What to wear on Christmas Day. It's a big question - and the one you have the luxury of turning your attention to if you've already nailed the gifts, the travel plans, and the menu. As hype and expectations reach fever pitch so does the pressure to pick an outfit that will look good - and let you gorge and lounge in equal measure. Basically, Christmas Day outfit ideas are no mean feat.
Picking the perfect outfit often comes with some tactical questions attached. How to impress the new in-laws? Will there be dancing, will there be naps or will there be both? Could you make space for some outfit changes or is that overkill?
The aim is to look festive. Kitsch is good, but chic is better. Walking that line means considering whether a novelty jumper is too cheesy and if pyjamas at the lunch your mother spent all day cooking is acceptable. Personally, we favour a mid-day change. The dream is to begin the day in silk pyjamas and slippers but, by midday, upgrade to a party dress and magpie accessories. If you're expecting a mid-afternoon lull, this is your moment to embrace the hygge side of the holiday with jumpers and sheepskin slippers. However, if post-lunch your family turns the party and music up a notch now is the time to give your most extra party dress - perhaps the one you were saving for New Year's Eve - its first test drive with bare feet and less make-up.
Here is our guide to fool-proof outfits for every eventuality on 25th. Whatever your festive plans, just make sure you have yourself a very merry Christmas – you deserve it.
Christmas Day Outfit Ideas For A Special Breakfast
Whether you're a late riser after an eventful night or up at 6am to start preparations, make the transition from bed to breakfast a little easier in pyjamas that are comfy, chic, and full of festive spirit.
www.nobodyschild.com
This Nobody's Child pyjama set is currently on sale for £55.20. Consider it an early present to yourself.
www.net-a-porter.com
Sleeper's feather-trimmed pyjamas will make the most fabulous start (and finish) to any day of the year.
Christmas Day Outfit Ideas For Lunch With Family
You could do a lot worse than taking inspiration from tin foil for Christmas Day 2023. Because let me tell you, silver has been trending big time this year. Hush is your one-stop-shop for metallics this festive season, with silver sequinned sweatshirts, leather trousers, tees and pleated skirts a plenty.
If that's not your vibe and you fancy a more colourful approach to Christmas, try this striped metallic knit dress from Boden. You can throw it on and go – perfect if you're having a stressful morning.
www.hush-uk.com
This crew-neck tee will look brilliant with jeans, the matching silver skirt and, of course, a paper hat from a cracker.
www.hush-uk.com
This pleated skirt has an elasticated waistband - praise be! - and the ideal hemline that hits that sweet spot between your mid-calf and ankle.
www.jigsaw-online.com
These silver knee-high boots are such an easy way to add a head-turning element to your look.
shop.mango.com
If stainless steel is a little too statement for your taste, Mango has these gunmetal jeans that will add subtle glitz to proceedings.
www.johnlewis.com
If you're a bit bored of velvet, Christmas colours and traditional festive vibes, this dress is the perfect antidote. It has a good amount of stretch in it, perfect for Christmas Day, and it requires minimal accessories.
Christmas Day Outfit Ideas For Drinks With Friends
Once you've stuffed yourself at lunch, you might have room for an afternoon tipple with nearby friends. The dress code is Christmas, but make it cool, which calls for something that's lo-fi glam. Aligne's diamanté denim co-ord is the definition of that particular mood (and the wide-leg jeans mean that you'll still be comfortable after seconds).
aligne.co
The Canadian tuxedo just got a rebrand courtesy of Aligne, who's studded theirs with diamanté - just in time for Christmas.
www.coggles.com
You can absolutely wear these jeans post-Christmas. Just swap out the matching shirt for a crisp white button-down and you're good to go.
Christmas Day Outfit Ideas For Your Family Photograph
Ding dong, indeed. If your family insists on wearing co-ordinating knits, you couldn't do better than this slogan style from Boden, which has a wealth of festive jumpers that you won't want to hide underneath your coat.
www.boden.co.uk
From Fair Isle to fun slogans, Boden's Christmas jumper range is unparalleled on the high street.
www.toryburch.com
A Christmas jumper doesn't have to feature reindeer, bells or even be a jumper. Tory Burch's blue and red cardi is festive enough for the Big Day, but by no means just suitable for December. You won't want to take it off.
www.marksandspencer.com
M&S' Fair Isle jumper has an oversized fit that will mean it keeps you extra cosy.
www.net-a-porter.com
Molly Goddard's gingham knit is perfect for Christmas Day - and will also look great over a wafty white dress during summer.
Christmas Day Outfit Ideas: The Finishing Touches
Christmas Day outfits don't have to be about bells and whistles. Sometimes, you just need a final dusting of something festive to set your outfit apart.
www.stories.com
& Other Stories has a wealth of head-turning accessories that are perfect for party season, including this string of soft pearls.
www.matchesfashion.com
Completedworks makes some of the most beautiful freshwater pearl jewellery in the business, including this crystal-embellished drop pair.
Christmas Day Outfit Ideas For A Post-Lunch Walk
It might be bitterly cold outside, but in the spirit of getting up and going out together, it's time to wrap up and brave the inclement weather. Opt for quilted outerwear and luxuriously cosy knits your stroll on Christmas Day. Walking off the turkey never looked so good.
www.ganni.com
A coat the colour of port couldn't be more appropriate for a ramble through the woods on Christmas Day.
www.toa.st
Made with a recycled polyester lining and a neoprene panel for warmth, Tretorn's winter boots are as sturdy as they are stylish.
www.urbanoutfitters.com
The fastest way to upgrade your winter accessories is to invest in a knitted hood like this one, which can be tightened around your face when the wind is truly biting.