The iconic figure of Professor Minerva McGonagall from the “Harry Potter” books and films is a symbol of strength, grace, and wisdom. Her mostly Victorian and Edwardian-inspired style provides a perfect model for anyone hoping to adopt a gothic-inspired appearance. A well known witch of the magical world, her outfit invokes a sense of mystery, elegance, spookiness and gloom which is the very foundation of gothic fashion. In this article we will discuss how to create a gothic-inspired look that is similar to Professor McGonagall’s to get a sophisticated, yet a combination of classic Victorian and Edwardian vibe. We’ll explore the essential gothic outfits and gothic accessories that set her look apart and how you can use them to create a dramatic, yet elegant, look with your own clothing.
The Long and Structured Silhouette
McGonagall’s long, flowing robes, which instantly exude authority and grace, are her most distinctive stylistic aspect. The silhouette should stay lengthy, rigid, and flowing when interpreting this into a gothic-inspired outfit to highlight your stature. Use a long coat that fits well or a full-length dress as the foundation. Select materials like velvet, silk, or wool, which are not only exquisite to work with but also fundamental components of gothic style. Here, the goal is to create strong, timeless elegance through the use of clean, unbroken lines. A black gown with a high collar and elaborate embroidery around the bodice, for example, would perfectly embody the Victorian spirit while also complementing gothic design elements. The gown’s narrow waist and sculpted shoulder pads can evoke McGonagall’s strong yet elegant figure. Pairing it with Victorian style gothic handbags will enhance your look.
Dark and Moody Colours
Dark, subdued colours make up the majority of McGonagall’s attire; her green robes are what make her most identifiable. Darker hues are essential for gothic style, especially black, deep green, purple, and burgundy tones. These shades mix well with Victorian gothic sensibilities and evoke a sense of mystery. Imagine yourself in a Victorian inspired gothic outfit, holding one of the aesthetic gothic candle holders, and walking the corridors of Hogwarts at night! Isn’t it giving you a perfect vibe? A floor-length gown with a velvet or jacquard finish, or a deep emerald green robe, would be the perfect tribute to McGonagall’s fashion sense without detracting from the gothic theme. Adding lace or embroidered accents to the hemline or sleeves will further enhance the overall Victorian-inspired style. Do not hesitate to use the black colour for your outfit to get that mystic appearance. You can layer silk, velvet, or black lace to get a more dramatic, bold and expressive look. However, make sure not to use contemporary elements such as plastic or leather, as they will snatch away the elegance of Victorian or Edwardian style.
Classic, Simple, and Elegant Accessories
In Professor McGonagall’s opinion, when it comes to accessories, less is more. Her style is based on refinement and restraint, which is quite similar to gothic style. The secret to accessorising a McGonagall outfit with a gothic twist is to use ageless and vintage-looking items. When it comes to choosing the jewellery pieces, you can always opt for a simple pendant necklace, a vintage silver ring, and an antique yet elegant brooch which must not overshadow the ensemble, but must provide the exact amount of gothic charm which is required. You can also choose classic jewellery pieces, featuring skulls, spiders, and crosses, however, keeping in mind the style of Professor McGonagall, make sure you are choosing the jewellery which features these gothic elements not in an exaggerated form. For instance, if you are choosing a brooch, make sure that it is made up of some precious metals and is nature inspired. To finish this outfit, a wide-brimmed black hat is also necessary. McGonagall’s trademark hat completes her look and lends an air of mystery. Pick a hat with a pointed brim or delicate embellishments to add a gothic touch without deviating too far from McGonagall’s iconic appearance.
Hairstyle and Makeup
It is true that for a perfect gothic look, heavy makeup is often used, however, the character we are incorporating is Professor McGonagall and she always chooses soft, subtle and elegant makeup. Therefore, it is wise to go for soft, subtle and natural makeup which will mainly be focusing on emphasising your features. You can use a somewhat darker colour scheme for a gothic twist. When it comes to eye makeup, you can go for a soft, smokey eye and for that you can use shades such as, purple, black, deep brown and so on. McGonagall does not favour dramatic contouring or heavy eyeliner because her style is not ostentatious. Instead, go for elegance with a neutral lip colour and subtle blush. When it comes to hair, McGonagall’s signature updo is crucial to understanding her style. Not only will a sleek, tight bun or a braided chignon keep your hair out of your face, but they also give you a more authoritative appearance. For a more sophisticated appearance, if your hair is shorter, think about wearing gothic-inspired hairpins, including Victorian-style clips or black roses. You can get all the gothic outfits and accessories to dress up like this famous gothic character, from websites, selling different gothic outfits and accessories, such as a gothic coffin bag, gothic skirt, gown, dress and so on. Make sure to get into this particular character, wear your confidence on your sleeves.
