Words + Graphics ~ By Lyle Eero ~ 25 November 2016
Who amongst us is not impartial to enjoying a touch of festive nostalgic charm come the holidays, especially when it is delivered by means of a classic Christmas movie (or two…or three)?
Very few I'd like to imagine.
But, how many of you watch your favourites for personal style inspiration in addition to pure entertainment?
That, I'm most certain, is but a very small and select few.
Be that as it may, most Christmas films are understandably (and profoundly) bathed in both endearing sentimentality and storied holiday family traditions (whether in gifting, food, family, or activities) with little left over to account for making a lasting style impression.
But kitschy Christmas sweaters, seasonal stereotypes and holiday styling tropes be warned because contrary to popular belief your seasonal favourites can often indeed be a surprising and inspirationally sensible source for your winter style wardrobing needs — given you approach them with a discerning eye that is capable of sorting the transitionally tangible from the costumed gimmicktry.
Very few I'd like to imagine.
But, how many of you watch your favourites for personal style inspiration in addition to pure entertainment?
That, I'm most certain, is but a very small and select few.
Be that as it may, most Christmas films are understandably (and profoundly) bathed in both endearing sentimentality and storied holiday family traditions (whether in gifting, food, family, or activities) with little left over to account for making a lasting style impression.
But kitschy Christmas sweaters, seasonal stereotypes and holiday styling tropes be warned because contrary to popular belief your seasonal favourites can often indeed be a surprising and inspirationally sensible source for your winter style wardrobing needs — given you approach them with a discerning eye that is capable of sorting the transitionally tangible from the costumed gimmicktry.
In that regard, it seemed fitting to craft this brief style guide that features some of my personal favourites and the style lessons and inspiration that can be gleaned from between their festive lines.
From the classically timeless to the modernly fashionable, the following ensembles — arriving courtesy of one classic Victorian Christmas tale and three unorthodox (likely unexpected) modern gems — are simply perfect to sport all holiday season long whether one is heading off to a festive soiree, the office, or perhaps even the local park for some fun in the sun and snow.
Collectively demonstrating different forms of winter layering at near sartorial peak levels, each of these inspired looks — which range from cozy and leisurely to festively fanciful and formal — ultimately bespeak of the true staying powers of timeless seasonal wardrobe staples.
In that spirit, feel free to dive in below to learn how to channel the finest looks from some of the most renowned Christmas classics to grace our screens with each passing holiday season…
From the classically timeless to the modernly fashionable, the following ensembles — arriving courtesy of one classic Victorian Christmas tale and three unorthodox (likely unexpected) modern gems — are simply perfect to sport all holiday season long whether one is heading off to a festive soiree, the office, or perhaps even the local park for some fun in the sun and snow.
Collectively demonstrating different forms of winter layering at near sartorial peak levels, each of these inspired looks — which range from cozy and leisurely to festively fanciful and formal — ultimately bespeak of the true staying powers of timeless seasonal wardrobe staples.
In that spirit, feel free to dive in below to learn how to channel the finest looks from some of the most renowned Christmas classics to grace our screens with each passing holiday season…
From Sir Michael Caine to the perfectly cast Mr. Scrooge McDuck, Charles Dicken's classic "A Christmas Carol" has been repurposed, rebooted, and reimagined to such an extensive extent that it would be difficult to pinpoint one interpretive favourite that is universally accepted by the masses or that stands above all others.
For some it is Alastair Sim’s seminal 1951 effort that reigns supreme whilst for others its the Muppet's "The Muppet's Christmas Carol" (2003; starring Michael Caine) or perhaps even the recent Jim Carrey starring motion-captured animated take that tends to strikes a nostalgic cord.
Personal entertainment tastes aside, what is indeed unquestionable across the board (and tends to stick) is the considered sartorial gravitas put on display by the tales leading protagonist (and nearly all his supporting cast for that matter), the seemingly irredeemable Mr. (or should that be miser) Ebenezer Scrooge.
With a classic British aristocratic Victorian background and all its accompanying style trappings and defining fastidious attention to sartorial detailing in hand, the ever cantankerous Mr. Scrooge has a look — across all varied forms — that is ultimately wrought in peerless luxury and marked by its understatedly refined, social accepted uniformity.
So, and with proper topper and walking cane aside, what then would the modern day Ebenezer Scrooge wear?
For some it is Alastair Sim’s seminal 1951 effort that reigns supreme whilst for others its the Muppet's "The Muppet's Christmas Carol" (2003; starring Michael Caine) or perhaps even the recent Jim Carrey starring motion-captured animated take that tends to strikes a nostalgic cord.
Personal entertainment tastes aside, what is indeed unquestionable across the board (and tends to stick) is the considered sartorial gravitas put on display by the tales leading protagonist (and nearly all his supporting cast for that matter), the seemingly irredeemable Mr. (or should that be miser) Ebenezer Scrooge.
With a classic British aristocratic Victorian background and all its accompanying style trappings and defining fastidious attention to sartorial detailing in hand, the ever cantankerous Mr. Scrooge has a look — across all varied forms — that is ultimately wrought in peerless luxury and marked by its understatedly refined, social accepted uniformity.
So, and with proper topper and walking cane aside, what then would the modern day Ebenezer Scrooge wear?
  I like to imagine Ebenezer (should he exist to this day) would fancy sporting nothing but the finest garments available to man, wardrobing staples such as this opulent yet robust statement making wool herringbone trench coat — Belstaff's revered double-breasted New Melton — that is worn in tandem with a finely tailored contingent of wears including a navy windowpane checked blazer and plaid double-breasted waistcoat, white stand-up collar dress shirt (perhaps sported with a silk tie ascot), and solid grey jersey wool dress trousers. And to properly top it all off? A well calculated hint of bold understated colour that is delivered courtesy of a plush scarlet red cashmere scarf and a simply ageless pair of slip-on black leather tassel loafers to round off the look in a most sophisticated manner. Taken all in, it is most assuredly an ensemble (sartorially) capable of melting the notoriously frigid heart (and frugal disposition) of even ol’ Scrooge himself. |
Is it a Christmas or Halloween movie (or perhaps both)?
No matter what you ultimately classify this holiday bridging contemporary classic as (I personally like to think of it as both), there should be little debate as to the — often overlooked — inspiring sartorial masterclass in signature style uniformity that is put on visual display by the one-and-only Jack Skellington.
Definitively dark, foreboding, and befitting a man of his "Royal" position whilst being as far from festive in it base spirit as can be, Mr. Skellington's signature form of power suiting is nevertheless broadly appealing (black is the pinnacle of modern formalwear after all), easy to wear, and marked by its (possibly unexpected?) modern applicational merit — the latter of which you can emulate piece for-piece to any formal holiday party this season (with a simple substitution here and there; regular bow-tie for bat bow-tie and suit jacket for tailcoat).
That being said, and with his quick turn in the Santa Suit aside, it is his signature look that ultimately defines (to yours truly) this beautiful stop-motion animated film from start-to-finish..
Presenting a fashionably cheeky sartorial mixture of Christmas charm alongside macabre Halloween theatrics (in style and message), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) is a delightfully entertaining holiday movie that has an inspiring form of style (in both a fashionable and visually artistic sense) that is enjoyed by the masses for good reason.
No matter what you ultimately classify this holiday bridging contemporary classic as (I personally like to think of it as both), there should be little debate as to the — often overlooked — inspiring sartorial masterclass in signature style uniformity that is put on visual display by the one-and-only Jack Skellington.
Definitively dark, foreboding, and befitting a man of his "Royal" position whilst being as far from festive in it base spirit as can be, Mr. Skellington's signature form of power suiting is nevertheless broadly appealing (black is the pinnacle of modern formalwear after all), easy to wear, and marked by its (possibly unexpected?) modern applicational merit — the latter of which you can emulate piece for-piece to any formal holiday party this season (with a simple substitution here and there; regular bow-tie for bat bow-tie and suit jacket for tailcoat).
That being said, and with his quick turn in the Santa Suit aside, it is his signature look that ultimately defines (to yours truly) this beautiful stop-motion animated film from start-to-finish..
Presenting a fashionably cheeky sartorial mixture of Christmas charm alongside macabre Halloween theatrics (in style and message), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) is a delightfully entertaining holiday movie that has an inspiring form of style (in both a fashionable and visually artistic sense) that is enjoyed by the masses for good reason.
  The reigning (and undisputed) King of Halloween, Jack's style truly reflects that of his elevated position and is (by all accounts) profoundly regal in its distinctively proper formalwear foundation: perfectly fitted chalk-striped two-piece black suit, black silk bat (bow) tie, crisp white cutaway collar tuxedo shirt, and (what appears to be) black leather Chelsea boots. It is simple, unassuming, and classically elegant and further buoyed by the inclusion of a minimalist stainless steel watch and white printed dress scarf that are thrown in for good (accessorizing) measure. |
As a product of the 80’s whose early childhood was played out in — and heavily influnced by the culture of — the early 90’s it should come at no real surprise that Home Alone (and the eminently precocious Kevin McCallister) would ultimately make the cut.
Be that as it may, I must admit that in spite of both films (Home Alone I & II) playing a profoundly influential role in defining my festive viewing habits as a child it is the original that stands above its sequel in regards to its innate ability to stylishly inspire one as an adult.
To that tune, one could say that Kevin (throughout both movies) is what one could call a stylish wardrobe layering savant come the advent of the winter (and Christmas) season, having demonstrated on numerous occasions throughout his adventures — be it as illustrated below or with piped pyjamas worn with an immaculate bath robe and slippers — a well studied and envious array of tasteful (leisure-inclined) looks that can creatively function as a means to some rather unexpected cold weather (leisure) style inspiration.
And standing reflectively atop the sartorial peak above all else in its modernly sensible application (so to speak)?
That would have to be none other then the padded winter bomber and denim look Kevin sported through various sequences of the original film — a look that proves that when it comes to dressing for frigid conditions reassuring consistency and proper layering are key.
Bravo Kevin, bravo indeed!
Be that as it may, I must admit that in spite of both films (Home Alone I & II) playing a profoundly influential role in defining my festive viewing habits as a child it is the original that stands above its sequel in regards to its innate ability to stylishly inspire one as an adult.
To that tune, one could say that Kevin (throughout both movies) is what one could call a stylish wardrobe layering savant come the advent of the winter (and Christmas) season, having demonstrated on numerous occasions throughout his adventures — be it as illustrated below or with piped pyjamas worn with an immaculate bath robe and slippers — a well studied and envious array of tasteful (leisure-inclined) looks that can creatively function as a means to some rather unexpected cold weather (leisure) style inspiration.
And standing reflectively atop the sartorial peak above all else in its modernly sensible application (so to speak)?
That would have to be none other then the padded winter bomber and denim look Kevin sported through various sequences of the original film — a look that proves that when it comes to dressing for frigid conditions reassuring consistency and proper layering are key.
Bravo Kevin, bravo indeed!
  Fancy the look? All you need is an army green padded flight jacket (which admirably takes the mantle from that of Kevin's like-minded brown version), a luxe red cable-knit Aran sweater, everyday light wash (blue) jeans, a pair of brown alpine boots, and both his signature festive reindeer beanie and chunky knit red scarf to pull it off. Wear it ice-skating, grocery shopping, or whilst perusing the local park. Beyond that, a characteristically mischievous disposition working in tandem with a — wise beyond years — fiendish resourcefulness would also be of use should you desire completely emulating the effortless style nonchalance that Kevin is renowned for. |
Ask most any pop-culture ingesting millennial what their favourite modern day Christmas classic is and chances are Elf (2003) will be what immediately spouts out.
An endearing classic in its own unique right, I imagine it would be safe to assume that one would never endeavour to viewing it solely as a source of style inspiration given its lead character is named Buddy the Elf and spends the brunt of the movie maneuvering about in elf tights and pointed shoes…but it does indeed have its moments.
Moments that, fleeting as they may be, occur when Will Ferrell is wearing most anything but his quintessential elf attire that is.
Which brings me to this particular look which Buddy saw fit in sporting whilst out on a “date” with the ever chippy Mrs. Zooey Deschanel.
An endearing classic in its own unique right, I imagine it would be safe to assume that one would never endeavour to viewing it solely as a source of style inspiration given its lead character is named Buddy the Elf and spends the brunt of the movie maneuvering about in elf tights and pointed shoes…but it does indeed have its moments.
Moments that, fleeting as they may be, occur when Will Ferrell is wearing most anything but his quintessential elf attire that is.
Which brings me to this particular look which Buddy saw fit in sporting whilst out on a “date” with the ever chippy Mrs. Zooey Deschanel.
  Consisting of a checked overcoat (originally green in the film but in this instance a grey Prince of Wales which I found to be a touch more versatile , white contrast collar dress shirt, (what appears to be) jacquard silk tie, and brown checked wool trousers, it is a look that any gentleman can comfortably pull off with panache all season long. Tack on a masculine (faux) fur trapper hat and a pair of understated black wingtip leather oxford brogues and what you have is an ensemble that is a pleasure for both the eyes and one's festive soul; a look that creatively utilizes contrasting textures whilst mixing both leisure and formal wears in a subdued yet successful effect. As consequence, this look, like the movie, is something that can (and should) be enjoyed year-after-year. |
Parting words…
Endearingly festive cinematic tales ensconced with seasonal spirit and tidings, holiday traditions, inspiring style and emotional substance, these Christmas classics have it all.
That said, what holiday movies do you traditionally turn to, hold in high regard, or perhaps even turn to for stylish inspiration for the Christmas season on any level?
For example, another of mine that comes to immediately to mind is "Its A Wonderful Life (1946)" and the refined stylings of Mr. George Bailey.
Chime in below (or via social media) to share your favourites, opinions, or to open a discussion…
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
Holiday 2016: A Gentleman's Gift Guide
Apres-Ski: A Gentleman's Winter Style Guide
Transitional Outerwear: 4 Timeless Jackets Fit For A Gent
Festive Formal Charm: A Guide To Wearing Black-Watch Tartan
For example, another of mine that comes to immediately to mind is "Its A Wonderful Life (1946)" and the refined stylings of Mr. George Bailey.
Chime in below (or via social media) to share your favourites, opinions, or to open a discussion…
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
Holiday 2016: A Gentleman's Gift Guide
Apres-Ski: A Gentleman's Winter Style Guide
Transitional Outerwear: 4 Timeless Jackets Fit For A Gent
Festive Formal Charm: A Guide To Wearing Black-Watch Tartan
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