It is a weirdly specific phenomenon. Every October, without fail, you see them. Three women—usually one in a towering purple wig, one in a chaotic ginger updo, and one rocking a blonde bombshell look—striding down a sidewalk or posing in a brightly lit kitchen. They are everywhere.
Sanderson sister halloween costumes aren't just a trend; they’ve become a seasonal institution. It’s been decades since Bette Midler first took flight as Winifred, and yet, the grip these three 17th-century witches have on our collective pop culture consciousness is tighter than ever. Why? It’s not just about the nostalgia. It’s about the specific, chaotic energy that Winifred, Mary, and Sarah bring to a party. They aren't just "witches." They are characters with distinct, recognizable personalities that allow friends to slot themselves into a group dynamic that works.
Honestly, finding a trio that fits this perfectly is rare. You have the bossy leader, the quirky sidekick, and the boy-crazy flirt. It's the "Sex and the City" of the supernatural world, but with more dead man's toes and less brunch.
The Evolution of the Sanderson Aesthetic
Back in 1993, the costume design by Mary E. Vogt was revolutionary because it didn't look like the standard "Pointy Hat" witch of the time. It was tactile. It was heavy.
Winifred’s costume is a masterclass in green and purple layering. If you’re going for a high-end DIY version, you can't just buy a cheap polyester robe. You need velvet. You need those weird, slightly puffed sleeves and the gold embroidery that looks like it was stitched by someone who hasn't seen the sun in three hundred years. Most people forget the teeth. If you don't have the buck teeth, are you even Winifred? Probably not.
Then there’s Mary. Kathy Najimy’s character is defined by that lopsided mouth and the vacuum cleaner. But the costume itself is surprisingly complex. It’s all about the textures: wools, oranges, and deep reds. The "hair" is the real challenge. People have tried everything from wire hangers to styrofoam cones to get that specific, swirling "crooked chimney" look.
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Sarah’s look is the one that usually gets the most "glam" treatment. It’s corsetry and layers of silk and lace in shades of plum and lilac. Sarah Jessica Parker’s version was flighty and ethereal, and that’s the vibe you have to hit. If you aren't constantly whispering "Amuck, amuck, amuck," the costume is only doing half the work.
Why "Hocus Pocus 2" Changed the Costume Game
For years, we only had the 1993 film to draw from. Then the 2022 sequel dropped on Disney+, and suddenly, we had a fresh wave of inspiration. The costumes in the sequel weren't just carbon copies; they were "upgraded" versions that acknowledged the sisters' origins.
We saw the "Young Sanderson" versions, which opened up a whole new niche for kids' costumes. Now, you don’t just have three adult women dressing up; you have entire families where the toddlers are playing the 1600s versions of the sisters. It’s adorable and slightly terrifying at the same time. The sequel also leaned harder into the "Mother" lore, giving us more backstory to play with if you’re a real lore nerd.
Getting the Details Right: Don't Settle for Store-Bought
Look, there’s nothing wrong with a bag costume from a big-box retailer. If you’re in a rush, go for it. But if you want to win the contest or get the "likes," you have to go deeper.
- The Book (Booo-ook!): You cannot be Winifred without the manual of witchcraft and alchemy. Real fans create "Book" using papier-mâché, fake leather, and a craft-store eyeball. If the eye doesn't move, you're losing points.
- The Capes: This is where the silhouettes happen. A good Sanderson sister halloween costume lives or dies by the weight of the cape. You want something that catches the wind when you're dramatically entering a room.
- The Makeup: We need to talk about the "doll" lips. Winifred has that very specific, small, heart-shaped lip stain. It’s a 1920s-meets-17th-century look. Mary needs the crooked lip, which usually involves some clever contouring or just a lot of practice in the mirror.
The "Hidden" Group Member
The best groups don't stop at the three sisters. They add a Billy Butcherson.
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Billy is the unsung hero of the Hocus Pocus costume world. He’s the "zombie ex-boyfriend" aesthetic. To pull him off, you need a heavy-duty 18th-century frock coat that looks like it’s been underground for a few centuries. And the mouth? Most people use spirit gum and black thread to mimic the "sewn-shut" look. It’s a high-effort costume, but it rounds out the group perfectly.
What about Binx? If you have a friend who hates dressing up, put them in a black cat onesie. It’s the easiest out in the history of Halloween.
The Cultural Impact of the Trio
Why do we keep coming back to this?
Maybe it’s because the Sandersons are unapologetically themselves. They aren't trying to be "good" witches. They are hungry for youth, obsessed with their own vanity, and remarkably bad at understanding modern technology. There’s something deeply relatable about three sisters who are just trying to get through the night without turning into dust.
In Salem, Massachusetts—the unofficial home of Halloween—these costumes are basically a uniform. If you visit the Ropes Mansion (Alison’s house in the movie), you will see dozens of Sandersons posing on the steps. It’s a pilgrimage.
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Sizing and Inclusivity
One of the best things about the Sanderson sister costumes is that they work for everyone. Because the outfits are based on historical (ish) silhouettes—corsets, flowing skirts, and heavy robes—they are incredibly flattering on all body types. You see drag queens doing high-fashion Sanderson looks, you see "mini-Sandersons" in strollers, and you see grandmothers rocking the Winifred wig. It’s a rare costume trope that transcends age, gender, and size.
Practical Advice for Your 2026 Look
If you're planning this for the upcoming season, start early. The "good" wigs—the ones that don't look like a matted bird's nest after ten minutes—sell out by mid-September.
- Focus on the hair first. It’s the most recognizable part of the silhouette. If the hair is wrong, the costume is just a generic witch.
- Coordinate your colors. The purple-green-red/orange palette is iconic. If your group shows up with two Winifreds, it’s going to be awkward. Pick your "sister" early and stick to the color code.
- Check the weather. These costumes are surprisingly warm. If you’re in a crowded bar, you’re going to sweat in that velvet. If you’re trick-or-treating in the Northeast, you’ll be the only person who isn't freezing.
It's funny. We think we're being original, but we're really just joining a long line of fans who want to run "amuck" for one night. There's a certain power in that. You put on the cape, you grab the broom (or the vacuum), and suddenly you're part of a legend that started in a small town in 1693 and ended up on every social media feed in the world.
Next Steps for Your Costume Build
Don't just buy a wig and call it a day. Start by sourcing your base layers from thrift stores—look for velvet skirts and old prom dresses that can be dyed. Focus on the "props" like the black flame candle or a replica of Winifred’s spellbook to really sell the look. If you're going as a group, synchronize a "I Put a Spell on You" lip-sync performance; it's the ultimate party move that never fails to get a crowd going. Finally, make sure to break in your boots before Halloween night, because those sisters did a lot of running around Salem, and your feet will definitely feel it if you aren't prepared.