Let’s face it, Wicked: For Good did not quite match the magic of the first movie. That said, there were a couple of standout pieces, one of them being Elphaba’s thigh-high platform boots, and the true star of the show, her sexy bog witch cardigan. (She’s not actually a bog witch, it’s just fun to say). As a knitter, this marvelous piece caught my attention immediately. The marled gray, the slouchiness, the holes, and tattery texture. What’s not to love? I was thinking about it as I left the movie theater, and was not surprised at all to find every single knitting and crochet group I follow online filled with patterns inspired by Elphaba’s so-called “sex cardigan.”
Tattered gray wool might not scream sexy, but when you think in terms of Elphaba’s actual lifestyle, it makes a lot of sense. According to the costume designer for Wicked: For Good, Paul Tazewell, the design was a direct extension of considering just what a witch like Elphaba would realistically be able to use. In a talk with NPR, he explained the design choices, “It came out of very literally an organic decision of what does Elphaba have access to? And living alone, what choice would she make when she’s looking for a robe, some way to be protective and warm? … It’s operating as her robe for that moment.”
He went on to explain the exact, magical way that Elphaba would make such a garment, “She’s got a loom in her treehouse, where she’s weaving her own clothing. She’s manifesting all these things from the elements that are around her, and the sweater is just in keeping with that.”
Of course, being crafty with yarn myself, I absolutely love the notion that Elphaba was just going at it with some gray wool and a loom, making her own witchy wardrobe. Besides the fact that Elphaba’s weaving is an adorable and intriguing concept, this garment shows us other emotional layers of the character, too.
Cynthia Erivo, Elphaba herself, opened up about the viral cardigan, defending it (as if it needs defense, it’s amazing) and giving it further emotional context at an Airbnb event, “I just wanted to present an opportunity to see this character who everybody at this point has seen as this strong fighting woman, who is the Wicked Witch, as someone who could actually be on her own.“
Erivo also explained what it meant to her to have this piece of clothing for her character, “I just wanted something that removed the armor for a second, while, yes, showing you a more sensual, more connected side of her. The aim is to make her a soft human being that could be worthy of being loved and having an intimate moment with someone,” she continued. “That’s beautiful.”
But enough about why the cardigan is so special. What if you want to bring the witchy wilderness style into your own wardrobe? Maxi cardigans have been in style for a moment now, and show no signs of going out anytime soon. While you may not necessarily want to wear a big gray cardigan with your lingerie, that doesn’t mean you don’t have tons of other ways to incorporate this piece into your wardrobe.
Wear a cropped gray cardigan
If you like the slouchy, cozy gray vibes but don’t necessarily care for the length, going for a cropped version of Elphaba’s cardigan can be a great way to incorporate some witchy charm into your outfits without having to go outside of your comfort zone.
Try a stylized neutral set
Matching sets are incredibly on-trend, and can be another chic way to try out a slinky, long cardigan around the house. Opting for a matching set that includes a tank and some lounge pants is an effortless way to look put-together even while hanging out around the house.
https://www.prettylittlething.us/taupe-knitted-maxi-cardigan.html
Go for a cabled gray cardigan
An open, cabled cardigan with voluminous sleeves is another great option when you’re going for the Elphaba vibe. While it may not be full of holes, it still has that slouchy feel. Plus, it can look super polished depending on what you pair it with. For easy elegance, a black long-sleeved tee paired with black jeans is the way to go.
Look for a thick knit cardigan with a collar
A thick knit and a big collar are some more nice details to look out for. Some pockets add functionality. This piece is highly versatile and can easily be paired with jeans and a tee, or with a mini skirt and tights. Not only can it be comfortable around the house, but it can also be worn out and about and still look polished.
Wear a thin duster
While thick cardigans with chunky knits are a great addition to a winter wardrobe, lighter knit cardigans are a great addition all year round. A lighter knit duster cardigan can be easily tossed on for a chilly summer night, or added as a layer with your sweater and jeans when it’s cold out.
Rock a hooded maxi cardigan
A hooded maxi cardigan with a textured, holey knit is another great choice when trying to emulate Elphaba’s look. The holes in the knit keep it both warm and breezy, and the hood makes for a warm detail with a decidedly witchy vibe.
OZY CROCHET LONG HOODED CARDIGAN
Sources Cited
https://www.npr.org/2025/12/01/nx-s1-5621908/wicked-costume-design-paul-tazewell
https://deadline.com/2025/12/cynthia-erivo-wicked-for-good-cardigan-1236635574/
Stargazer Women's Magazine 
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