Dress Like You’re in Your Favorite Hallmark Holiday Movie

Hallmark holiday movies deserve to be celebrated year round. Am I the only one who has a countdown to Christmas no matter what month it is? Every year, my holiday tradition involves grabbing my favorite blanket and leaving the hot chocolate to simmer on the stove while I prepare to watch Hallmark holiday movie number five, six, seven.

It doesn’t matter that I’ve probably seen a similar plot play out with different characters, in another small town. I’m 100% invested and ready to be hit with holiday spirit.

The best part about watching Hallmark holiday movies is always the female lead’s gorgeous, Instagram worthy closet. From the sleek workwear to the laid back, trendy sweaters, every outfit looks so easy to copy.

My favorite Hallmark holiday movie of all time, “Mingle All the Way“, does not follow their prize plot formula (which makes it even better!), but it also doesn’t skimp out on the wardrobe. Singer and actress Jen Lilley—whose instagram is filled with a balance of raising awareness for issues she feels strongly about including homelessness and hunger, stunning magazine shoots, and sweet snapshots of her family life—brings life to the boring, monotone work look we’re so used to seeing.

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But don’t just stop at binge-watching Hallmark’s TV schedule. Here’s how you can bring holiday cheer from your favorite movies to your closet.

1. The “Workaholic Who Has No Time for Holidays” Business Casual Look

The movie opens with the lead in an intense meeting with her boss, on the verge of a promotion or being fired. If it’s the former, she is sent to a new town on assignment or gets a phone call about a family emergency that forces her to take some time off and visit. If it’s the latter, she has no choice but to move back home for the holidays until she figures out her life.

2. The Not-so-Winter-Ready “I’ve Been Dropped Off in a New Town and I’m Out of My Element” Outfit

You know the one. After spending hours traveling to a faraway town in the middle of nowhere, the lead usually steps out of the car in gorgeous designer clothes and ridiculously high heels or is under dressed for the cold weather. The contrast between her sleek outfit and that of the holiday obsessed, outgoing residents is hard to miss.

3. The Bright, Eye-Catching “Chance Meeting with an Old Flame or New Love Interest” Statement Piece

This is always the best part. Sparks fly when the big time lawyer or developer crosses paths with the local chef, or owner of the only bed and breakfast in town. Mingle All the Way takes a more unconventional but still fun approach to this trope.  If you’re looking to make your own connections and first impression, you need to dress the part. This statement piece can come in the form of a dress, coat or even your handbag.

4. The “Family Business is Failing So I Need to Come Up With a Plan, STAT” Comfy-Casual Look

This is where the lead makes the slow transition from cold office worker, outsider to empathetic daughter, niece, neighbor. Instead of stiff pantsuits and stilettos, you’ll start to see a change in her closet under the influence of the town and the resident hottie.

5. The “Cinderella Moment” Dress is Hallmark Holiday Movie Gold

This moment doesn’t need any explanation.

6. The “I Finally Understand the True Meaning of Christmas (And Love) and Am Here for It” Sweater

Is it really a Hallmark holiday movie if someone (usually Candace Cameron Bure) isn’t rocking a cheery Christmas sweater underneath the mistletoe? This final addition to your closet will prepare you for a cozy, warm evening with your loved ones while your hot chocolate is cooling off and the movie cue is ready to go.