The most anticipated movie of the year has finally arrived! Wicked is now out everywhere, and fans both old and new are flocking to theaters to see this masterpiece on the silver screen. We at Retro Stage are most excited about one thing, though, and that’s the film’s impeccable costume design led by Broadway legend Paul Tazewell. Seamlessly combining aesthetics from countless different eras, styles, and genres, Wicked’s costumes are right up our alley, and we have a feeling you’re right there with us. Today, we’ll be going over the stunning costuming choices made for Oz’s iconic witches as well as introducing you to some new additions to the Retro Stage catalog inspired by the movie.

What’s Wicked About?

Wicked follows the story of Elphaba, a talented sorceress who’s faced lifelong mistreatment due to her green skin, as she enrolls in Oz’s prestigious Shiz University alongside her sister. There, she meets Glinda, a spoiled popular girl who envies Elphaba’s natural magical gifts. Both young women think they know exactly what they want in life, but the crossing of their paths changes their lives forever. From journeys of self-discovery to the ways power can be taken and misused, Wicked is all about transformation and what it truly means to go against the grain of society.

Given Wicked’s focus on magic, it’s no surprise that the story plays out against a fantastical backdrop of retrofuturistic elements. The colorful, sparkling atmosphere of Oz seems idyllic at first, but over time, it creates a jarring contrast with the plot’s darker themes that viewers are sure to appreciate. The land of Oz as a whole is composed of a fascinating fusion of nostalgic, forward-thinking, and otherworldly aesthetics, and that makes it an amazing source of fashion inspiration. Let’s dive right in and take a look at our two main characters.

The Style Queens of Oz

Elphaba’s tastes definitely skew dark, gloomy, and even a little matronly at times, but much like the hero herself, there’s so much more than meets the eye. While a mostly-black wardrobe might seem simplistic, Elphaba’s clothing plays a lot with various textures to convey her complex character and encourage you to look more closely before judging. Her practical attire (and later, her iconic pointed hat) sets her apart from the other Ozians just like the color of her skin, which just goes to show that every detail of her clothing is intentional in its design.

Glinda’s princessy wardrobe is a girly girl’s dream, from the abundance of pastels and pinks to the lightweight fabric choices. At Shiz, we see Glinda in several silhouettes ranging from preppy and refined to party-ready, but one thing her outfits have in common is an overflow of soft, feminine energy. Of course, anyone who’s seen the film knows that there’s more to this bubbly young lady than flowing skirts and tiaras—if you think about it, the overload of stereotypical femininity acts as a kind of shield that disguises the real Glinda from the world.

Bringing Wicked Into the Modern-Day Fashion Scene

The eclectic aesthetics of Oz lend themselves perfectly to the modernized nostalgia that vintage fashion lovers are known for, so translating these extravagant costume pieces into everyday looks is a piece of cake for Retro Stage fans! Starting with Elphaba, her go-to color is obviously black, as seen in the Black 1940s Wicked-Inspired Elphaba Witch Costume with Hat. If you want to capture the spirit of the character while avoiding a completely monotone wardrobe, try experimenting with other deep, rich hues like midnight blue, burgundy, or emerald green. A good example is the Green 1960s Wicked Irregular Stripes Patchwork Dress, which has the classic black base but makes things more exciting with a cascade of green and white stripes.

Looking beyond color, you’ll notice that nearly all of her outfits have an A-line silhouette and some kind of constructed shoulder reminiscent of leg-of-mutton sleeves. This restrained, almost uptight appearance can be hard to pull off in the modern day; the key to making it work is employing a variety of textures and fabrics as well as bringing personality to the look through your choice of accessories. For example, you could bring a piece like the Black 1940s Wicked-Inspired Floral Witch Dress to life with eye-catching accoutrements like the Glittery Crown Witch Hat Wicked-Inspired Earrings or the Lace Patchwork Lace-Up Calf-High Boots.

Our Other Elphaba Picks:

● Our alternate version of the Black 1940s Wicked-Inspired Floral Witch Dress with matte buttons and black embroidery

● The Orange Halloween Wicked Pumpkin & Ghost Earrings for some traditional spooky flair

● The Retro Leather High-Heel Boots in black, blue, or green

The expansiveness of Glinda’s closet means her looks are just a smidge easier to adapt to contemporary fashion. Where Elphaba sticks to one tried-and-true silhouette, Glinda diversifies her style and color palette, from more casual garments like the 2-Piece 1960s Wicked Solid Blouse & Irregular Stripes Skirt to professional schoolwear like the 3-Piece 1940s Ruffle Striped Button Suit Set. Glinda also understands the importance of accessorizing, using pieces like the Resin Spliced Crystal Drop Earrings and the Retro Bow Decor High-Heel Shoes—both in her signature pink—to elevate her outfits regardless of the occasion.

Of course, the easiest way to step into the shoes of the Good Witch herself is to wear a showstopping bubblegum-pink ball gown like the one seen on the Wicked poster. The Pink 1950s Wicked Glitter Mesh Swing Dress and the Pink 1970s Wicked Sequined Top & Mesh Swing Skirt are two wonderful options that feature tiers of flowing satin and tulle adorned with sparkly silver stars. They’re excellent go-tos for formal events with an elevated dress code that calls for a little extra magic.

Our Other Glinda Picks:

● The Pink 1960s Wicked-Inspired Glinda Costume Set, a four-piece ensemble made to resemble Glinda’s beloved Emerald City couture

● The Retro Bow Pearl High-Heel Shoes in white or pink

Defy Gravity with Your Unique Wicked-Inspired Outfits

Now that you’re well-versed in what gives Elphaba and Glinda their iconic looks, it’s time to put together your own outfits inspired by this incredible movie musical! It’s like we said before: the whimsical land of Oz is the perfect place for vintage fashion lovers to start looking for inspiration, so whether you’re putting together an ensemble for a Wicked viewing party or brainstorming styles for next season’s wardrobe, there’s a whole world waiting for you to explore. Characters like Elphaba exist to remind us that we should be true to ourselves no matter how others might judge us, and we at Retro Stage encourage all you vintage fans to wholly embrace that message and show off your creativity.

If you haven’t already seen Wicked, make sure you get your tickets ASAP so you can join your fellow retro fashionistas in channeling your inner magic. After all, everyone deserves the chance to fly! These timeless retro outfits are also perfect for Wicked: For Good in 2025 and double as spellbinding looks for Halloween! Why wait? Let the magic begin!