What to wear for Christmas: Outfit ideas for the big day and beyond
Not sure what to wear for Christmas? Get inspired with our festive fashion picks

By Emma White
While the best beauty advent calendars 2020 have us spoilt for choice when it comes to our beauty look for the big day, deciding what to wear for Christmas is no easy task.
Whatever your traditions, it’s always fun to put together a fabulous festive get-up to mark the occasion. This year, more than ever before, we’re all in need of a little Christmas magic to lift our spirits. Look no further than our edit of festive fashion favourites to help you do just that.
A bit of glitz and glamour is a must for some, and can be incorporated into your outfit in a number of different ways. If you usually relax around the house on Christmas Day enjoying indoor festivities, then choose a comfortable outfit - perhaps a sparkly top with a midi skirt and snuggly slippers. For the most lust-worthy metallic and sequin embellished pieces, feast your eyes on our round-up of the best sparkly tops and jumpers.
If you’re in the mood to deck yourself out in head-to-toe glam, we have found all the best pieces you’ll be guaranteed to wow in this Christmas. Because if you can’t get dressed up at Christmas, when can you?
Whatever your plans, choosing what to wear for the big day should be fun and we’ve made it all that bit easier by doing the hard work for you. Just make sure you choose an outfit that will accommodate a few mince pies and all those Quality Streets...
Whether you're looking for a beautiful top, a dress that will make you feel a million dollars, or statement accessories to inject some wow, scroll through our gallery of fashion ideas to find inspiration for a gorgeous Christmas.
What to wear for Christmas
The easy-to-wear dress
Opt for an elegant maxi or midi dress for guaranteed glam. We love the gorgeous silk blend AllSaints dress, part of John Lewis & Partners’ 12 Days of Christmas Dressing collection. For extra comfort, a roomy smock dress fits the bill perfectly, especially for accommodating all the festive grub. Choose from stylish loose fitting options from high street favourites M&S, Hush and Anthropologie - they are just as easy-to-wear as they are beautiful.
Anthropologie Addison Tiered Velvet Midi Dress
Specifications
Christmas time is when velvet truly shines. The plush material lends itself perfectly to festive celebrations and this lust-worthy tiered dress proves exactly that. Available in a striking pink or a more subtle grey, float around in a simply stunning silhouette.
Hush Etoile Jacquard Midi Dress
Specifications
Be the star of the show in Hush’s jacquard pattern dress. Made with metallic fibres that glisten, this chiffon midi dress drapes beautifully to create a flattering figure.
Boden Rita Blue Velvet Midi Dress
Specifications
This gorgeous blue dress is made from stretchy soft-to-touch velvet, that’s just as comfortable as it is luxurious. It’s finished with a classic v-neck and a fixed waist tie to cinch your waist.
Gorgeous tops
If you’re looking for an easy addition to your festive get-up, invest in a versatile and glamorous top. A winning combination with jeans, tailored trousers, faux-leather and skirts, you can’t go wrong with a beautiful top. Look for luxe fabrics like velvet and satin to instantly elevate any outfit.
Mango Velvet Buttoned Shirt
Specifications
This mustard velvet shirt oozes sophistication. Pair with denim or faux-leather for a stylish Christmas Day look.
Cos Velvet Puff Sleeve Top
Specifications
Add drama and volume with this statement puff sleeve blouse from Cos. The striking design lends itself perfectly to the party season.
White Stuff Phoebe Devore Top
Specifications
When you think of the classic ‘jeans and a nice top’, this blouse is the ultimate ‘nice top’. The beautiful feminine design features a frilled tie-neck, balloon sleeves and velvet polka dots.
Next Gold High Neck Top
Specifications
Dazzle in festive gold with this metallic blouse from Next. Designed with a high neck and voluminous puff sleeves, the beautiful piece will jazz up any outfit.
Massimo Dutti Organza Shirt
Specifications
Add a pop of colour with Massimo Dutti’s fuchsia shirt. Crafted in a cotton silk blend, it feels just as luxurious as it looks.
The midi skirt
Ditch tight-fitting denim and opt for a comfortable midi skirt instead. Pair with a beautiful blouse or your favourite Christmas knit to add a little cosiness. Our favourite brands have created a range of gorgeous midi skirts this season. Choose from velvet, sequin, satin and metallic skirts, all guaranteed to get you in the festive mood.
The White Company Sequin Skirt
Specifications
Comfort and style is indeed a reality with this shimmery midi skirt. The sequins are embroidered onto super-soft jersey, which is also lined for a comfortable and flattering fit. The fluted tiered hem creates a fun and feminine silhouette.
Reiss Gemma Metallic Pleated Midi Skirt
Specifications
You won’t be able to stop swishing in this gorgeous pleated number from Reiss. Perfect for any kind of festive celebration, the versatile piece can easily be dressed up or down by changing-up the footwear.
Hush Thea Pleated Velour Midi Skirt
Specifications
A gorgeous yet easy-to-wear midi skirt for the holiday season. Featuring that all important elasticated waistband, it’s perfect for those over-indulgent days during the festive period.
Statement accessories
Who doesn’t love a bit of shimmer and shine at Christmas time? Statement accessories are a great way of adding a festive touch to your Christmas Day ensemble. From glitzy jewellery to lust-worthy bags, our pick of luxe accessories are a real treat.
Zatchels Handmade Leather Sugarcube Handbag
Specifications
Handmade in England, this festive red bag is the ultimate finishing touch to your Christmas Day look. The strap is adjustable and detachable allowing you to wear it on your shoulder, cross body or carried as a clutch.
Zara Crossbody Bag with Faux Pearl Handle
Specifications
Forget diamonds are a girl’s best friend, it’s all about pearls this holiday season. Accessorise with this gorgeous dark blue bag, featuring a faux pearl handle and a handy crossbody strap.
& Other Stories Rhinestone Pearl Hanging Earrings
Specifications
Add pearl jewellery to your Christmas Day ensemble with these stunning drop earrings. The mismatch design adds a fun and quirky touch.
Thomas Sabo Cosmic Necklaces
Specifications
Reasons to buy
For beautiful designs and quality, Thomas Sabo wins every time. Their cosmic winter collection is one of our most favourite ranges to date. The stunning celestial necklaces are made from yellow-gold plating and sterling silver, and finished down to the last details by hand.
Estella Bartlett Jewellery
Specifications
For affordable yet beautifully designed pieces, British lifestyle brand Estella Bartlett is our go-to. Founded in 2011 by brother and sister Nick and Louise Bartlett, the brand has become well known for their playful and chic designs.
Luxe loungewear
Do you look for ultimate comfort on Christmas Day, but fancy something a little more glam than your pyjamas? We have found the most gorgeous luxe loungewear pieces that will ensure you’re comfortable and cosy, without compromising on the glitz and glamour.
Mango Glossed Effect Knitted Co-ord
Specifications
Keep it chic in a seasonal red co-ord. The knitted trousers feature an elasticated waist with an adjustable drawstring, so there’ll be no difficulties indulging in all the festive food in this comfortable and cosy set. Shop the top above and the trousers here.
Hush The Kitchen Disco Two-Piece
Specifications
This snazzy two-piece from Hush has been designed in collaboration with John Lewis & Partners, as part of their 12 Days of Christmas Dressing collection. The outfits have been designed to cater for every kind of Christmas celebration, whether that involves dressing up or down. We love the luxe lounge look of the Hush glitzy sweatshirt and satin trousers. Shop the top above and the trousers here.
Zara Midnight Blue Velvet Co-ord
Specifications
Are you looking for the same level of cosiness as your favourite pyjamas? A velvet co-ord is your answer. Loose-fitting and cosy, these velvet separates from Zara are perfect for Christmas Day comfort. What’s more, you can mix and match the shirt and trousers with other pieces from your wardrobe, to create more fabulously festive outfits. Shop the top above and the trousers here.
Next Star Mule Slippers
Specifications
No loungewear ensemble is complete without a pair of snug slippers. Look good and feel comfortable in these stylish mule slippers from Next. We love the metallic star design for a touch of festive sparkle.
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