If you grew up watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, then you already know Clark Griswold is basically the king of chaotic, wholesome, holiday energy. His outfits are iconic — not because they’re stylish in a traditional sense, but because they’re peak Christmas dad energy in the best way possible.
The good news? Pulling off a Clark Griswold Christmas Vacation costume is actually super easy. You don’t need movie-prop-level accuracy, and you definitely don’t need to hunt down vintage sweaters from the 80s. With the right combination of clothes (and the right amount of “I’m doing my best, honey” energy), anyone can become Clark for a night.
Whether you’re dressing up for a party, doing a themed photoshoot, or creating a TikTok holiday fit check, here are the easiest ways to recreate a Christmas Vacation Clark Griswold costume without stressing over details — because Clark wouldn’t want that.
1. The Classic Griswold “Christmas Tree Outfit”
This is the outfit you see in almost every meme of Clark — the one where he drags the world’s biggest Christmas tree home. The look is chaotic, festive, and weirdly lovable.
What you need:
- basic winter parka or puffy jacket
- plaid flannel shirt
- winter hat with ear flaps
- basic jeans
- gloves
- boots
This version is super easy to wear, super warm (great for outdoor parties), and instantly recognizable as a Christmas Vacation Clark costume.
Make it extra Clark:
Carry a small fake tree branch or a strand of Christmas lights for the photos. Trust me — people will get the reference immediately.
2. The Iconic Santa Hat + Black Coat Look
This is the most popular Clark Griswold Christmas outfit, especially for holiday parties and casual events. It’s simple, clean, and actually looks good.
What you need:
- long black winter coat
- green or white sweater
- collared shirt underneath
- Santa hat
- dark trousers or jeans
If you want this look to feel more polished, go for a structured wool-blend black coat instead of a basic puffer. Brands like Just American Jackets make winter coats that lean into that “old school Christmas movie” look perfectly.
Why people love this look:
It’s comfortable, warm, and easy to throw together at the last minute — plus, it immediately reads as “Clark.”
3. The “Light Up The House” Clark Griswold Outfit
This one is goofy in the best way — perfect for themed parties or for people who want their costume to make everyone laugh.
What you need:
- white cable-knit sweater
- black slacks
- Santa hat
- strand of Christmas lights to wrap around yourself
This is one of the easiest Clark Griswold Christmas Vacation costume styles because everything can be found at home.
Bonus idea:
Use battery-powered lights for safe, glowing photos.
4. The Green V-Neck Sweater + Tie Combo
This outfit shows up in several scenes and is a great “low effort, high recognition” costume that also works for office parties.
What you need:
- green V-neck sweater
- white dress shirt
- holiday tie
- dark pants
This version gives strong “trying my best for the family Christmas dinner” energy, which sums up Clark perfectly.
5. The Red Sweater + Shirt Combo (Cute & Simple)
If you want something warm, easy, and comfortable, this is the go-to Clark Griswold Christmas costume vibe.
You’ll need:
- bright red sweater
- collared shirt underneath
- basic slacks or jeans
- optional: Santa hat
This one looks great in photos and is super casual — perfect for cozy gatherings or home celebrations.
6. The “Christmas Vacation Finale” Suit Look
If you want to take your costume from comfy to classy, go for Clark’s suit look — it’s actually great for holiday parties where you want to dress up and stay in character.
What you need:
- gray or neutral-colored suit
- white shirt
- holiday tie
- Santa hat
This outfit reads more like “Clark at work before everything goes wrong,” and it’s surprisingly stylish.
7. The Recreational Griswold: Pool Scene Outfit (Funny Option)
This is for the bold ones.
What you need:
- red robe
- white undershirt
- slippers
- optional: Santa hat
- sunglasses
This version is chaotic, hilarious, and instantly recognizable. It’s also incredibly comfortable.
8. The Ugly Christmas Sweater Griswold Look
Even though the movie didn’t feature super ugly sweaters, you can channel Clark’s energy by pairing a festive sweater with a Santa hat and jeans.
Why this works:
Clark’s whole vibe is enthusiasm > fashion, so anything cheerful fits the theme.
What you need:
- tacky Christmas sweater
- trousers or jeans
- Santa hat
- optional: fake eggnog mug
It’s the easiest version and works for any casual holiday event.
9. Clark Griswold + Family Photo Version
If you’re doing a full family group costume, this version is perfect.
Pair Clark with:
- Ellen in her 80s Christmas outfit
- Cousin Eddie in his robe
- Kids in classic 80s winter wear
Your own Christmas Vacation The Clark Griswold costume becomes the anchor.
What you need for Clark:
- green sweater
- shirt + tie
- jeans
- Santa hat
This makes a perfect Christmas card theme.
10. The Clark Griswold Coat — The One Everyone Remembers
Clark’s coat looks slightly oversized, classic, and perfectly messy — exactly the energy of the movie.
If you want a version that looks authentic but still stylish, go for a well-made winter coat. Brands like Just American Jackets create holiday-style coats with real structure so they don’t look like flimsy costumes.
What you need:
- long winter coat
- plaid shirt or basic sweater
- Santa hat
Simple, warm, and super recognizable.
Final Tips to Nail the Clark Griswold Vibe
Clark isn’t about perfection — he’s about TRYING his very best and still causing chaos. To really sell your Clark Griswold Christmas Vacation costume, add:
✔ enthusiastic facial expressions
✔ holiday props (lights, mugs, tools, ladders, etc.)
✔ slightly messy hair
✔ dad-energy confidence
Clark’s charm is that he’s lovingly chaotic — bring that energy and the costume will always land.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need expensive props or full-movie accuracy to pull off a Clark Griswold Christmas outfit. Most of Clark’s looks are simple winter basics with a Santa hat and a bit of chaotic Christmas spirit. With a few staple items — and maybe a coat from Just American Jackets if you want a cleaner, premium look — you can recreate the character easily for any holiday event.
