It is officially the Christmas season, and nothing says the holidays to me quite like the 1954 film White Christmas. The stunning sets, talented cast, costumes, and of course, the film’s storyline captivate me every time I watch it as if it were the first time viewing this technicolor masterpiece. I enjoy watching many Christmas films, but none are as special to me as White Christmas.
Aside from the spectacular Irving Berlin–composed songs, musical numbers, and dances, the fashion of this film is what makes such a lasting impression and continues to inspire me. From Vera-Ellen’s charming pink dress for the Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing number with Danny Kaye, to Rosemary Clooney’s striking gown in Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me, designer Edith Head’s talent shines so brightly in this film.
In this blog, I’ll share some of my favorite ensembles from the film and why. Let’s begin:
Judy Haynes (played by Vera-Ellen)
Vera-Ellen’s portrayal of Judy captivated me immediately, as did her breathtaking wardrobe. Honestly, I think her costumes might be my favorite of all.
The Pink/Lilac Dress – “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing”
This was the dress that made me fall in love with the cinched waist and full skirt silhouettes of the 1950s. It looks like it was made for a Disney princess. Her hairstyle, those diamond chandelier earrings (that sometimes catch the light and look pink!), and the elegant white ankle-strap heels complete the look. You see her wearing these heels in most of her dance numbers in the film.
The Mustard Yellow Travel Ensemble
Next, we have the beautiful mustard yellow dress that we see Vera wearing on the train to Vermont. It also has a matching coat, as we see both when the girls are escaping the nightclub and also upon their arrival at the Columbia Inn.
One thing I love about this dress is the simplicity of it, yet it comes off as very classy. The gold jewelry accents and the animal print accessories used to style the ensemble make this outfit very elegant. Also, may we talk about how lovely Vera’s makeup is in the “Snow” sequence on the train?
The “Mandy” Costume – “Minstrel Show” Number
This next outfit is more or less a costume from the song and dance number “Minstrel Show/Mandy.” I am pretty sure I drove everyone crazy by playing this song and constantly rewatching this number constantly as a child. I was enamored with the colorful costumes and the number’s overall production, but most of all, I was obsessed with this look!
Everything about this costume was perfect in my 12-year-old eyes. I wanted to be Vera. From her iconic entrance, slinky and alluring walk down the stairs, to her dance with John Brascia (who we see in many of the dance numbers dancing with Vera throughout the film), “Mandy” was perfection to me. To this day, the song and dance number is one of Vera Ellen’s most well-known and recognized performances.
The Final Ensamble...any guesses?
This will be the final outfit I list for Vera and if you are a fellow White Christmas fan, you probably guessed it…..
Was I right? Yes, it’s the famous black & white top with the checked skirt, red belt and shoes for that “pop” of color. Absolute perfection. chef’s kiss Honestly, if I could wear this every day during the cooler months, I probably would. It screams classic 1950s.
That concludes the looks for Vera, but honestly, all of Vera’s outfits from the film are my “favorite.” I wanted to list them all. Trying to narrow it down to 3 or 4 was incredibly difficult. I suggest you watch the movie for yourself to admire her stunning wardrobe in person. They all rank #1 in my books.
Betty Haynes (played by Rosemary Clooney)
People will probably stone me for this, but I wasn’t a massive fan of many of Rosemary’s outfits in “White Christmas.” Not because they were ugly but only because they just weren’t my “cup of tea” in the way Vera Ellen’s were. That said, there were a couple that I really did love, though!
The Periwinkle Cocktail Dress
Starting off strong, we have the baby or periwinkle blue dress with matching wrap. Rosemary looks utterly divine in this ensemble. Funny thing, I was not fond of this dress until only recently. Chiffon is always a hit or miss to me, but maybe this cocktail dress has grown on me as I’ve grown older.
What I love about this dress is the jewelry that is paired with it– the bracelet in particular. It looks to be some sort of floral shape, especially evident with the double-banded bracelet. I have something quite similar in shape, except mine are a necklace & a pair of matching earrings.
The Black Gown
Next, we have the sultry black gown featured in the number “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me.” Every time I see this dress, I can’t help but think, “Ooh-la-la.” What I find particularly brilliant is Edith Head’s placement of the large diamond brooch on the back of the gown. It elegantly breaks up the black and adds visual interest. Such a simple touch, yet it makes a remarkable difference and elevates the design beautifully.
(Side note: I love how cute the nightclub where Rosemary’s character is performing is! I wish nightclubs still possessed that classic charm and individuality as they did back then.)
The Green Velvet Dress
Finally, we come to the green velvet dress. I’ve truly saved the best for last when it comes to Betty’s wardrobe. This gown is absolutely breathtaking, striking the perfect balance between elegance and understated glamour. The deep, rich green of the velvet immediately catches the eye, yet it never feels overdone; it’s a sophisticated hue that embodies both warmth and refinement, making it a showstopper without being flashy.
I adore this dress, and it’s easily the one I would most want to wear myself. As a lover of velvet, it checks every box: luxurious, soft, and with just the right amount of texture to make the fabric feel alive on screen. The cut and silhouette are classic and flattering, providing a refined simplicity that speaks volumes. It’s exactly the kind of gown that would turn heads at a festive party, just as the film beautifully demonstrates — and it leaves a lasting impression as one of the most memorable ensembles in White Christmas.
Phil Davis (played by Danny Kaye)
I couldn’t leave out the men folk because they looked rather dapper in this film & deserve to share a bit of the spotlight!
The Gray Suit
Danny Kaye portrays the charismatic, slightly conniving, and occasionally penny-pinching Phil Davis in the film. He is one of those quintessential Old Hollywood stars who, in my view, was always impeccably dressed, both on screen and off.
We begin with Danny’s gray suit from the “Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing” number. Honestly, I think this is one of the sharpest suits I’ve ever seen. There’s something about it that just looks effortlessly incredible. What makes this ensemble particularly clever is how designer Edith Head paired the suit with matching gray shoes, maintaining the visual continuity of the outfit. Every element flows together seamlessly, creating a look that is both polished and timeless.
The Rust Jacket
It only appears briefly, but oh how I love it. I’ve always been a bit partial to rust tones, and this one is perfect and it beautifully complements Danny’s red hair, creating such a relaxed yet effortlessly stylish look.
The Cardigan Look
Worn throughout the film, this casual yet dapper look is my favorite kind of men’s style: smart, approachable, and timeless.
Bob Wallace (played by Bing Crosby)
I feel like Bing Crosby is another star known for his impeccable style. It just felt so quintessentially “Bing.” Personally, I tend to prefer his more casual, laid-back looks over the fully dressed-up ones.
The “Snow Suit”
First on the list is the “Snow Suit,” as I call it. This is the suit we see Bing wearing on the train ride to Vermont. I like that even though it is a suit, it still gives off a more casual feel and look to it. The tie compliments it as well, bringing together the whole look.
The Jacket-and-Scarf Look
Bing wears a suit jacket, but instead of a tie, he pairs it with a stylish scarf. This was a signature look for him, and it suited him perfectly.
Susan Waverly (played by Anne Whitfield)
Anne Whitfield’s role may have been smaller, but her wardrobe deserves recognition. Some of her dresses were absolutely lovely and deserve more appreciation among White Christmas fans.
And with that, I’ll conclude this blog post! I couldn’t resist sharing my thoughts on White Christmas as we enter the holiday season. I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring the film’s stunning fashion and timeless charm.
If you liked this post, I’d love for you to leave a comment or follow the blog — your support truly means the world to me.