New Netflix Show Wednesday Is Sparking a Goth Fashion Revival

Noticed an increasing number of teenagers dressed in all black? What about pigtail braids and smudged black eyeliner? They may be inspired by Wednesday, Tim Burton’s new Netflix series. The show stars Jenna Ortega as the teenage Wednesday Addams, who investigates mysteries at Nevermore Academy using her psychic abilities. 

The character of Wednesday Addams was first introduced in Charles Addams’ 1938 New Yorker comics, and was later portrayed by Christina Ricci in 1991’s The Addams Family. Her braids and black-and white outfits have been iconic in the many years since. The first episode of 2022’s Wednesday opens with the titular character in her signature black dress and white pointed collar. As the show continues, we get to see how Wednesday’s style has evolved for the modern day. 

Creating a more contemporary look for Wednesday was important to Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood, who has previous worked with Tim Burton on films such as Alice in Wonderland and Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Her outfits stuck to Wednesday’s classic black-and-white palette, but introduced modern silhouettes ranging from a hoodie and striped cardigan to a black Alaïa prom dress. 

@planetgiannie Wednesday Vargas? #tiktokph #fyp #makeupph #wednesdayaddamsmakeup #wednesdaynetflix ♬ original sound - MGM Studios

These modern looks have made Wednesday a style icon for Gen Z audiences, with “Wednesday Addams makeup” trending on TikTok and searches for Wednesday-inspired outfits rising on resale apps like Depop. The boarding school setting adds to the show's popularity, as it overlaps with TikTok's Dark Academia aesthetic. Want to get a look at the unique gothic outfits yourself? Wednesday is available now on Netflix.