STYLE LESSONS FROM CHRISTMAS FILMS

We all know that our fave festive flicks can help soothe any post-party feels, but have you ever noticed the style inspiration they serve up? From cosy knitwear to party dresses, these iconic films offer a lot of sartorial suggestions on top of their tear-jerking storylines and heart-warming moments. Here are five key looks we love and how you can wear them IRL.

From sunny LA to snowy Surrey, The Holiday's Amanda always looks on-point, even while she’s having a midlife crisis after her breakup (how does she look that good in sweatpants?). You may not be planning to swap lives with a stranger any time soon, but you can defo copy elements of her sophisticated style. Take her shearling-trimmed coat. We can't guarantee you'll nab a dashing Jude Law lookalike in it, but a similar faux-shearling number is an investment piece that’s guaranteed to keep you warm in style.

Now, when it comes to naming your favourite time of year, for many people it’s a toss-up between Halloween and Christmas. Director Tim Burton was clearly caught in a similar conundrum when he decided to release the merry-yet-macabre animated flick The Nightmare Before Christmas. The film tells the tale of Jack Skellington and humanoid ragdoll, Sally. Everything about Sally has been sewn together, including her patchwork dress (which eerily matches the stitching around her eyes). For a spookily good look, go for a similar number like this street-styler. Rock it at a party and you'll have fellow guests shouting, ‘What’s this? What’s this?!’ with jealousy and excitement.

After a day or two of full-on family time over Christmas, you may have wished you too were lost in New York like Kevin in Home Alone. Aside from being jealous of his fun-filled time in the Big Apple (until he runs into the bad guys, of course), there's also plenty to be envious of in his winter lineup – like his adorable bobble hat. Trust us when we say a beanie will greatly improve your cold-weather life. And it looks just as good on grown-ups, as this street-styler proves. Wear it on the weekend with jeans and a bomber jacket, ya filthy animals. 

Hands up if Love Actually makes you cry every time? The Richard Curtis classic gives us all the Christmas feels – and plenty of seriously stylish moments. Keira Knightley's character, in particular, sleighs throughout the movie. When she opens the door to her husband’s close (and may we add terrible) friend, who proceeds to tell her he loves her, she gives us a valuable fashion lesson: knits need not be frumpy. Find one that falls off the shoulder and, hey presto, your off-duty weekend look is dialled up a notch. Take your cue from this street-styler and wear it with denim and black accessories. To us, this is perfect.

The classic to beat all classics, it’s impossible to avoid It’s a Wonderful Life at Christmas. George Bailey and his life story may be the focus of the film, but Mary (played by Donna Reed) and her amazing costumes are also big stars of the film. The tiered dress she wears in the dance scene is particularly major and it moves so beautifully as she shimmies around with George. A similar ruffly style will look amazing as you bust a move over party season. Plus, as you can see from this street-style look, it works for daytime with a sweater and trainers. It sure is a wonderful look.