Holiday Party Dresses Inspired by The Nutcracker
As you all know by now, Clara is the glue that holds The Nutcracker together (with the sole exception of The Nutcracker himself). She’s young, sweet, and innocent. More than that, however, Clara is imaginative, having the power to dream up a world of anthropomorphic mouses and dancing snowflakes.
For a look that’s both modest and old-fashioned, invest in some short, white dresses of the lace or cotton variety. The material should look delicate and feminine, like Clara’s ballerina outfit. If it’s particularly girly and sweet (bows and frills are a must), then it’s a perfect Clara look for the holidays!
Products: 1 – Modcloth | 2 – Modcloth | 3 – Modcloth | 4 – Nordstrom | 5 – Nordstrom | 6 – Nordstrom | 7 – Modcloth | 8 – Target | 9 – H&M | 10 – Modcloth | 11 – Lulu’s | 12 – Nordstrom
#2 The Dancing Snowflakes
A snowstorm personified
After Clara’s Nutcracker prince defeats the Mouse King, they retreat into the pine forest, where the previously mentioned Dancing Snowflakes beckon Clara’s companion on to his royal kingdom. Their waltz is among one of the better known melodies of the show; see if you recognize the tune here!
I went with a blue motif for the Snowflake holiday dresses, mimicking the color of their costumes, in addition to their original snowflake form. Find a dress that’s this color and made out of flowy material, and you too will be dancing the whole night through!
Products: 13 – Modcloth | 14 – JCPenney | 15 – Modcloth | 16 – Target | 17 – JCPenney | 18 – Dillard’s | 19 – Modcloth | 20 – Target
#3 The Sugar Plum Fairy
Temporary ruler of the Land of the Sweets
While the waltz of the Dancing Snowflakes closes the first act, it is the Sugar Plum Fairy—played by the resident prima ballerina—that opens up the second act. Ruling the Nutcracker prince’s kingdom in his absence, she gracefully accepts him back and hosts a large celebration in his (and Clara’s) honor upon his return. Her solo, “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” is probably the most recognizable musical extract from The Nutcracker; revisit it here.
