Newsfeed
When we think of a white Christmas, there’s only one image that comes to mind: Cameron Diaz scrapping luggage through the snow-capped streets of Surrey wearing a shearling-trimmed black jacket in 2006’s The Holiday. Nancy Meyer’s iconic festive romantic comedy is considered a masterpiece of the genre and has surprisingly proven to be utterly ahead of its time. (The premise of a house swap during the nascent internet age! Kate Winslet’s ‘frazzled English woman’ aesthetic! Jude Law’s beloved Mr. Napkin Head!)
However, it appears that the most enduring element of the festive film was its contributions to the canon of iconic Yuletide silhouettes. Yes, Cate Blanchett’s 50s furs in Carol, Nicole Kidman’s 90s minimalist party dress from Eyes Wide Shut or even Christine Baranski’s ice blue coat from How the Grinch Stole Christmas are all enduring characters to inspire your holiday looks. Yet, none are more relevant today than that of Diaz’s Amanda.
For every occasion, including cosying up in bed in your gaudiest winter layers or a last-minute grocery run, the fictional movie trailer producer has an ensemble worthy of our envy. Her wardrobe itself is rife with expensive pieces devoid of logos or bold colours, making her transatlantic style the paragon of quiet luxury. (An especially impressive feat considering that term hadn’t been coined yet and wouldn’t for another decade).
But as The Holiday costume designer, Marlene Stewart revealed to People, the muted hues, rich materials and classic shapes were an intentional decision to convey Amanda’s refinement. “The idea was to have a look that was luxurious and fun. She’s a professional woman here,” Stewart said. Her garments are sleek and always feel tailored. (Especially in comparison to Winslet’s wardrobe, which Stewart confirmed was often purchased from Zara.)
Despite this, recreating Amanda’s outfits is even simpler than popping down to the high street retailer. Simply shop with these cardinal rules: close-hugging knits, polished bottoms and neutral tones. “The whole palette is very simple. There’s not a lot of prints. It’s very subtle. It’s beautiful to look at against the background,” Stewart says. Without further ado, GRAZIA guides you through the pieces designed to channel your inner Amanda.
LESET Barb pleated satin wide-leg pants, dhs1,823 SHOP NOW
