Fashion Inspiration: Walt Disney’s The Nightmare Before Christmas – Part 1
Since Halloween is quickly approaching, I knew that now would be the perfect time to cover fashion inspired by my favorite seasonal movie, Walt Disney and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. I can remember my 4 year old self watching this movie over and over, and to this day, it never gets old for me. While writing this article, I was so inspired that I decided to separate it into two parts.
Like the previous articles in this series, the purpose of this article is to use childhood films as inspiration for outfits that you can actually pull off as a college student. All it takes is a little creativity!
For more Disney-inspired looks, check out our past articles on Walt Disney’s Snow White, Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, Walt Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Walt Disney’s Cinderella, Walt Disney’s Princess Jasmine, Walt Disney’s Princess Tiana, Walt Disney’s Pocahontas, Belle from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jane Porter from Disney’s Tarzan, Megara from Disney’s Hercules, Emeralda from Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Walt Disney’s Mulan, Walt Disney’s The Lion King, Disney Fairies Part 1- Silvermist and Fawn, and Disney Fairies Part 2- Rosetta and Iridessa, and Disney Fairies Part 3- Vidia and Tinkerbell.
About The Nightmare Before Christmas
The story takes place in Halloween Town, a frightening place where life revolves around celebrating, you guessed it, Halloween. The most popular guy in town is Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King. Everyone looks up to Jack because he is amazing at terrifying the world for Halloween. Despite his fame and glory, Jack feels like there’s something missing in his life.
One day, while walking through the woods, Jack discovers a portal to Christmas Town, filled with joy and happiness, full of bright colors and beautiful decorations. This, he discovers, is what he had been missing. Jack rushes back to Halloween Town to explain Christmas to the townspeople. He decides that instead of organizing Halloween, Halloween Town will take over Christmas.
Preparations begin, and the most important job, creating a Santa suit, is given to Sally, a doll-like creation of the town’s mad scientist. Sally is secretly in love with Jack, and they have a lot in common – both characters dream of living a more fulfilling life. Although Sally loves the idea of Christmas, she warns Jack that she has a terrible feeling that something will go wrong. But Jack, consumed with excitement about Christmas, ignores her warning.
As Sally predicted, Jack’s plans soon start to go wrong. Although Jack thought it would be nice to capture Santa Claus so he could relax and not worry about his Christmas duties, Santa ends up being held by the Oogie Boogie, the most terrible man in all of Halloween Town. The Oogie Boogie plans on killing Santa, so Sally rushes in and tries to help.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, the people of Christmas Town are horrified by the creepy presents Jack delivers to their children, and they put out a warning of a Santa Claus impersonator. Jack’s sleigh is shot down from the sky.
Rather than being upset at his failures, Jack looks on the bright side and is proud of himself for discovering something new and trying his best. Realizing people need to stay true to who they are, he rips off his Santa suit and declares himself the Pumpkin King once again. He rushes back to Halloween Town and rescues Santa and Sally from the horrible Oogie Boogie.
In the end, Santa Claus saves Christmas, despite the damage Jack had done. Grateful to Jack for saving his life, Santa gives the gift of snow to Halloween Town. Finally, Jack sees Sally walk out of town, so he follows her to his favorite hill in the pumpkin patch. There, they realize that they are meant to be together.
Jack’s Lament
After celebrating Halloween, rather than feeling accomplished with his great work, Jack Skellington feels like something is missing in his life and expresses himself through the song “Jack’s Lament.” For an outfit inspired by Jack, I chose a striped dress to match his suit, a form-fitting blazer, and purple shoes for a pop of color. I also added a spiky necklace, reminiscent of Jack’s collar.
Tights- Forever 21, Dress- Topshop, Necklace- ASOS, Shoes- Amazon, Blazer- Jane Norman
What’s This?
When Jack discovers the joyous land of Christmas Town, he sings the song “What’s This” because everything he sees is so new to him. To make an outfit inspired by the scene, I used a long sparkly sweater, reminiscent of the snow, and red leggings. I also added some edgy earrings and boots, because even though Jack is in Christmas Town, he is still a tough guy.
Leggings- American Apparel, Sweater- Oasis, Bag- Spiegel, Earrings- Betsey Johnson, Boots- Forever 21
Mr. Oogie Boogie Man
To me, one of the most memorable scenes in the movie is the one where the evil Oogie Boogie captures Santa Claus. It is wretched and creepy, but the colors are so vivid. With this scene as inspiration, I made an outfit with a very bright color palette.
Top- Tilly’s, Shoes- Forever 21, Jeans- Uniqlo, Vest- Alloy, Bracelets- Tilly’s
Sally’s Song
Sally sings her song to herself to express her love for Jack and the anxiety she feels about his plan to take over Christmas. I drew inspiration from her outfit by including lots of different patterns, but ensuring they look put-together. I also chose a bag and necklace inspired by leaves, since Sally is stuffed with them, and added adorable cat earrings since she pets a stray cat in the song.
Bag- , Tights- Anthropologie, Dress- Modcloth, Coat- Modcloth, Earrings- Avalaya, Necklace- Amazon, Boots- Urban Original
What do you think?
Are you inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas? Which looks are your favorite? Which Disney movies would you be interested in seeing posts about in the future? I want to know what you think, so be sure to leave your thoughts in a comment!
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Posted on on October 20, 2010 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: Disney, Inspiration, Inspired by, Jack, Nightmare Before Christmas, Oogie Boogie, Sally, Skellington, Tim Burton
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Ally
AAAAAAAAAAAAAH, LOVE this!
Fell in love with that silver sweater from Oasis… Adorbs!
xx
BreaD
YES!!!!!!!
I was not expecting this movie to be covered. So glad that you did! It’s one of my absolute favorites!!!
Love your Christmas Town outfit. Sparkly sweaters ftw!
shaina
i really, really, really love all these outfits. all of them are perfect for what they’re inspired by and things I would wear. I was totally about to go buy those leggings, but they’re only available in xs now :( does anyone know where i can get a pair of cranberry colored leggings? that’s my favorite outfit on there, totally perfect for a cozy december look in or out. seriously though, this is my favorite in the series
Aline Freitas
I love this movie *-* in portuguese is “O estranho mundo de Jack”, iwatched several times as a child .
Ps* I’m brasilian and access the site every day
Reese
I only enjoy the Halloween part of the movie (I’m a freak-I know) so I loved all of these outfits! (even the x-mas one was still edgy!) Beautiful work-cannot wait to get those Betsey earrings!
Ella
awesome. it always amazes me how you guys translate anything into fashion so well – music, movies, pictures, sports. great job. i totally adore the first outfit.
S
Love love love this post! Probably my favorite movie growing up and the last outfit is probably my favorite! Great Job!
KRT
I love love love that last outfit!!
Sarah
That final look is so hobo-fall-chic. And I am obsessed with those kitty kat earrings! Good job!
Samantha
I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH FOR THIS. The second outfit is my favorite because it totally looks like the lovechild of Halloween and Christmas.
Tracy
They actually sell a bunch of Nightmare Before Christmas – themed accessories at Claire’s now.
Crystal
this was an excellent post that really surprised me. you captured all the scenes perfectly. the 1st and last were my favs. and might i suggest trying walle next?
Jay-Georgia Southern University
LOVE this! This is one of my favorite movies of all time! :)
Love the outfits you styled for the movie also :)
Arisel
You just totally made my day!
i adore THe Nightmare Before Christmas, i watch it every year lol
the outfits are really cool and totally something i would wear.
I can’t wait for part 2 :)
Kylie
i love this movie and it’s a tradition for me and my girlies to watch it every halloween! the outfits are more darker and something i wouldn’t wear though, but great job on making them wearable! :)
xoxo, kylie
Michh
Oh my goodness, that sparkly sweater in the christmas outfit is adorable. And I love the dress in the first outfit. And Sally’s outfit! Gahhhh! be still my beating heart lol, the coat is stunning and the entire outfit together is just amazing. I love this post (:
Dee
LOVE the post. wonderful, fun and wearable outfits.
i really like those Betsey Johnson earrings too. =)
Jennifer
Love this movie, love these outfits!
Kristi
I LOVE the sally outfit!!
I was going to run and buy the coat until I saw that it was out of stock
Carolanne
omg, i am in love with you right now! IN LOVE!!! Will you marry me???<3 haha seriously, you do not even know the EXTENT to which I am obsessed with this movie!! my favorite of all time!!!!!! I practically watch it everyday, and if not im listening to the songs. I was soooo excited when i saw the title of the post, I literally began jumping up and down!!! Tim Burton is my favorite director (obviously) and I totally love his sorta gothic-esque style. I love all the outfits!!! But then, I'm quite biased haha. Can't wait for the next part!!
Oh, and I also have a basset hound named Zero =]
Lorraine
I LOVE this movie, and loved the fact that it was covered =D. I feel totally inspired by this movie, and the first outfit was my favourite. Even though I’m not a Disney Princess girl (I didn’t like any of the movies when I was a kid, and only watched them once, when my mother bought them, maybe twice if they made me watch it somewhere), but I’m very happy this turned out. I can’t wait for part two of this post.
Also, even though it’s not really a movie, on Halloween day, or close to those days, I go to class in a similar fashion to some character (in my freshman year I went as Lydia from Beetlejuice, with all black, and a red poncho).
Lea
Incredible post!
B
I LOOOOOVED all of them, but especially the first one. that’s so my style!
Ariane
This is lovely, and perfect for Halloween ^^ I especially love the Sally inspired outfit. Perhaps you could do one for Alice in Wonderland next, not the new Tim Burton one seeing as there’s already an article about that, but the old one :)
Nikki
I’m not in love with the movie but te outfits are great.
Christy
I literally squealed in delight when I saw you did TNBC. OMG! I love this! Sally’s Song outfit is PERFECT! These are all amazing! YOU are amazing!!!! :D
Sam
I can’t wait for part 2! I absolutely love this movie! I hope you get inspired by other Tim Burton movies as well, such as the Corpse Bride, Sweeny Todd, Edward Scissorhands, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland, and Beetlejuice. His films are always amazing!
Charlotte - University of Birmingham
i watched this film for the first time a few years ago- it terrified me as a child!!
I love the first outfit!!
and Sam- I would definitely love to do a post on Tim Burton Movies!! Sweeney Todd and Sleepy Hollow are two of my favourites :]]]
Charlotte xxx
Sari
I love the Jack and Sally looks! Oh, and I’m also for the Tim Burton idea. Brilliant.
Amanda
LOVE the outfits. You can find cheaper tights at Target. Can’t wait for part 2. I would love to see another Tim Burton inspired outfit.
Carolanne
I second the idea of more Tim Burton posts!!!!!!!!!!!! =D And, although it’s not Tim Burton, Coraline would be a cool movie to do an inspiration post off of! It’s written and directed by Henry Selick, the same director of NBC =]
Rose
I think a few people have already said this, but this is one of the best movies I have ever seen! I grew up watching this and the Grinch every year for Christmas (ok, my sisters and I are kinda twisted, so what!) and I llove anything Tim Burton.
The first outfit is probably my favourite. Those shoes are just gorgeous! I also love Sally’s outfit, she has always been a big inspiration of mine. I must admit, in my regular clothing I tend to go a bit darker and more out-there than the outfits you have here, but I love how you have taken the inspiration for more main-stream style.
I love this entire series and can’t wait for Part 2 of this post! Thankyou so much for helping us to all live out our childhood fantasy’s of dressing like a princess every day and showing that we can all bring a little magic into our daily lives.
Izzee
I love Tim Burton! This was a great post, you should definitely do more inspired by his films!
Joelle
LOVE love loveee Sally’s outfit!!!!! Great job!
karigal
OMG LOVEEEEEE THE SALLY OUTFIT! The coat from modcloth is TO DIE FOR!
Anastasia
What a pleasant surprise! I love this movie and I love these outfits. I don’t think I could even pick a favorite from them.
Sara
I looooove this movie!
I can’t wait for part 2 … ;)
MC
i really like this. the theme appeals to people who like a darker, grungier aesthetic. two thumbs up.
Anita
It’s not a disney movie but you should do one on Anastasia.
Kylie
The Sally outfit is great! It’s my favorite of the bunch. Great work with these articles!
nicole
Very well thought out.
Rachel
OMG I LOVE THESE!!! I would totally wear all of them. In my opinion this is your best post yet, all these outfits are so fabulous!
Chelsea - University of Oklahoma
OOO i love this!!! one of my favorite movies haha!!
Dee
LOVE LOVE LOVE the Sally’s dress, coat, boots, and tights; Jack’s dress and blazer; and the earrings, chunky boots, and clutch <3 for "What's This." AWESOME ARTICLE.
Rianna
I fell in love with this blog after finding the dedications to the Disney princess Inspired looks. I love how you combine everything from music to movies to form great fashion, and I always get great ideas for my own wardrobe after reading. Keep up the good work. As winter draws closer, I would really love to see more ideas that are for cold weather without making me look like the little boy from “A Christmas Story”.
Love from the mountains!
Suburban Sweetheart
Love the shoes from the third look – and EVERYTHING in the fourth look! Fun Halloween post. :)
Amy
Cal, Awesome job babe! Love love it! First outfit is my fave. Love you!!
Becky
burton’s films are visual masterpieces. Keep up the great work
Sarafine
what about mary poppins??
Anastasia??
rapunzel?
Mickey mouse?
Courtney
Ahhh! I absolutely adore the first outfit! That dress is gorgeous and I love the shoes. My god, you’ve got a knack for this! Can’t wait for more.
CC
Ohmigosh! Love! YOU HAVE TO DO ONE ON THE PRINCE OF EGYPT! PRETTY PRETTY PLEASE! sorry about the all caps, but I had to get my point across. Seriously, consider doing the queen of Egypt (moses’ adopted mom) and moses’ wifeyy!!!
Andy
I love the first look. Very chic and clever!
Lynn
Sally was my favorite, though they were all very creative and adorable
Taylor
I can’t find the coat on modcloth for the last style, I really love it though!
Ajai
Can anyone send me links to the stuff for the Sally outfit? It seems like it would be a good fall outfit for a teacher! Classy, yet edgy. Please and thank you! :)