Forget the wand. Hailee Steinfeld has found a much more fashionable way to cast a spell, and it involves crushed velvet, vampy nails, and fringe that knows how to make an entrance without a single incantation.
The actress appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to promote Disney's upcoming animated film Hexed, wearing a deep plum ensemble that looked as though autumn had personally commissioned it. A high-neck velvet top met a dark, intricately embellished skirt, delivering gothic romance with a contemporary twist.
Steinfeld's appearance offered a particularly timely take on modern 'witchcore', the moody aesthetic that borrows from vintage glamour, mystical imagery, and richly textured fabrics. With the Halloween countdown on the clock, her look made a convincing case for dressing like the most fashionable witch in the room without needing a broomstick to prove it.
Crushed Velvet Has Entered Its Witchy Era
Steinfeld's long-sleeved top was the first ingredient in her sartorial spellbook. Rendered in a rich aubergine shade, the crushed velvet announced its elegantly playful presence though shifting patches of burgundy and illusion-black.
The mock neckline kept the silhouette sleek, allowing the fabric's irregular sheen to provide the drama. Velvet has long been associated with old-world luxury, but its crushed finish gives the material a more relaxed, approachable character.
The fun part is that Steinfeld didn't leave the colour story to her wardrobe. Her dark plum manicure played along with the top's moody palette. Smoky eye makeup completed the beauty styling, epitomising Old Hollywood glamour and mysterious elegance that belongs in a candlelit manor that's likely solar-powered. While high-neck outfits tend to fare better with sleek updos, the 'Starving' singer's bouncy waves got away with breaking the rules.
For anyone tempted to reach for their tried and trusted beige knitwear at the first sign of crunchy amber leaves, consider this your invitation to explore the darker end of the colour wheel this autumn.
That Fringe Skirt Deserves Its Own Spell
The velvet may have established the mood, but the skirt brought a personality all its own. Its dark base was covered in intricate, shimmering embellishments, with rows of black beaded fringe cascading towards the hem. The decorative strands introduced movement and a sharper, almost metallic finish against the softness of the top.
Fringe often calls to mind Western jackets or bohemian festival dressing. Here, its dense arrangement and dark colouring gave it an entirely different aesthetic. The way the skirt was styled looked closer to gothic eveningwear than anything destined for a music festival.
Steinfeld's skirt also offered a contemporary counterpoint to the romantic top. Its relatively streamlined silhouette kept the outfit from becoming overwhelmed by fabric, while the fringe added visual weight without demanding another layer. On top of that, a glimpse of dark, pointed footwear beneath the hem finished the look — no pointed hat required.
Is Hailee Steinfeld Bringing Method Dressing to Hexed?
The timing makes Steinfeld's wardrobe choice particularly interesting.
In Disney's Hexed, the actress voices Billie, a teenager who discovers that she possesses magical abilities. Her appearance on Fallon's show therefore came with an obvious opportunity to borrow a little inspiration from the film's supernatural premise. Whether the outfit was deliberately chosen as method dressing remains unconfirmed, but the visual connection is difficult to ignore.
Modern witchcore shares much of its appeal with 'whimsigoth', an aesthetic associated with celestial motifs, dramatic silhouettes, vintage textures, and a fondness for the mysterious. Steinfeld's interpretation favoured the luxurious side of that wardrobe, replacing overtly mystical accessories with velvet, embellishment, and carefully coordinated beauty details.
It also arrived at an ideal moment for autumn fashion. Rather than relying on chunky layers, the actress created seasonal depth through contrasting textures and a jewel-toned palette.
The lesson? You don't need a costume to dress for spooky season. Sometimes, all it takes is a little crushed velvet, a statement skirt, and the confidence to let your outfit do the enchanting. As for Steinfeld, she came to promote Hexed and left us considering a wardrobe overhaul. Now that's what we call a successful spell.
