Every year we receive a barrage of questions about visiting Salem!
Where should we eat? What's the weather like? Is it haunted?
What should we WEAR?!
Luckily, that last one is something we are more than equipped to help you with! Here are some of our top tips on dressing for your visit to Salem because we want you to have a great time in our witchy little city!
We'll start with our recommendations, then finish by answering some of the top outfit questions we get before people come to Salem.
1. COMFY SHOES
Our absolute number 1 tip is, and we can't stress this enough: WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES! Your feet, calves, ankles, hips, and back will thank you! You'll be doing a lot of walking, so take care of your tootsies by wearing something you know you won't want to take off and throw in the trash after an hour of adventuring. Don't get us wrong, we are here to help if you give up and need to buy a pair of big stompy boots or creepy cute flats or sandals from us because you made the mistake of wearing a pair of sexy stiletto boots to complete your pirate outfit (I literally made this mistake the first time I went out in Salem on Halloween night). It happens so often in October, we specifically carried roll up flats for a while. Save yourself the heartache and wear comfortable shoes. Here are a few of our favorites!
THE ESSEX BOOTS REG AND TALL (A staple named for the cobblestone streets of Salem, by Foxblood!)
2. LAYERS
You know that old saying that "if you don't like the weather, wait a minute and it'll change"? It applies to Salem a little too well. What might start as a chilly morning could be a sweltering afternoon that turns into an evening thundershower. Assume it'll be cold. Assume it'll be warm. Assume it's going to rain. Wear the layers! Bring a bag to toss your sweater in, or plan to tie it around your waist or shoulders if you need to take it off. If you're staying in Salem, you might need to drop a layer off at your room or go back to grab a jacket in the evening. Trust us on this one, I once wore shorts and a tank top because it was hot and sunny in the morning. I went into a meeting that was a half hour long and by the time it was over, the sky was overcast and it was at least 10 degrees colder. That being said, if you end up needing another layer or something lighter to wear, we can help!
Check out the Lucy Ruffle Hoodie and Brett Manning's Magick Cardigan!
3. A NICE, ROOMY BAG
It's no secret that Salem has an exceptional array of beautifully curated shops filled with unique items you'll want to bring home. You're sure to be picking up a thing from every other boutique and you'll need somewhere to keep all those goodies! We recommend bringing a big bag if you can help it! A roomy purse, a tote, or even a duffel. Of course we have a few of those, too!
Try the Aaliyah bag (another Foxblood favorite), a cute Ruffle Tote, or this exclusive Weekender duffel from DWYBO and Foxblood!
4. SUNGLASSES
Nevermind if it'll be sunny or cloudy, just bring your sunglasses because you're going to need them! You'll need them if it's the middle of summer and the sun is out. You'll need them if the ground is blanketed in white, fluffy snow. You'll need them if you're at Koto for a goth night and the DJ goes a little too hard with the lasers. You'll need them if you stayed up too late hunting for ghosts in your hotel to cover up the cute lil bags under your eyes. And not to worry if you lose the ones you bring or want something new, we've got plenty!
Check out the Bowie, Look to the Sky, or Highlander
5. SOMETHING WITCHY
It's Salem, after all! Don't be afraid to bring out your witchiest finery and you will fit right in. Dramatic sleeves, layers, accessories! Bring them all, we want to see your fit, so tag us when you take your cute pics! Here are a few of our favorite pieces perfect for a trip to Salem.
Alexa Bell Sleeve Top, Miranda Dress, Anya Dress, Griselda Boot, Witch of the West Boot
FAQ
Q. What's the weather like in Salem?
A. You never know what you're gonna get! It even snowed on Halloween a few times! If you're coming in October, expect it to be warmer in the earliest part of the month with chillier evenings. Mid-month the leaves will be changing and it'll be sweater weather during the day. Late October it turns off colder and you'll need a jacket and possibly gloves and a hat at night. That being said, expect the unexpected and layer up!
Q. What do I do if I get wet from rain?
A. No problem! You can buy an entirely new outfit from us or several of our neighbors downtown! Most shops carry t-shirts and sweaters or hoodies. We carry all kinds of fashion and can dress you from head to toe. If you're only worried about having wet socks, we have plenty of socks to replace the wet ones with, too!
Q. How do I look cute and stay comfortable walking around all day?
A. First, make sure you wear comfy shoes! We already said that, but it's the most important because you'll be on your feet all day! Second, dress for the weather as best you can. If it's expected to be 50 and rainy all day, don't wear shorts without tights and a tank top or if you do, pair it with a hoodie and leg warmers! If it's expected to be 70 and sunny, don't wear tights, a sweater, and a coat! Maybe wear something flowy and bring a light layer for when it cools down in the evening. Make good decisions and you're sure to have a great time! And if you make a mistake, find something cute to buy at our shop or from one of our neighbors! Fashion makes a great memento from your trip regardless of whether or not you bought it because you got soaked in a torrential downpour or because your jelly shoes rubbed a blister.
Q. I want to buy stuff from your store, but don't have room in my suitcase or carry on to take it home, can I ship from the store?
A. Absolutely! Our staff would be happy to ship your entire order so it arrives after you get home from your trip! Shipping within the US is free over $150! Alternatively, we also stock carry-on sized weekender duffel bags that are super nice, super goth, and super functional. We gotchu!
Q. Can I wear a costume? Should I wear a costume? Should I wear one in September, or in early October or in early November?
A. Yes! Please wear a costume if you want to and will be comfortable wearing it! Locals sometimes wear costumes around in October and we start to see an influx in buskers dressed up around September. Other people visiting often wear costumes on the weekends in October and all month long. If you're worried about looking silly, bring a change of clothes or wear something it'll be easy to tone down but we hope you don't because we want you to feel good and have a wonderful time! Be yourself (or be someone else), that's half the fun of Halloween in Salem!
Q. What should I wear in Salem in October?
A. The simplest answer is whatever makes you happy, feels good, and will keep you comfortable on your trip. Bring layers and options and don't forget an umbrella!
We can't wait to see you when you visit! Be sure to drop into Die With Your Boots On and say hello!
