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How to Dress Like Your Favorite Holiday Movie Heroines

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From Home Alone’s Kate McCallister to Whitney Houston in The Preacher’s Wife.

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Catherine O’Hara in ‘Home Alone’ Photo: 20th Century Fox

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One of my favorite things about December is that you get a free pass to binge-watch every single holiday movie in existence, guilt- and shame-free. It's a treat I enjoy almost as much as peppermint brownies or snickerdoodle cookies (key word: almost).

I love everything about holiday movies, from the predictable plot lines to the star-studded ensemble casts to the perfectly curated and seasonally appropriate soundtracks. I especially adore the clothes, though — how is it that leading ladies in holiday movies always look so stylish when it’s sub-zero degrees outside?

I’ve compiled a list of unforgettable looks from some of my favorite holiday movies, from The Preacher’s Wife to Home Alone. Whether you need outfit inspiration for your office holiday party or your upcoming ski trip, these well-dressed women will help show you the way.


Cameron Diaz in ‘The Holiday.’ Photo: Columbia Pictures/Universal Pictures

Amanda (Cameron Diaz), The Holiday

Winter style doesn’t get better than this, folks. The coat is a knockout, and the oversized sunglasses and rich leather accessories are, well, as Nancy Meyers as it gets. Below, a few ideas to help you replicate Amanda’s look (English cottage getaway not included).

Calvin Klein Faux Shearling Jacket, $189. Lauren Ralph Lauren Stretch Cotton Turtleneck, $49.99. Quay Australia OTL II Sunglasses, $65. Sole Society Mason Weekend Bag, $79.95.

Calvin Klein Faux Shearling Jacket, $189; Lauren Ralph Lauren Stretch Cotton Turtleneck, $49.99; Quay Australia OTL II Sunglasses, $65; Sole Society Mason Weekend Bag, $79.95.


Whitney Houston in ‘The Preacher’s Wife.’ Photo: Touchstone Pictures

Julia (Whitney Houston), The Preacher’s Wife

Without a doubt, Julia wins the award for best use of layers: The hat! The chunky knit scarf! The belted coat over the midi skirt! Recreating this look basically involves covering every inch of your skin, but keeping the proportions in check so the overall look reads glamorous, not granny.

ASOS Extra Chunky Beanie, $19. Halogen Ribbed Muffler, $23.40. T Tahari Wool Blend Belted Wrap Coat, $229.90. Tibi Viscose Twill Draped Skirt, $150.

ASOS Extra Chunky Beanie, $19; Halogen Ribbed Muffler, $23.40; T Tahari Wool Blend Belted Wrap Coat, $229.90; Tibi Viscose Twill Draped Skirt, $150.


Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon in ‘Love Actually’ Photo: Universal Pictures

Natalie (Martine McCutcheon), Love Actually

It takes a daring woman to wear red on red, but Natalie totally nails the look. Bonus points for the sparkle on her sweater and the ornamental belt buckle. (Are those... golden sprigs of holly?)

Halogen Wool Blend Coat, $148.90. Gap Favorite Jeggings in Dark Rinse, $42. H&M Off-the-Shoulder Top, $19.99. Topshop Imitation Pearl Stud Belt, $52.

Halogen Wool Blend Coat, $148.90; Gap Favorite Jeggings in Dark Rinse, $42; H&M Off-the-Shoulder Top, $19.99; Topshop Imitation Pearl Stud Belt, $52.


Sarah Jessica Parker in ‘The Family Stone’ Photo: 20th Century Fox

Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker), The Family Stone

Sure, Meredith may be a little too eager to please and uptight for the unconventional Stones, but she sure knows her way around a suit. This look isn’t your typical hang-out-by-the-fire attire, but a tailored skirt suit will serve you well beyond the hustle and bustle of the season.

Ann Taylor Sharkskin Two Button Jacket, $169, and Sharkskin Pencil Skirt, $89. Steve Madden Daisie Pointy-Toe Pump, $86.95.

Ann Taylor Sharkskin Two Button Jacket, $169, and Sharkskin Pencil Skirt, $89; Steve Madden Daisie Pointy-Toe Pump, $86.95.


Kate Beckinsale in ‘Serendipity’ Photo: Miramax Films

Sara (Kate Beckinsale), Serendipity

Although a pair of black gloves brings Sara into Jonathan’s (John Cusack) life, it’s her simple red scarf that steals the spotlight. A perfectly practical look for December in NYC.

Topshop Double Faced Supersoft Scarf, $35. Zara Masculine Coat With Lapels, $149. Fossil Cleo Hobo, $83.16.

Topshop Double Faced Supersoft Scarf, $35; Zara Masculine Coat With Lapels, $149; Fossil Cleo Hobo, $83.16.


Catherine O’Hara in ‘Home Alone’ Photo: 20th Century Fox

Kate (Catherine O’Hara), Home Alone

Kate McCallister may be the world’s most forgetful mother, but at least she looks good while frantically trying to reunite with her son. That luxurious wrap coat — and her go-to gold accessories — are just as stylish today as they were almost three decades ago.

Oak + Fort Coat, $223.20. Topshop Roll Neck Ribbed Sweater, $75. Givenchy Wingate Drop Earrings, $48.

Oak + Fort Coat, $223.20; Topshop Roll Neck Ribbed Sweater, $75; Givenchy Wingate Drop Earrings, $48.

Racked occasionally accepts products for research and reviewing purposes. For more information, see our ethics policy here.