How to Dress like your in a Nancy Meyers Movie: A Series

Written By: Hannah Corbett

This November, I set myself a little style challenge: to dress like I’m in a Nancy Meyers movie.  If you're unfamiliar with Nancy Meyers, she is the GENIUS director behind your favorite movies—like The Holiday, Something’s Gotta Give, It’s Complicated, The Parent Trap, and so many more.  The list goes on but something that is always, always, always the common denominator in her movies, is the aesthetic. Her movies are iconic for a reason, and while the storylines are heartwarming, it’s the vibes that keep me coming back for more.

I’m talking about the fashion, the set dressing, the locations, the houses, the kitchens—everything in a Nancy Meyers movie has this understated, aspirational charm that’s just right. Nothing over-the-top, nothing screaming for attention. Instead, it’s realistic, approachable, and elegant. The clothes? Pieces you could totally find in your own closet.

So, since The Holiday is basically my work-from-home soundtrack during the holiday season, I decided to fully lean in. Why not match the vibe of what’s on my screen?

The Challenge

For the entire month of November, I challenged myself to dress with holiday spirit by channeling Nancy Meyers’ timeless, cozy aesthetic. But there was a catch:

• Rule #1: I couldn’t buy anything new specifically for this challenge.

• Rule #2 If I happened to stumble upon a piece I’d wear long-term (outside of this series), I could get it, but only if it truly fit into my wardrobe.

The goal was to work with what I had and prove that you don’t need to splurge to dress like you’re living in one of her dreamy worlds.

Why Nancy Meyers?

What I love most about Nancy Meyers’ movies is that they’re not too much. Her aesthetic is subtle, real, and attainable. The clothes her characters wear aren’t dripping in designer logos or screaming “look at me.” Instead, they’re timeless basics styled in a way that makes you feel like you could pull them off any day of the week.

We’re talking about:

• Creamy turtlenecks that look like they were made for sipping hot cocoa in a sunlit kitchen.

• Tailored trousers that somehow look both professional and cozy.

• Chunky knit sweaters that say, “I bake croissants on weekends but still get my steps in.”

AND my personal favorite, using a color that’s built into Cameron Diaz’s character in The Holiday, ice blue.  It’s all about effortless, polished comfort—the kind of fashion that doesn’t try too hard because it literally doesn’t need to.

How It’s Going

Two weeks in, I’m loving this challenge. Each morning, I’ve been putting together outfits that make me feel like I could star in a dreamy scene set in a beach house or a snowy English cottage. It’s been fun to rediscover my closet, mixing and matching pieces I haven’t worn in forever, and would’ve never put together.  

Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

1. Neutrals are magic. White, cream, beige, and gray create the ultimate palette for looking pulled-together.

2. Details matter. Accessories like scarves, gold hoops, or tortoiseshell glasses can instantly elevate a look. And A BELT!  I’ve been like a moth to a flame with my old anthropologie belt.  

3. Comfort is key. The Nancy Meyers aesthetic isn’t about stiff, overly structured outfits. It’s about looking chic while feeling like you could curl up on a couch with a glass of wine.

This challenge has been about more than just clothes. It’s brought a little extra joy to my days—whether I’m heading out to run errands or just working from home with The Holiday playing in the background. Dressing the part has helped me fully embrace the cozy, festive energy of the season.

So, if you’re looking for a way to lean into the holidays this year, might I suggest stepping into a Nancy Meyers movie wardrobe? It’s simple, chic, and totally doable—even without buying a thing. Because sometimes, the magic is already right there in your closet.