Since its release in November 2006, The Holiday has not only become a staple of the holiday season but also a timeless fashion reference. While fans fondly remember the Nancy Meyers film for its charming characters—Graham’s charisma, Iris’ romantic woes, and Amanda’s comical attempt to drive a British car—it’s the understated, classic wardrobe that continues to captivate viewers year after year.
Award-winning costume designer Marlene Stewart, whose illustrious career spans films like Coyote Ugly and Top Gun: Maverick as well as iconic Madonna music videos, crafted the wardrobe with one clear goal in mind: timelessness.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Stewart revealed the philosophy behind the film’s fashion choices. "The whole palette is very simple. There’s not a lot of prints. It’s very subtle and soothing to look at. And that was very important," she explained.
Here, Stewart shares behind-the-scenes insights into how she brought each character’s style to life.
Amanda’s Wardrobe: The Original Quiet Luxury
Stewart described Amanda (Cameron Diaz) as a "strong, independent, creative woman" with a tastefully curated wardrobe that reflected her success as a Hollywood film producer.
"The idea was to have a look that was luxurious and fun. Even though it’s 20 years ago, we were thinking about what professional women wear to work and how those standards were evolving," she said.
Amanda’s outfits, including custom hats and cashmere sweaters, were designed to reflect her wealth without being ostentatious—a concept now referred to as "quiet luxury."
"She’s doing well and could afford beautiful pieces, but the idea was to invest in quality," Stewart explained. Among Amanda’s designer pieces was a stunning Dior coat that makes a memorable appearance when she arrives in England. "It felt luxurious but practical, feminine yet understated," she noted.
Jude Law’s Wardrobe Challenges
While Jude Law’s Graham is often seen in cozy sweaters and tailored trousers, putting his outfits together wasn’t as effortless as it looked.
"Typically, women change outfits more often, but Jude was such a good sport about his quick changes," Stewart recalled. "He had a little dressing room in the pub in Guildford, which was a real set, and he must have changed clothes ten times to find the perfect look."
Amanda’s Barbie-Inspired Date Night Look
One of Amanda’s standout moments comes when she shows up at Graham’s cottage for what she thinks will be a romantic evening, dressed in a sleek cocktail outfit—a Roland Mouret skirt, Carlos Rosario blouse, and vintage belt—only to find herself in an unexpected playdate with his daughters. "You look like my Barbie," one of the girls says, an observation that Stewart explained was intentional. "This was 20 years ago, long before the Barbie movie. The idea was that Barbie represents something aspirational and admirable. Amanda’s look was designed to reflect that sense of aspiration," Stewart said.
Iris’ Practical Yet Charming Wardrobe
Kate Winslet, who played Iris, took a different approach to her character’s wardrobe. "Kate is a very serious actress, and she wanted Iris’ clothes to authentically reflect someone working at a newspaper," Stewart said. Iris’ outfits, whether in her cozy London scenes or while exploring sunny Los Angeles, were intentionally practical and understated. Many of her wardrobe pieces were in soft pastel tones, with some sourced from accessible brands like Zara. "I believe we got some items from Zara way back then," Stewart added, emphasizing the relatability of Iris’ look.
Timeless Style for a Timeless Film
The costumes in The Holiday were carefully designed to enhance the film’s soothing visuals while ensuring they would stand the test of time. From Amanda’s quiet luxury to Iris’ relatable charm, Marlene Stewart’s work remains a masterclass in creating iconic yet approachable styles.
As audiences revisit this holiday favorite year after year, the fashion continues to serve as an inspiration for elegant, timeless dressing.
