’Twas the day before Christmas, and surely you’ve participated in the timeless ritual of watching a holiday movie or two. While avoiding a last-minute shopping trip to the mall or resisting a third eggnog today may not be feats of restraint, skipping out on a festive flick seems downright Scrooge-like and not remotely possible as cable television is bursting with cheese right this second. And lo! A closer look at tales both classic and contemporary demands an appreciation of the makeup and costume design. Whether you already knew that Taylor Momsen’s braids won a Best Makeup Oscar for How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or are one of many who dress up like the couple from The Nightmare Before Christmas for Halloween, you’ve probably been inspired by these films at some point.
Here’s to the memorable beauty and fashion moments from seven of our favorite holiday movies, plus some brilliant clothes and accessories that will bring each of these characters into a real, and stylish, new life.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
A younger, more innocent Taylor Momsen sports amazing braids and major Whoville hair in the role of Cindy Lou Who. We’d like to think that Carven’s dress would charm that mean one, Mr. Grinch. —- Carven dress, $264 at Opening Ceremony; Marni wedges, $449 at Barneys; John Frieda Frizz-Ease hairspray, $5.99 at Drugstore.com; Goody clear hair elastics, $5.75 at Soap.com.
A Christmas Story
Funny pom-pom hats, novelty Fair Isles, and furry earmuffs! It’s the original hipster’s wardrobe. —- Barton Perreira eyeglasses, $350 at Opening Ceremony; H&M Cap, $9.95 at H&M; Penfield jacket, $390 at Urban Outfitters; Polo Ralph Lauren scarf, $38.89 at Nordstrom; Palmer Trading Company gloves, $25 at Steven Alan; Forever 21 earmuffs, $4.80 at Forever 21; Marc by Marc Jacobs blazer, $232 at Stylebop.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Ultrafeminine in her tiered ruffles (so on trend for spring!), Donna Reed’s role as Mary is a style delight. Although the film is in black and white, you know she’s rocking a red lip. —- Project D dress, $599 at Farfetch; Anthropologie hair clips, $18 at Anthropologie; ASOS pointed heels, $21.11 at ASOS; Givenchy bracelet, $150 at Nordstrom; Dior lipstick in Favori Red, $32 at Sephora.
The Family Stone
Somebody get Diane Keaton a medal right now, because only she can pull off the crisp, white button-down underneath a gorge cashmere robe and look this good. As for McAdams’s loungewear, we can attest! —- H&M cardigan, $29.95 at H&M; Topshop pajama set, $52 at Topshop; Gap slippers, $39.99 at Gap; Skin robe, $180 at Barneys; Thomas Pink shirt, $195 at Thomas Pink.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Lovelorn ragdoll Sally, in her patchworked, stitched attired, may seem the Etsy type at first, but remember how she uses deadly nightshade to escape Dr. Finkelstein? Yeah, she definitely wears Junya Watanabe. —- Junya Watanabe dress, $648 at The Outnet; Joseph sweater, $375.75 at Farfetch; Cynthia Rowley scarab ring, $95 at Cynthis Rowley; Pantene Pro-V Heat Protection spray, $4.97 at Walmart; Theyskens’ Theory boots, $465 at Farfetch.
Edward Scissorhands
Goth meets glam in Tim Burton’s classic. Clad in black leather and white satin, Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder are a memorable and odd pair. And while her dress may say “eighties bride,” admit you love it. —- Redken Structure Wax, $18 at Ulta; BLK Denim leather jacket, $883 at Farfetch; Corseted belt, $28 at Nasty Gal; Generation Love faux leather leggings, $140 at Ron Herman; Manic Panic Luscious Lipstick in Raven, $12 at Manic Panic; Topshop white shift dress, $300 at Topshop; Nicholas Kirkwood pvc and satin slingbacks, $1,195 at Net-a-Porter.
Home Alone
Twenty-two years later and inspiring holiday gifts aplenty, Kevin McCllister’s burgundy sweater still looks good. Dad’s aftershave finishes off the look, which is not what the French would call les incompetents. —- Sweaters clockwise from top left: Ami, $296.69 at Farfetch; Paul Smith, $185 at Farfetch; Alice & You, $35 at Dorothy Perkins; Helmut Lang, $495 at Net-a-Porter; Oliver Spencer, $405 at Mr. Porter; Acne, $291.39 at Farfetch. Brut After Shave, $6.29 at Drugstore.com.
