How to Copy Nan’s ‘American Horror Story: Coven’ Style

Copy "American Horror Story: Coven" style by using vintage flair.
Photo: AnnieAnniePancake via Flickr

Jamie Brewer, a veteran of "American Horror Story," takes on the role of Nan in the anthology's third installment, "American Horror Story: Coven." A sweet wardrobe, thick bangs, and mischievous smirk make this witch look like a delightfully demented baby doll. (How did Spalding not notice this?) Learn how to copy her darkly demure fashions and adjust the edgy factor to suit your personal style.

Modest Dresses  

For the most part, Nan's wardrobe looks like a modern version of traditional Puritan garb. She favors somber colors such as black and royal blue, but she also mixes it up with cute prints and lacy fabrics. Shop for a flared or A-line dress with a hem that falls anywhere between the mid-thigh and knee. Choose a dress that fits well throughout the shoulder area to add definition.

Bold Collars and Cuffs

Nan's collar collection is hard to define because it seems to span multiple eras. She wears everything from feminine peter pan collars to aristocratic ruffles with ornate buttons. Blouses and dresses with bold collars are quite popular right now, but you can also buy the collars separately. Handmade versions are available on sites such as etsy and eBay, or you can shop for blouse dickeys at clothing stores. This is an easy, affordable way to customize your look or update a dress you already own.

When Nan wears a dress with sleeves in "Boy Parts," she adds a white collar and cuffs. Since these sets aren't very common in the retail market, the DIY approach is a good alternative. Generously trim around the collar of a blouse to make a dickey. Cut off the sleeve cuffs about three inches above the wrist area. Hem the edges. Stitch the cuffs and collar to your dress, or use fashion tape to temporarily hold them in place. Alternatively, you can attach a length of ribbon to secure each piece as though it were a necklace or bracelet.

Square-Toe Shoes

Nan's footwear definitely draws from the Baroque era, but you don't have to scour costume shops in search of a noblewoman's shoes. Look for a basic black loafer with a slight heel, about 2 inches, and a square toe. If you prefer to emphasize the baby doll element, replace the loafers with a pair of mary janes, saddle shoes, or basic ballet flats.

Accessories

Although Nan isn't big on accessories, her bold collar frames her face and adds flair as a necklace would. She often finishes her leggy look with sheer black or white knee socks. A thin headband completes the dolly style.

6 Burning Questions for the 'American Horror Story: Coven' Season Finale

It has been a long, meandering season for “American Horror Story: Coven.” Some subplots felt rushed, church lady Joan’s dark secret, others felt gratuitous, Kyle lingering in the background, while others, like the witch hunters, slammed shut too quickly. With the finale approaching, the identity of the new supreme is the big story. But there are some other lingering questions.

Will Fiona return?
Was it really that easy to get rid of Fiona? We didn’t see her body, and this show has a tradition of raising the dead. Besides, it is hard to believe the Axeman managed to blindside her with only a calico cat story as a distraction.

Is Cordelia pregnant?
It is a stretch, but that never stopped this show before!

Will Queenie finally deliver?
Early in the season, Queenie was a highlight of the show. Her subplot about being an outcast among outcasts added a welcome break from the Madison-Zoe rivalry. Unfortunately, Gabourey Sidibe’s dialogue was not very convincing during some of her bigger scenes. When she was telling someone off, it sounded more like reading than a read. Her voice grew very shrill and she rattled off insults as though she was going through a checklist. (This also happens on “The Big C.”) Will Queenie turn it around in the finale?

Is Myrtle up to something?
Okay, so Myrtle’s a little loopy with her theremin. But it almost seems as though she is too out of touch with reality. How did she go from being so suspicious of Fiona and concerned about the coven to obsessing about gardening and frivolous details such as Fiona’s portrait? Is Myrtle quietly working on a secret plan?

Does the power of resurrection come at a price?
Lore hints that her power of resurrection should come at a price—the life of another. “American Horror Story: Coven” seemed to be playing a different, undefined set of rules until the penultimate episode revealed details about The Seven Wonders, clearly explaining vitalium vitalis as “the balancing of scales between one life force and another."

Doesn’t that mean the witch who resurrects someone loses at least some of her own life force? If so, nearly everyone in the coven is in trouble. If not, the show needs to clarify the rules.

What about dropped characters?
What happened to the baby Laveau stole for Papa Legba? Is the ghostly Spalding still using it as his “living doll”? Someone, maybe Myrtle or Cordelia, had a Spynx cat earlier this season. What happened to that cat? Was it really just a cat?

The finale of “American Horror Story: Coven” airs January 29 on FX.

Come as You Are to Watch 'Witches of East End'

Move over "Dance Moms," Lifetime is adding some real witches this October! Inspired by Melissa de la Cruz’s New York Times best-selling novel, "Witches of East End" follows the mysterious Beauchamp family. Supernatural trouble brews, forcing Joanna (Julia Ormond) to reveal that her daughters are immortal witches. Now, Ingrid (Rachel Boston) and Freya (Jenna Dewan Tatum) must master their untapped powers to battle an ancient foe who wants to extinguish their family line.

Which Witch: “Witches of East End” vs. “American Horror Story: Coven”
The newest installment of “American Horror Story” will also feature a young woman who has to embrace her witchy legacy to fight extinction. With a cast of powerhouses--including Kathy Bates, Jessica Lange, Angela Basset, and Patti LuPone—“AHS: Coven” will explore feminist and historical themes. Based on the promos, “Witches of East End” looks supernatural and soapy, while “AHS: Coven” seems more intense and creepy.

“Witches of East End” premieres Sunday, Oct. 6 at 10 p.m. on Lifetime.