How to Dress for Hanukkah

The celebration of Hanukkah doesn't require any special attire, although many people choose to dress in traditional garments to celebrate the holiday. Children, in particular, often wear clothes inspired by the day or adorned with symbols of the holiday. Accessories that remind the wearer (and the guests around) of the spirit of the holiday are also popular.

Things You'll Need

• Items featuring traditional Hanukkah symbols
• Accessories (necklaces, bracelets, ties, cufflinks)
• Clothes in light blue and white

Instructions

Dress Up for the Holiday

1. Think about the type of party or celebration you're attending and how you're expected to dress for it. Then decide how to incorporate Hanukkah elements into your attire. This can be as simple as wearing the right colors or choosing a print that incorporates the Star of David or other appropriate symbol.

2. Wear the Hanukkah colors (white and light blue) for a subtle message of celebration. For a bigger impact, make the whole attire in these two colors only instead of matching it with other hues. You can also add accessories (a scarf, a hat, gloves) in those colors if you're attending a formal affair and are required to wear black.

3. Choose small accessories to accentuate a delicate gown or a formal suit. Examples include a pendant, a bracelet or a pocket handkerchief. Men can also wear bow ties or regular ties with designs of menorahs or six-pointed stars or choose cufflinks featuring a Jewish symbol.

4. Dress kids in clothes that feature some of the most popular symbols of the holiday, such as the dreidel. Kids' and baby clothes with Hanukkah designs are actually quite popular and you shouldn't have any problems finding something, no matter how casual or formal the affair.

5. Choose funny clothes and accessories if you're attending an informal party thrown by friends or close family. From t-shirts with funny Yiddish sayings to Menorah hats, there is a large variety of fun costumes that you can wear if you don't mind being the center of attention during the party.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're unsure about whether you should wear a yarmulke or other head covering, contact your host or hostess. Often those hosting an even will have a basket of yarmulkes available for those who didn't bring one, but it's best to know ahead of time.

• If you don't want to spend money on a particular design that can only be used once a year, consider handpainting or sewing a patch on an item of clothing you already own. Depending on your abilities, this shouldn't be too difficult.

• Don't overdo it. If you're wearing a sweater with a Hanukkah symbol, match it with regular jeans or a plain black skirt. If you choose a tie with Hanukkah symbols, combine it with a plain suit.