Essentials: Clark Griswold
In the pantheon of holiday classics, “Christmas Vacation” stands out with its hilarious, heartwarming portrayal of the holiday season’s chaos. At the center of this uproarious tale is Clark Griswold, an iconic character whose everyman charm and over-the-top holiday enthusiasm have endeared him to audiences for decades. Clark’s attire, particularly during the memorable dinner scenes, reflects his quirky, yet relatable personality—a blend of festive optimism and suburban dad fashion.
The film, brimming with memorable moments and characters, like crude Cousin Eddie and the infamous Jelly of the Month Club, has left a lasting impact on pop culture. It’s not just about the laughs; it’s about the relatable portrayal of family dynamics during the holidays.
From Clark’s earnest attempts to create the perfect Christmas to the comedic mishaps that follow, his wardrobe choices add an extra layer of character depth and humor, making them as essential to the film as the iconic scenes themselves. Whether it’s a kitschy holiday sweater or a more formal dinner attire seen here, Clark Griswold’s fashion choices in “Christmas Vacation” are as memorable as the film itself.
Bonobos Everyday Oxford Shirt
MODERN STRETCH FABRIC
The classic blue Oxford shirt is exactly what a family man and non-nutritive cereal varnish chemist wears when carving a particularly dry turkey on Christmas Eve. The modern stretch fabric will also keep you comfortable well after dinner and before the SWAT team kicks in every window on your house.
Clark Griswold Christmas Tie
SCREEN ACCURATE DESIGN
Clark’s geometric Christmas tie needs no introduction. Thanks to Christmas Vacation’s enduring popularity, you can now get an exact replica to wear yourself on Christmas Eve. Just add a moose mug and some eggnog and you’re all set to host the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny *ucking Kaye.
L.L. Bean Waffle Cardigan Sweater
CASUAL YET CLASSY
How do you pull off a casual-yet-classy vibe for Christmas Eve? A cardigan sweater. Clark Griswold’s cardigan was a bit oversized — fitting for the late ’80s. This example from L.L. Bean is a modern take on the Griswold’s, complete with a thick waffle-stitch knit construction and a shawl collar.
Clark Griswold Santa Hat
JUST ADD BELLS
This isn’t a replica of the Santa hat worn by Clark in the final part of the film; Clark’s was bedecked with a few Christmas bells. Of course, if you’re looking to nail the Griswold look down to the last detail, you could definitely attach some bells to this one.
Flint and Tinder 365 Chino Pants
PERFORMANCE STRETCH
Huckberry’s most popular pants of all time deliver a classic chino cut and a hint of stretch for a tailored look and plenty of mobility while filling the stockings on Christmas Eve. These are the perfect everyday chinos that may just help convince your boss to not press charges after your not-so-bright cousin kidnaps him.
Shinola Bedrock Belt
PREMIUM LEATHER
We’re not exactly sure where Clark Griswold got his belt, but our recommendation is the Bedrock Belt by Shinola. Premium leather and silver-toned hardware make it a worthy addition to your classic late ’80s Christmas Eve dinner wardrobe.
Clarks Un Hugh Lace Dress Shoes
TARGETED CUSHIONING
While pretty much any black dress shoe will help you nail the Clark Griswold look, this pair from Clarks feature a light flexible sole that provides extra ventilation to keep your feet cooler, along with targeting cushioning and a leather lining for all-day comfort.
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