Get the Look: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Buffy the Vampire Slayer was, for lack of a better term, a cultural reset. Watching a badass and fashion-forward teenage girl fight a bunch of supernatural creatures to a grunge-y 90s soundtrack was the best thing that 10th grade me had ever seen. Of course, as I rewatch it recently, the show does have its issues-- but one thing definitely holds up: the outfits. What I love about Buffy is the fact that the four main female characters all have such a distinct style. No matter what your vibe is, there’s probably a Buffy girl’s closet that you’d like to raid. So, I’ve compiled a guide of how to get the four distinct looks perfect for casting spells, staking vampires, or just hanging out with friends.

*✧･ﾟ☆ Buffy Summers: The Girly Trend-Setter ☆･ﾟ✧*

Our titular character’s signature style can best be described as feminine and trendy. Buffy’s outfits range from preppy to party-girl and almost anything in between. Many of her outfits feature a light, pastel color palette and are usually complete with some simple jewelry. Buffy is an LA girl at heart and her outfits really reflect that. For a finishing touch to your look, add sunglasses and put your hair in butterfly clips.

For the first Buffy look that I’ve compiled, you can go with any pastel blouse or top. Puff sleeves aren’t necessary, but I personally think that they add to the vibe. Pair it with a light-wash denim skirt and any white sneakers and you’re ready to start slaying vampires! For the second look, you’re going to want any sort of spaghetti strapped sundress and cute matching sandals. Either of these looks can be completed with some 90s rectangular shades, but I particularly like them with the dress.

*✧･ﾟ☆ Willow Rosenberg: The Girl Next Door ☆･ﾟ✧*

The biggest thing I associate with everyone’s favorite witchy girl next door is sweaters. Willow’s collection of cute sweaters is very impressive and she’s often seen sporting these sweaters with overalls or a cute skirt. To get the Willow look, you’re going to want a wardrobe of bright colors and happy patterns. Accessorize with layered jewelry and some funky earrings and style your hair in french braids to get the full effect.

For the first Willow look, you can take this in any sort of direction you want color-wise. All you’ll need to do is find a bright sweater and a matching skirt. Complete the look with any sort of tennis shoes (converse, vans, etc…) and pile on the jewelry. For the second look, find any sort of bright t-shirt (bonus points if it has a floral element) and layer it with some overalls. Style the look with some neutral-toned sneakers and your favorite statement earrings.

*✧･ﾟ☆ Cordelia Chase: Refined Chic ☆･ﾟ✧*

Moving on to my personal favorite Buffy fashion icon, Cordelia’s wardrobe reflects chic sophistication and preppiness. She’s often seen rocking a mini skirt and a blouse, but doesn’t shy away from incorporating fun prints in small doses. If Cordy was living in 2021, she’d definitely be a fan of sweater vests and tennis skirts. To complete your Cordelia Chase look, add some subtle jewelry and throw on a headband.

For the first Cordelia look, you’re going to want to start with any type of white top or blouse. Pair it with a plaid or checked skirt and some tall black boots for a simple, chic addition to your wardrobe. For the second look, find any sort of plaid dress and style it with ballet flats. A cute mini bag would complement either of these looks, as would a headband. 

*✧･ﾟ☆ Faith Lehane: A Grunge Dream ☆･ﾟ✧*

Lastly, I can’t think of a better embodiment of the 90s grunge fashion scene than Faith. Faith’s outfits usually incorporate a leather element, either in the form of a jacket or pants, and a t-shirt. Dig out your favorite band tee, throw on a badass jacket, and you’ve embraced your inner Faith. To complete the look, put on some of her signature dark red lipstick and layer some silver studded jewelry.

Although Faith is mostly seen sporting black, for the first look you’re going to want to find any kind of maroon top. Pair it with some black pants (preferably leather) and add some doc martens or similar boots to complete the look. For the second look, you’re going to want a black top of any kind to pair with a dreary-colored plaid skirt. I think that this fit would be super cute with platform mary janes, but any black shoe will complete this outfit. A leather jacket and studded jewelry would add a nice finishing touch to either of these looks. And don’t forget your dark lipstick.