Style Tips You Can Learn From Your Favorite Christmas Movies

Image via Complex Original

Movie: A Christmas Story

If Ralphie’s little brother Randy taught us anything, it's that tossing on too many layers when trying to battle the hard conditions of winter can severely hinder your stylish thrive. Looking like a marshmallow and walking like an astronaut on the moon? Oh, and remember when he had to use the bathroom? Goodness, man. Just make sure that your layers help you stay agile while keeping you warm and swaggy.

Movie: Home Alone

Harry is a no-good, conniving crook looking to rob and steal from a house that is occupied by one child. That is bad. He is wearing a black beanie that's rolled up like a G and it survives numerous booby traps whilst maintaining its stylish demeanor. That is good. The only thing it could not survive—much like most clothing items—was a fire torch to it. You certainly can't blame the beanie for getting torched. You must look at the stupidity of Harry and his partner, Marv, as well as the cunning ways of young Kevin McAllister to appreciate just what a good beanie it was.

Movie: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

It’s undeniable that Clark Griswold is an OG whose style is untouchable. From snapbacks and fur-lined down parkas to suits and overcoats, Clark can run the gamut of style from each end of the spectrum. In fact, his personalized Chicago Blackhawks jersey not only reps his hometown team and his family name, but it shows that there’s no reason why you can’t show your team spirit and holiday spirit, simultaneously.

Movie: Edward Scissorhands

When Edward Scissorhands decided to try and pursue some sense of normalcy and become the town's premiere hedge-trimmer/hairdresser, his new look teetered on the edge of, well, edgy. He was supplied some clothes from his overseers, but still kept some of himself peeking out from underneath the white button-down shirt as he could not quite shed the leather layers that embodied him. It completely broke up the monotony of the clean shirt and added a great complement to the suspenders. It added an element of himself that really made his new look pop. Well, aside from the hands made out of scissors, of course.

Movie: Trading Places

When you take a look at Billy Ray Valentine in his perfect-fitting wool suit, you probably have no idea that he was—and technically still is—a conniving street hustler with a mile-long rap sheet, did you? That’s because the transformation from baggy overcoat and hoody to that power suit completely changed his demeanor and the perception his new colleagues and confidants had of him. Of course, Louis knew better, but he couldn’t deny Billy Ray’s dapperness.

Movie: Miracle on 34th Street

Kris Kringle may consistently choose a red jumpsuit and pointy hat with a snowball on it, but it is undeniable that his three-piece suit, black peacoat and top hat approach to style is tough to top. He doesn’t need to create any miracles to convince us that, even at his age—which is approximately 1,500 years old—he can still dress to impress on his “off-days.”

Movie: Nightmare Before Christmas

Everyone is always utilizing the reds and greens of the holidays because they feel like it contributes to "the spirit." But Jack Skellington proved that style is sometimes more important than substance. And even though he had some trouble spreading Christmas joy in his murdered-out (no pun intended) outfit, he eventually proved that he was down for the cause and looked cool in gothic black whilst achieving it. 

Movie: It’s a Wonderful Life

The struggles that George Bailey faced on Christmas Eve were dire. He wandered the streets, drunk and ill-fated, and, at one point, had no gloves, hat or coat on. But after being reminded of what a wonderful life he actually has, the life comes back into him and he caps it all off with an incredible overcoat. OK, being with his family for Christmas was probably the real topper, but the overcoat was a nice ingredient that kept him warm and looked good.

Movie: Elf

Buddy the elf loved himself. He didn't care that he acted, ate, talked, and even dressed differently from the rest of the people that he met outside of the North Pole. All he cared about was trying to bring Christmas joy to the masses. If one can achieve peace in their own skin with no worries about how their style is perceived, they are the most stylish of all.