Modern Takes On Three Classic Christmas Film Outfits | Lovely Style

I adore classic holiday films and vintage style often inspires my fashion choices. Many women want to feel timeless, beautiful, and elegant, especially at a holiday party. This holiday season I wish to inspire you to think of classic Christmas style for your Christmas Eve or Holiday party wear. I chose three classic looks and gave them a fresh and modern twist. 

Outfit One: Judy Garland’s red number in Meet Me In St. Louise

Judy’s style in this film is the epitome of Victorian era class. I love her floor length red gown with the heart-shaped neckline and the puffy sleeves. 

To create a modern take on this classic look, I actually decided to go with a red jumpsuit with a heart shaped neckline instead of a dress. This way I was still able to keep the length in the look without making it too over-the-top formal like a floor length gown would appear. This jumpsuit is from MANDEE, a store at the Manchester mall. Originally above my price range at $60 I found out that it was 75% off and swooped in on the deal, although I did have to have the pants hemmed by my tailor because I was too short for it. 

If you still have your heart set on a red dress, find one with a heart-shaped neckline. You can also chose a dress that is mid-length instead of floor length, but also curve hugging with a little flare at the end. This style of dress is more 1940’s than Victorian, but the vibrant read and similar necklines make it a fun holiday party outfit. 

Outfit Two: Barbara Stanwyck’s green gown in Christmas in Connecticut

Perhaps one of my most favorite of the Christmas classics, Barbara Stanwyck’s green velvet Christmas dress is elegant and lovely. She covers her arms with a white fur jacket. 

To modernize this look I took out my Christmas dress from last year; a slightly shorter green velvet dress that I bought at Target. And this faux-fur bolero found on Amazon is a more modernized version of Barbara’s with a little less poof to it. I love this cozy and elegant look for a formal Christmas dinner or an evening at a holiday show like The Nutcracker. It is my favorite of the classic holiday looks.         

Outfit Three: Donna Reed’s simple elegance in It’s A Wonderful Life                

                                                                                                   In It’s A Wonderful Life, Donna Reed’s simple black dress with the white lace collar is elegant and timeless. Because it was filmed in black and white, it very well could have been any other dark color, but I believe it was indeed black.

For a modern take on this dress, I actually used a long-sleeved black dress that I already had in my closet for many years now. Chances are, you too may already own a little black dress like this one. To add a white collar, I simply used this white faux pearl collar necklace that I found on Amazon for $12.50. Any white lace necklace or string of pearls could also work. This outfit is classic and easy to pull off. It is also casual enough to wear for a nice evening decorating the tree or elegant enough for a dinner party out with friends.