What to wear for Christmas: Outfit ideas for the big day and beyond

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.

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.

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.

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.

This mustard velvet shirt oozes sophistication. Pair with denim or faux-leather for a stylish Christmas Day look.

Add drama and volume with this statement puff sleeve blouse from Cos. The striking design lends itself perfectly to the party season.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Add pearl jewellery to your Christmas Day ensemble with these stunning drop earrings. The mismatch design adds a fun and quirky touch.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.