
- Add a choker (non-negotiable, really).
- Finish with chunky loafers.
It’s subtle. It’s witchy. It’s basically what every cool girl in Brooklyn is wearing right now anyway.
Where Everyone Gets it Wrong
Most people think "90s witch" and immediately go to The Craft.
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While The Craft was all about the leather and the angst, Sabrina was much more "TGIF." Her clothes were bright. She wore yellow boots! She wore pink glitter! The real Sabrina the Teenage Witch dress is about being a normal teenager who just happens to have a talking cat and a portal to the Other Realm in her linen closet. It’s supposed to be fun, not just gloomy.
Actionable Tips for Finding Your Own Piece of Magic
If you are hunting for an authentic-feeling Sabrina the Teenage Witch dress, don't just search for "witch costume." You’ll get cheap polyester.
Instead, hit up sites like Depop, Poshmark, or even your local thrift store using these specific search terms:
- "90s velvet burnout dress" – This will give you those rich textures she wore in the later seasons.
- "Sheer overlay floral maxi" – Perfect for that "Hilda and Zelda" boho-witch vibe.
- "Mock neck ribbed mini dress" – A staple for Sabrina’s more casual school days.
- "Square neck cami dress" – The base for almost every 90s outfit.
Look for brands like ModCloth or ASOS if you want something new that mimics the vintage cut. They often carry "spooky-twee" styles that feature the lace collars and A-line silhouettes seen on the Netflix show. If you want the true 90s feel, keep an eye out for vintage Wet Seal or Contempo Casuals tags at the thrift shop. Those brands basically dressed the entire cast of every 90s teen show.
Check the fabric composition too. If you can find a rayon or silk blend, the dress will drape much better than a stiff 100% polyester version. And honestly? Don't forget the hair. A flip-out bob or a few butterfly clips will do more for the "Sabrina" look than the dress itself. It’s about the whole package.
The beauty of the Sabrina the Teenage Witch dress is that it doesn't have to be perfect. It’s a bit messy, a bit "bizarre," and totally magical.