Start with the base costume — the Mary Sanderson dress set includes the rust-orange blouse, dark brown corset vest, and layered patchwork skirt. The costume arrives as a three-piece set; put on the blouse first, then the vest over it, then arrange the skirt so the multi-panel plaid construction falls at the front. The apron panel sits over the front of the skirt and should drape naturally rather than being pressed flat. The overall silhouette should feel layered and slightly asymmetric — Mary’s costume in the film has a built-up, slightly chaotic quality that suits the character’s enthusiastic personality.
The wine-red velvet cloak goes over the dress at the shoulders. Fasten it at the neck and let it drape down the back. Do not wear the hood up — Mary’s wild dark hair is one of the character’s most visible features, and keeping the hood down ensures the wig remains the focal point of the upper costume. Position the cloak so it falls evenly on both sides rather than bunching to one side. If the cloak has a tendency to slip off the shoulders, a safety pin through the inner edge at the shoulder seam of the dress will hold it in place.
Fit the Mary Sanderson wig and position the updo at the crown of the head. The wig’s dark purple-tinted volume is one of the character’s most immediately recognisable features. If using the character mask (item 3), position it over the nose and cheek area once the wig is placed — this ensures the wig frame doesn’t interfere with the mask fitting. Add the red dangle earrings and black ankle booties, then carry or attach the vacuum cleaner bag prop. Among a Sanderson Sisters group, the vacuum bag immediately identifies Mary and is the single most memorable prop from the 2022 sequel.
Hood Down
Always wear the wine-red cloak with the hood down rather than up. Mary’s wild, voluminous dark hair is one of her character’s most immediately readable features — it silhouettes against the cloak’s deep burgundy and creates the witch aesthetic that the costume depends on. A raised hood hides the wig entirely and reduces the costume’s recognition significantly. Fold the hood back onto the shoulders so it frames the wig without covering it.
The Vacuum Bag Prop
The vacuum cleaner bag prop is the single most character-specific accessory in this build and the piece that generates the most recognition reactions from Hocus Pocus 2 fans. Carry it like a broomstick — held upright at the character’s side or mounted as if riding it. Among a Sanderson Sisters group, it immediately identifies Mary even at a distance and creates the best photo opportunities of any prop in the three-witch ensemble.
Layered Skirt Arrangement
The multi-panel patchwork skirt in the costume set should be arranged so the different fabric panels are visible from the front — earthy plaids, houndstooth, and solid brown that create the layered, textured effect of Mary’s film costume. Take a moment when dressing to pull the panels slightly outward at the hem so the layering is visible when standing. The dimensional quality of the skirt is one of the costume’s most accurate details and looks best when the panels fall naturally rather than lying flat.
Mask Optional
The Mary Sanderson character mask (item 3) adds facial accuracy and is a strong addition for anyone who wants the most complete version of the look. However, the costume is fully recognisable without it — particularly alongside Winifred and Sarah in a Sanderson Sisters group. If wearing the mask, apply it after fitting the wig and test the fit before any adhesive sets to ensure the wig doesn’t interfere with the mask’s edges at the hairline.
Red Earring Visibility
Choose the largest red dangle earrings you are comfortable wearing — Mary’s earrings in the film are large red gem drops that are visible in close-up shots. Large earrings are particularly effective with the Mary Sanderson costume because the dark, voluminous wig and the deep tones of the dress can visually absorb smaller accessories. A substantial red drop earring creates visible colour contrast against both the dark wig and the wine cloak.
Character Energy
Mary Sanderson is one of film history’s most physically expressive witch characters — Kathy Najimy plays her with constant movement, exaggerated reactions, and an almost dog-like enthusiasm for food and her sisters. The costume benefits from committing to the character’s energy: the wide stance, the enthusiastic gestures, the slightly hunched excitement. The costume alone is recognisable, but performing even a small amount of Mary’s physical energy makes it unforgettable.
