The holidays are the best time to pop some popcorn, watch a holiday film, and do some online shopping in the background. This list of iconic movies and holiday movie, style memories also includes fashionable statement pieces to ring in the holiday season in style.
My top ten iconic holiday movies are below, with some memorable fashion and ways to include updated versions of these fashion centerpieces into your wardrobe. Some links below may include affiliate links. I may be compensated if you choose to make a purchase using the links provided. Please note: the cost of each item does not go up if you purchase any of the items below.
Before getting into the list of holiday films with seasonal style, here are some holiday classics with great storylines that cannot go unrecognized: Klaus, The Christmas Chronicles, Miracle on 34th Street, Gremlins, An Elf’s Story: The Elf on the Shelf, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, and Elliot The Littlest Reindeer. Now let’s get into fashion!
#10 – Four Christmases
Starring Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn, The Four Christmases, released in 2008, shares an iconic staple, the LBD (little black dress). Update the look that Reese elegantly wears in the movie, try this Saint Laurent plunging V-neck dress paired with Stuart Weitzman thigh-high black boots. Jumpstart your holiday movie style with a dress to impress and killer boots that leave an impression at your next dinner date or family get-together.
#9 – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, a 2018 film, is a must-see classic! The animated film, based on “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss, was produced by Illumination. One of the Grinch’s wardrobe staples is his red and white scarf. In true Grinch form, he doesn’t wear many colors beyond his signature hot green fur. His full-time accessory, a red and white striped scarf, can be updated with the two options below.
The red and white scarf by Semi Couture or the red, white, and blue scarf by Thom Browne. Both have a seasonal flare to bring updated fun to the festivities.
#8 – Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Starring Forest Whitaker and Madalen Mills, the 2020 Netflix film Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is fantastical and full of vibrant costuming and choreography. Michael Wilkinson, the film’s costume designer, was nominated for several industry awards for his work on this film. His work garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design for his work on “American Hustle.” The overcoats in this film are stand-alone pieces. These red overcoats by L’Autre Chose and Alexander McQueen make an entrance for your next holiday gathering.
#7 – The Nightmare Before Christmas
Danny Elfman stars as Jack Skellington, in The Tim Burton classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas. It brings the worlds of Halloweentown and Christmastown together on a magical exploration of seasonal festivities. Jack wants to trade his signature suit for a Santa Claus suit in the film. His black pinstriped suit with arching flare is the film’s showstopper. Adding a pinstriped overcoat to your wardrobe by Isabel Marant or Ganni may help to mix up the doldrum of ugly sweaters this holiday season.
#6 – The Polar Express
The computer-animated film, The Polar Express, starring Tom Hanks, and directed by Robert Zemeckis, has an iconic uniform displayed throughout the film, the conductor’s uniform. The accessory usually associated with this uniform is the conductor’s hat, which could be a great addition to spice up your winter wardrobe. Try on these two by Vince Camuto in black and BTB Los Angeles with a splash of houndstooth.
#5 – Christmas with the Kranks
The 2004 comedy Christmas with the Kranks, starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis as Vic and Nora Krank, is full of great laughs and signature-style moments. The film’s DVD cover depicts Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis in an overcoat. Her ugly Christmas vest screams “style icon.” Here are a few updated looks to get into the spirit of the film.
Nora’s winter coat is a traditional red overcoat that might need an update with her fancy for home and craft-like nostalgia. This quilted patch coat screams “Nora’s coat” for the 2023 Winter and beyond. The cozy slippers are a fantastic pair as well.
#4 – ELF
This 2003 comedy, ELF, starring Will Ferrell, James Caan, and Zooey Deschanel is hilarious. It brings the inner child out of you and showcases the best of adult elf costuming. James Caan’s character, Walter, is all business, and here is one way to update his office look. Alongside, there is the adult ELF costume, should you choose to entertain this holiday at this LINK.
In ELF, Buddy (played by Will Ferrell) sleeps in the store window in a red onesie. The classic onesie is a look primed for the holiday season. This Pointelle Henley Onesie by SKIMS in Red Fair Isle looks super cozy and ready to bring the holiday cheer, just like Buddy.
#3 – A Christmas Carol
There have been several films with this title, all telling the tale of Charles Dicken’s 1843 classic that follows Ebenezer Scrooge and his Christmas Eve night journey to share the joy of Christmas. An accessory that steals screen time throughout all of the films is the black top hat. Try switching this up with the Demetria Black Sequin Hood by Eugenia Kim at this LINK.
Many of the film adaptations feature a long black coat during the long night’s journey. Try on this Polo Ralph Lauren melton coat from wool and cashmere with a velvet top collar. If sequin hoods aren’t your bag, try this festive holiday light beanie from Kate Spade.
#2 – Die Hard
Bruce Willis starred as John McClane in the Die Hard action film and series with incredible strength, strategy, and quotable movie lines. At the same time, his signature tank top carried him through the film. Update this look by making it your own with this tank by Free People.
Two additional looks that stand out on screen include Holly Gennero McClane’s belted top and the limo driver’s classic shiny shades. Try these on to update the look with a faux leather top by Anthropologie and mirrored shades by Krewe.
#1 – Home Alone
The number one spot goes to the all-time fan-favorite holiday movie, Home Alone. Starring Macaulay Culkin, this film doesn’t disappoint with dialogue, fashion moments, comedy, and family memories to treasure. The “Home Alone” movie poster showcases the Wet Bandits, played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. They’re wearing classic examples of seasonal holiday sweaters.
Update your holiday look with a sweater collaboration from Coach X Peanuts Snoopy. Since the McCallister family is on their way to France in the film in the film, you may want to invest in this classic beret by Eugenia Kim. You might want to floss with this Aspen Knit Print Beanie as well. A key moment in the film is Kevin’s mom, played by Catharine O’Hara, as she tries to bribe other passengers for plane tickets home with her fake Rolex watch. An updated recommendation for holiday accessories is the Shinola The Diamond Lug Derby 30mm watch. It is stunning and timeless, with over 50 diamonds.
Kevin’s mom has a timeless chic style. On your last-minute shopping trip, find this Winter in a Michael Kors Wool Blend Hooded Poncho. Sink yourself into these silky satin AllSaints pajamas set as you settle in for the evening.
All in all, these classic movie moments continue to reign supreme during the holiday season. Take some of these fashion memories and update them for today with some of the recommendations above. May your gatherings bring you and your loved ones together in style. Be sure to read The List with shoppable blog posts HERE. Happy Holidays!
