Remember in Clueless when the crew makes a “cameo at the val party”? I always thought it was great how everyone wears red and green, and Summer even wears a legit Christmas sweater while stealing the snowman from the lawn. But you also have Cher in the infamous Alaia, Tai in that plaid jacket, and Dionne wearing that pouf skirt and crop top combo complete with Santa hat.
They’re obviously dressed for the season, but no one acknowledges the fact - it just seems to be. We know it’s technically just a movie, but is Christmas dressing a product of constant exposure to Santa and his elves, or something more deliberate? Natalie says the idea of dressing “Christmasy” never occurs to her (but it does to her boyfriend), and Britt doesn’t own anything red or green, so there’s no chance of her matching the wrapping paper.
But I’m a huge fan of red and green together, and use the season as license to indulge. Maybe it’s because I lived in Florida for so long, where Christmas must be a state of mind since it looks nothing like in the movies, but I definitely think looking festive (I even approve of jingle bell jewelry) is half the battle of feeling festive.
But then, I remember overbearing Jo-Ann Fabric shoppers pairing matronly snowman sweaters with reindeer earrings and I lose my nerve again.
Thoughts?
—BRETT KANE
posted by textile_queen
Dec 08, 2008 3:14PM
Personally, I think its OK up until a certain age as long as your being playful and ironic and the event isn't particularly sophisticated. I totally wore a red sweater and green tights to the holiday party I threw on Saturday, and I think I pulled it off. But it's the kind of look I wouldn't wear if I knew there would be people over the age of 40 or if it was a more dignified event. The timing is everything.