Never heard of it? It’s Streganona Autumn! A few weeks ago, a TikTok went viral proclaiming the fall of 2024 as the “Autumn of Strega Nona,” marking the return of the popular children’s book character.
If you’re still looking for last-minute Halloween prep, look no further than the DIY Strega Nona costume, as seen by TikTok creator @janachronism. Not only is it easy to find all the items you need on Amazon, but you probably already have a lot of them lying around in your kitchen or closet.
In case it’s been a while since you read Tomie de Paola’s 1975 classic novel. Strega Nona (meaning “Grandma Witch” in Italian) was a Calabrian healer known for her magical pasta pots. When her assistant Big Anthony tries to use it secretly, he accidentally botches the spell and floods their small town with noodles. Luckily, Strega Nona comes to the rescue and disaster is averted, but of course teaches Big Anthony a lesson in the process.
“Strega Nona” by Tommy De Paola
Danny Capalbo, who coined the phrase “Strega Nona fall,” told People that he was inspired by the book’s “warm and cozy” qualities and the title character’s love of pasta. “We all had a really fun summer,” she said in an interview with The New York Times. “Come on, you just want to get cozy and make some pasta in your magical pasta pot.”
When it comes to channeling your inner Strega Nona, Capalbo told People that the “starter pack” includes “a cauldron and a headscarf and a good apron…and brown. Everything brown!” .
To complete this look, start with Strega Nona’s most obvious elements: the apron and head scarf. Strega wears a white scarf in the book, but if you’re looking for a fun pop of color, you might want to try brighter options. Choose an apron with ruffles or pleats that is suitable for Strega Nona. The options we found are adjustable and even have pockets.
Once you’ve completed your accessories, try pairing them with a long skirt or brown dress. We’ve put together skirts, dresses, and even a green knit sweater vest similar to the one Strega Nona sports in the book, but feel free to layer with muted tones you have in your closet. Please. After all, late autumn nights can be chilly.
Strega Nona costume essentials
scarlet dark medieval dress
11% off now
Hyzrz Ruffle Adjustable Apron Scarlet Darkness Maxi Skirt Zeagoo Oversized Sweater Vest Kitchen Aid Bamboo Wooden Spoon
Now 37% off
Imusa 8 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot Lion Brand Yarn Cream Yarn
Now 34% off
The inspiration for this Strega Nona costume is just the starting point. The best part? All are available for purchase on Amazon, so with your Prime account, you should receive everything in time for the Halloween festivities.
As a finishing touch, don’t forget to raid the kitchen for a wooden spoon and a pasta pot instead of the Strega cauldron. If you’re feeling extra crafty this Halloween, why not unravel a skein or two of cream-colored yarn to resemble Strega Nona’s boiled pasta? Otherwise, the pasta pot can easily double as a place for kids to put the candy they score while trick-or-treating.
Related articles
Madison McGee is the lifestyle editor at Hearst Magazines. She can usually be found reading books, exploring New York’s many indie bookstores, rooting for the Baltimore Ravens or Ole Miss Rebels, or wishing she was lying on the beach. Masu.
