Stage Inspiration: Fashion Inspired by Wicked
You ask and CF delivers! Thanks to the response to our post on fashion inspired by Rent, for the next few weeks, we’ll be exploring the costumes from some of your favorite Broadway musicals. I’ll pause for a moment and let my fellow thespians let out a collective scream of joy.
To kick off this series, I picked everyone’s favorite shower and road trip sing-along soundtrack, Wicked. I had the pleasure of seeing this production live two years ago, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I cried like a baby throughout the entire second act.
Wicked is a prequel to the Wizard of Oz, explaining the origins of the Wicked Witch of the West, Glinda the Good Witch, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and more. Don’t expect a sunny fairy tale, though; this musical (adapted from a novel by Gregory Maguire) explores themes such as bullying, acceptance, integrity, love, friendship, and the fine line between good and evil. If you ever have the opportunity to catch a live production, I highly recommend it — you will leave the theater touched, and might even shed a tear or two yourself :)
Alright, enough of my emotional blabbering — lets get the the good part, the fashion!
Dear Old Shiz
I’ll try my best to get through this post without giving away too many of the story’s surprises — but for those of you who haven’t see it yet, the parallels between Wicked and the Wizard of Oz will astound you!
The tale begins at Shiz University, the college that Galinda (the Good Witch, before she changed her name), Elphaba (the future Wicked Witch of the West), and Elphaba’s crippled younger sister Nessarose (the future Wicked Witch of the East) all attended before becoming professional witches. (I giggled at that statement, too.)
In the musical, Shiz students dress very preppy, sporting items such as blazers, oxford shirts, loafers, and hats. Elphaba and Galinda are both known to rock monochromatic outfits in their signature colors as well. Read on to steal a little bit of Elphie, Nessa, and Galinda’s school-girl style.
Elphaba
Idina Menzel originated the role of Elphaba, a compassionate, intelligent, and good-intentioned student who is bullied for having green skin. She has felt like an outcast her entire life and compensates by wearing very plain outfits in hopes of blending in.
Wearing head-to-toe navy blue like Elphaba is an option, of course, but below, I adapted her outfit to work a little better in everyday life. Be sure to rock some emerald green jewelry to pay homage to Elphaba’s unique complexion.
Blazer, Skirt, Beanie, Shirt, Shoes, Glasses, Jewelry
Galinda
Kristin Chenoweth originated the role of Galinda, a perky, well-liked, and sometimes self-centered student who is the polar opposite of Elphaba. Despite their differences, the two students develop a strong bond and Galinda even gives Elphaba a makeover in an attempt to make her “Popular.”
Galinda’s style is very girly — she is known to wear lots of pink, full skirts, and rhinestones and glitter galore. To get her look, pair classic pieces together and give the look a ladylike flair with a white beanie, floral scarf, and sparkly earrings.
Coat, Dress, Beret, Scarf, Shoes, Earrings
Nessarose
Nessarose, like Elphaba, feels like an outcast, but she is desperate to have a fresh start at Shiz University.
Nessa’s style is more colorful than Elphie’s, but she is not as glamorous as Galinda, who helps find her a date to the Oz Dust Ball. To steal some of Nessa’s style, pair preppy basics with quirky accents, like a bow headband and her signature silver shoes (which become a very important plot point later in the story).
Khaki Pants, Argyle Sweater, Shoes, Headband, Earrings
Defying Gravity
Elphaba slips into her well-known witch ensemble towards the end of the first act and sings the iconic song, “Defying Gravity.”
Although it would be fun to go out in a pointed black hat, you might get a few strange looks. Save the classic witch items for Halloween, but snag some of Elphie’s style by layering drapey, gothic-inspired black pieces together with green accessories and a lion ring for a unique look that’s certain to make you feel bold, powerful, and flyin’ free.
Dress, Belt, Shoes, Earrings, Ring, Nail Polish, Tights
For Good
Glinda (who has now dropped the “a” in her name) helps the Wizard reign over Oz in the second act and certainly looks the part of the powerful ruler she has become.
Get Glinda’s royal look by pairing a princess party dress with loads of crystal jewelry, a hot air balloon necklace that references the Wizard and Dorothy’s escape from Oz, and a tiara if you feel really daring!
Dress, Tiara, Shoes, Necklace, Earrings, Lipstick
What Do You Think?
Have you seen Wicked? What did you think of it? Do you and your girlfriends LOVE the soundtrack as well? What other musicals or plays to you love? Leave a comment and tell us what you think of this post.
Also, make sure to let me know what other musicals or plays you’d like to see covered next – you may see your favorite here soon!
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Posted on on September 29, 2011 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: Inspiration, Musicals, Stage Inspiration, Theater, Wicked
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Mina
This is definitely one of my favourite musicals of all times. “Defying Gravity” still gives me goosebumps. Great post!
Natalie
I LOVE WICKED!!! I first saw it in NYC in 2007 when I was a senior in high school. Since then I’ve taken my mom to the big apple to watch it (she loved it!!) and joined my family in Austin so they could have the Wicked experience :) It makes me cry everytime I watch it. I know all the words to every song and I’m even trying to name our future daughter “Nessa” haha :)
Jenna
I was SO excited when I saw this post! I love Wicked so much. You should do Hairspray next; The costumes in that show are out-of-control awesome!
Rachel
Oh this is so much fun. I love the black dress with the green accessories best.
Victoria
This has to be my absolute favourite post of all time. I am absolutely obsessed with Wicked and have already ordered those emerald earrings from the Elphaba section. Love it!
Samantha
This is why I love CF! Hot air balloon necklace? Genius!
(Not gonna lie, was kind of hoping there would be a beauty part to this, with Elphaba’s braid and green skin. Just for fun. But this post is great.)
I second the request for Hairspray :)
Nicole
Wow! This is absolutely adorable (: I would love to see something Phantom of the Opera or Les Miserables…perhaps in honor of Phantom of the Opera’s 25th Anniversary Concert going on in London this Sunday? (:
Julia
I love these ideas!!! And I definitely agree with Nicole, a Phantom-inspired post for the 25th anniversary concert would be amazing!
Loi
I like the pink full skirt! So pretty!!!
Corynn
LOVED this post! I’m a huge Wicked fan, and I finally got to see it live this past year. I also agree that a Phantom post would be awesome.
Carri
I love WICKED!!! These looks are awesome! And I agree, Les Mis or the Phantom of the Opera next. =)
Katelyn
This was an amazing post! Wicked is most definitely my favorite musical, but I still would love to see a Phantom post too.
Jennifer
I was SO happy when I saw this post! I’m going to see Wicked in two weeks and I’m just counting down the days! All these outfits are so cute!
Shelby
THANK YOU for noticing Nessarose! I’m definitely a Nessie girl :)
Suggestions (being the “college theatre dork” I am, I can’t resist): My Fair Lady, next to normal, (title of show), West Side Story (which, I might mention, is now on Glee), Funny Girl, Rocky Horror Picture Show (great for Halloween!), Footloose, Cabaret, Dr. Horrible’s Sing A-Long Blog, Once Upon a Mattress, The Spitfire Grill and Spring Awakening.
A good mix of the newer shows with the older with some great roles for the ladies :)
Thanks again! I might have to make a special blog post to direct what ever readers I have to these posts :)
Sarah - Northeastern University
Chelsea – I absolutely ADORE this post. I’ve seen Wicked twice now and yes, I also cried like a baby :)
Great job!!
Sarah
One of the greatest musicals and fashion posts ever! Every single piece is brilliant and perfect. Amazing job Chelsea!! :D
Daisy
Please please please do a Phantom of the Opera inspired post next!!!! I’m addicted to musicals and to see a Phantom post would be amazing considering it’s now in it’s 25th year in the West End and I’m a huge Phan ;)
Hairspray would be brilliant, and The King and I. That dress Anna wears for Shall We Dance is breathtaking! :)
Olivia
I lLOVE the idea of doing theatrical inspiration!!!! I for one love the theater!! THis was a great first start!!! Cant wait to see more! Love This!
Bekky
Oh my god I am so obsessed with Wicked! I played Galinda / Glinda in my school production and try to emulate her style all the time. I have seen this show… wait for it…17 times! Told you I was obsessed.
Ok my other faves for future posts are:
Les Miserables
Moulin Rouge
Sweeney Todd (with Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter)
Chicago
Mai
SO excited to see this post. Wicked is my all time favorite musical! The looks were great.
Jane
I love this!
Cady
RENT!!! That show has sooo many different amazing fashionistas…
Rachel Tenney
I absolutely love this! I’m new to CF and I’m totally hooked because of this :)
As a theatre nerd, I have to suggest The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as an inspiration. :)
Alana
I love this! My school is taking a trip to see Wicked tonight, and now I’m so disappointed I’m not going! Can’t wait to see more musical posts though!
Linda
You have to do The Phantom of Opera next!!! This may get me in trouble, but I loved Phantom so much more than Wicked!! Please do it next!!!
Amy
I’ve been looking at this site for ages and yet have never felt the need to comment… until now!! Thankyou thankyou thankyou – this seriously just made my day :D
Could you do one on Chicago and Mary Poppins? :D
Nikita
OMG! One of my favorite posts yet, CF! Wicked is amazing! I haven’t seen it, but I lovelovelovelovelove the soundtrack and the book. I hope that I will get to experience it live soon. Love each one of these looks! Great job! :D
Ellen K.
What about BOQ!? He’s got the sassiest costumes!!
Jennifer
I saw Wicked a month ago and I loved it!! Great post!!
Kate
Simply said: LOVE IT! :D
Jess
This makes me want to check this play out!
Like others have said, West Side Story and Chicago would be great posts as well.
My favorite is Cats, but…obviously is not fashionably inspiring :p
Michelle
I love this! I would love to see either Les Miserables or Phantom of the Opera, something that has more of a old fashioned spin to it =) plus both have great characters that have lots of different personalities to pull from
Brittany
I love Wicked and I’ve seen it four times so “I couldn’t be happier” about this post! I’m really looking forward to the rest of this series. Awesome job!
aish
hey the outfits
but non of them are really my style……..but good job
Isa
I love the first Galinda-inspired outfit. It’s perfect for winter!
I haven’t seen the play, but seeing it is definitely a priority of mine. And the book was honestly a really good book. I think I read it at too young of an age, though. 13 isn’t old enough to fully comprehend the meaning of it, but it’s old enough to really appreciate it. I’m just so facinated by Maguire’s ability to tie everything thing in together with the wizard of Oz.
But anyways, amazing post! Like always.
Amber
This post seriously made my day! I wish you had included some of the fabulous Oz costumes but still AMAZING!
Sarah
Great post! I love the Defying Gravity look. :D Wicked is one of my favorite books and it’s the only musical I’ve ever seen (loved it!) so I’m really excited about this post.
Faye
ah wicked is my FAVOURITE musical and you’ve come up with some amazing outfits!
Jenny in Jacquard
YES! This has to be the best “inspired by” post ever! You really captured the essence and style of each character. I especially love the first two looks. :)
Catherine
I would love if you did a Les Miserables inspired post! :D
Tara
I would love to see Anything Goes featured on here! It was just recently revived again, and I love all of the costumes Sutton Foster wears as Reno Sweeney are amazing and I feel like they could easily be adapted into our everyday wardrobes.
On another note, this post is great! Wicked was the first musical I fell in love with :)
Amelia
Rocky Horror Picture Show next, please! And Sweeney Todd would be SO COOL! Great Post, Chelsea!
Veronica
Ooh I love it! You should do legally blonde next!
Amber
Ok did anyone else notcie both the main characters where also on GLEE .. nice .. i havent seen wicked but heard some of the songs and they were amazing really like this article
Sofia
I love Wicked.
But I think it’s kind of overrated. People obsess over it as if it was West Side Story or 42nd Street!
Some people just listen to Glee’s cover of Defying Gravity and think they know everything about the show.
But the truth is that (in my own humble opinion) the original cast is way better than Glee’s.
I love Glee and I love Wicked.
But people are giving it the Phantom-treatment.
Shelby
My thoughts are the same Sofia. But, hey, welcome to America and the culture of pop. Give me West Side Story over Wicked any day!
Akosua
Wicked is my all time fave musical. Then it’s Harispray(future post?). Elphaba is my favorite because she’s misunderstood but really she’s amazing. the whole soundtrack is in my music library :D
Maureen
Can I please request a Sweeney Todd inspired fashion post? Pretty please?
I love the musical trend you got goin’ on here, and I especially loved this and the Rent post <3
Linda
You should do West Side Story!
Elles
Awesome article!
I’m a huge musical freak and Wicked is defenitely one of my faves. Hope you’ll post more Fashion inspired by musicals articles!
Lily
Can you do a West Side Story inspired post as well? I love that show and I think Maria and Anita would make great fashion inspiration.