Holiday Dressing, the Martha May Way
A Guide to Glamour, Camp, and a Commitment to Going Overboard
Every December, without fail, How the Grinch Stole Christmas becomes required viewing. The second I see the sparkle, the fur trims, and the luscious curls of Martha May Whovier, I know it’s officially Christmas. And I’m reminded of one thing: if there’s ever a time of year to be over-the-top, it’s now.
Martha May isn’t just a character to me — she’s a seasonal mood board. She represents everything I want December dressing to be: dramatic, indulgent, glamorous, and totally kitschy. While everyone else is reaching for neutral knits and “quiet” holiday outfits, I’m mentally re-centering myself around feathers, rhinestones, and a commitment to borderline ridiculousness.
What makes Martha May so good is that she never holds back. Her looks are completely camp, yes, but they’re also genuine glamour. There’s intention behind the sparkle. Her style feels very old Hollywood filtered through kitsch: cinched waists, dramatic necklines, statement accessories, and hair that does half of the heavy lifting. She’s not trying to be trendy — or even tasteful — and that’s exactly the point. It’s incredibly curated (shoutout to costumer Rick Baker), and entirely her.
Honestly, she’s the anti–quiet luxury Christmas muse, and I love her for it.
How to Dress Like Martha May Whovier This Christmas (Without It Being a Costume)
You don’t need a full Whoville wardrobe to channel her energy. Here’s how I’d actually use Martha May as real-life inspiration.
1. Choose One “Ridiculous” Element
This is key. Pick one thing that feels a little over-the-top:
Fur or feather trim
Metallic fabric
Rhinestones or sequins
Let that piece lead the outfit and keep the rest simple. A feather-trimmed top with plain trousers, or a sparkly skirt paired with pieces in the same color family, still feels intentional — not like cosplay.
2. Embrace Shape and a Little Drama
The holidays are not the time to hide.
Sweetheart necklines
Corset-inspired tops
Anything that cinches the waist
It’s flirty, glamorous, and very Martha May. Subtlety can wait until January.
3. Over-Accessorize (Then Add One More Thing)
If you think you’ve added enough accessories, add one more.
Statement earrings
Rhinestone brooches
Gloves
Vintage handbags and clutches
We’re going to ignore the classic Coco Chanel rule: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” Martha May would never leave the house under-accessorized — and neither should you.
4. Commit to a Christmas Color Story
Martha May always has a definitive palette. To keep things cohesive:
Santa-suit red and white
Baby blue and white
Deep red and emerald green
Or go full monochrome for maximum drama
A clear color story makes even the most extra outfit feel styled instead of chaotic.
Christmas can be stressful, exhausting, and expensive — but getting dressed should still be fun. Martha May Whovier is my greatest reminder of that. Her style proves that fashion doesn’t always have to be practical or understated to be good. Sometimes it just needs to make you feel fabulous.
If we’re going to be cold, overbooked, and running on holiday chaos all month, we might as well do it — and look incredible while we’re at it.