Is it really Christmas until you’ve watched Love Actually?
Well, 20 years on we’ll be treated to a show from the iconic characters once more: on the 29th November, Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Bill Nighy, Laura Linney, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and director Richard Curtis will be sitting down with renowned Diane Sawyer to host a reunion that is sure to give us all the Christmas feels.
Just as this classic British film fills that nostalgic place in our hearts, it also serves as some serious fashion inspiration. From sleek turtle necks to the winter wedding dress of our dreams and that fateful necklace, 20 years on we still have a lot to learn from this Christmas classic.
We spoke to various experts who have compiled the 4 most iconic looks from Love Actually who have revealed why these styles have stood the test of time, long since people stopped filming weddings with a video recorder.
1. Juliet’s wedding dress
There is no film wedding dress that is quite as romantic as Juliet’s. Like or loathe this controversial character, this dress nailed the ethereal winter aesthetic.
Eloise Rigby, owner of wedding brand The Pantry Bridalwear, explains: “This semi-sheer overlay with a simple silhouette, long dramatic train and feather accents was stylistically brave, fashion-forward and light years away from the classic meringue looks that were all the rage 20 years ago. It’s the perfect silhouette for the modern bride, even today – feathers are a great option to add detail / interest in contrast to more traditional avenues such as covered buttons and lace”.
2. ALL the turtlenecks
What would the winter season be without a turtleneck? Fashionable and warm, we can deal with feeling slightly suffocated all day for that sleek put-together look that dominates Love Actually fashion.
Megan Watkins, head stylist at shopping destination SilkFred says: “Not all turtlenecks in Love Actually are built the same, but there are some that stand out…”
“Mia’s all-black turtleneck, paired with black miniskirt is all the office fashion inspiration we need this winter and a trend we see people recreating every year.”
“I have always been drawn to Sarah’s timeless, chunky brown number worn in the ‘goodnight Carl’ scene. The dark brown shade is noughties in all the right ways and I live for the wide-ribbed, loose neck.”
3. The necklace that broke all of our hearts
Ok, so it’s probably one of the saddest moments in the film and we wouldn’t be surprised if you skipped it all together. But does it make us bad people that we really love the necklace? Also, is it just us or is her top giving us serious Reformation vibes!?
Claire Beatson, General Manager of ethical jeweller, Nightingale explains: “This heart-shaped gold necklace bears a single rose-hued round gem and is completed with a minimalist style chain. The slightly misshapen heart pendant celebrates soft, romantic lines and the off-centre gemstone ticks all of our modern style boxes.”
4. Joanna’s one-shoulder sequined number
We’re a big believer in the sparklier the better, and there’s no character in Love Actually that solidifies that more than Joanna as she belts out ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ (with a pretty killer drummer FYI). Please tell us, hair tinsel isn’t reserved for those under 13 years old?!
SilkFred’s Megan says: “If you aren’t rocking sparkles this party season, then you’re not doing Christmas fashion right. Sequins and silver and gold tones are all the rage at the moment and we can take some inspiration from Love Actually’s Joanna.”
“This one-shoulder asymmetric design is seriously in right now and should be one of your go-to styles for December parties.”
