The Most Iconic Christmas Outfits

When it comes to fashion, the Christmas season historically hasn’t provided us with the best inspiration: repetitive green and red colour scheme, ugly Christmas jumper office parties and tacky lights (to name a few). Well, I am here to spread some Christmas cheer and remind you of the moments that have given us hope, and not just that Santa Claus exists, but that Christmas can be done in style!

It wouldn’t be right to begin without defrosting the Queen of Christmas from her seasonal slumber. Mariah donned a variety of outfits in the classic music video for arguably the world’s best known Christmas song of all time. The most memorable ensemble being a padded red ski set, cinched at the waist with a matching knitted hat under cute pigtails. She set the blueprint for the ‘cute and cosy meets young and sexy’ look which has been prevalent in Christmas outfits for almost three decades.

Destiny’s Child (Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting, 2001)

Resembling angels, the three girls were dressed accordingly in head-to-toe white outfits. White fur and patent knee-high boots were sported by all members of the girl band, with Beyonce adding a white fur headband to accompany her long-sleeved dress. Kelly Rowland’s red bob brought a splash of colour much needed for the Christmas period.

It isn’t just the R&B girlies that have had us in a headlock over the years. Yet another classic look comes from the Jingle Bell Rock scene in the hit teenage comedy, Mean Girls, that has been recreated religiously since its’ release (more recently in Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next” music video). Here you can see Gretchen, Regina, Cady and Karen (left to right) wearing co-ordinating Santa-inspired outfits. These included a red tube top with white trim and a red PU leather mini skirt adorned with black accessories: black knee-high boots and long black gloves. The girls topped it off with bedazzled Santa hats. So fetch!

Next up we have this feisty red two piece worn by Ariana Grande at KIIS FM’s Jingle Bell Ball. Grande also wore her signature half up-half down ponytail, white feather cuffs and white patent heels. Not only did this outfit have my 12-year-old self in awe, but this moment itself is one for the books. As a reminder to anyone that had been living under a rock in 2014, this outfit was worn as Ariana performed, with then-boyfriend Big Sean, their song ‘Best Mistake’, confirming their relationship in the most heart-warming way ever. There truly isn’t a better iconic Christmas moment than a dramatic display of love!

The Kardashian-Jenner clan are known trendsetters for their fashion. Their annual Christmas Eve party in 2019 set the bar for celebrities as every single sister ate and left no crumbs!

Kourtney Kardashian Barker (nee Kardashian) hosted the 2019 bash in a ruby red corseted gown from the Tom Ford-era Gucci Fall 2003 collection, and looked stunning doing it.

Kim Kardashian selected a vintage Dior pink and brown dress with a crocodile effect running down the front. Her chocolate brown high-ponytail perfectly complimented the look.

Kendall Jenner opted for a burgundy column dress with black feathered trimming for a simple, elegant look.

For me, the star of the show, or star on top of the tree if you’d rather, was Kylie Jenner. She donned an emerald green satin dress with an off the shoulder neckline, matching with her daughter Stormi, custom made by Ralph & Russo. Featuring a thigh-high leg slit, the outfit was completed with a boastful emerald and diamond choker paired with matching earrings that were equally as jaw-dropping. A classic waist cinch emphasised the floppy bow that sat effortlessly on her hip.

True Thompson also followed in her mother, Khloe Kardashian’s, footsteps as they matched in golden glitter. Khloe’s floor length plunging gown was paired with a simple gold bangle, gold tipped nails and matching strappy heels.

I don’t know about you, but I am definitely looking forward to seeing what they pull out of their wardrobes (or designer archives that are worth more than my life!) this year.

Kyra Patterson is an English and Philosophy student in her third year. “I’ve been obsessed with fashion since I was little girl, practicing my runway walk with my sister as we watched America’s Next Top Model. I love experimenting with different layers and textures and am a firm believer that if you look good, you feel good! My top thing to do in my downtime is either spending hours on Pinterest creating Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter fashion mood boards or flicking between every clothing store app imaginable to add to my already extensive wish lists…”.