Molly Smith
Figuring our what to wear on Christmas Day is as exciting as the day itself, and there is plenty of options to choose from whatever your budget or style. So whether you want to relax with your family in matching PJs or dress up in a luxurious sequin dress, the choice is yours. We've put together some of our top picks to make the decision easier.
Christmas Day is the one time of year we can pull out all the stops and wear sequins for breakfast. December can be both stressful and busy, so being prepared and having your options in place, will ensure the actual day runs a little more smoothly. It's a key consideration when building a winter capsule wardrobe, plus adding a fun festive touch to your Christmas Day outfit will boost your mood and help you to relax while ensuring you look great in the family photos.
Christmas starts early in our house with a frenzy of gift-giving and chocolate-eating! Waking up in new Christmas pyjamas and best slippers that we gift each other on Christmas Eve has become one of our family traditions. Then it's time to walk the dog in cosy layers before changing into something more glamorous for lunch. One outfit is never enough! Here are my favourite Christmas Day outfit ideas for 2024 to inspire you, however you plan to celebrate.
What to wear on Christmas Day: Relax and Chill
Lazy and low-key Christmas plans can simply mean staying in your pyjamas all day! Much like the best christmas bedding sets, there's a great choice of patterns and prints from cute cartoons to vintage inspired snow scenes, with matching sets available for the whole family, including the dog. Simply add a pair of cosy slippers to complete the look.
RRP £31.20 (was £39) | This charming Christmas tree print will work throughout the whole winter. Made from soft cotton-blend jersey fabric the classic design is available in men's and kid's sizes too, perfect for every generation. You'll wear these for years to come.
RRP £38 | I was given a pair of these socks last Christmas and I can confirm they are the cosiest socks on the planet! Slipping your feet into them is heavenly and feels incredibly luxurious. Wear them indoors with slippers or with your best winter boots for everyday luxury.
RRP From £23 | There’s nothing better than kicking off your heels and sliding into a new pair of slippers at the end of a busy Christmas Day and relaxing with a mug of hot chocolate before bed. The durable outsoles are suitable for both inside and out, ideal for those frequent trips to the recycling bin with the wrapping paper and empties.
What to wear on Christmas Day: Dress For Best
Are Christmas cocktails on the cards? If you love the idea of dressing up in a statement outfit you'll find plenty of options to choose from, but when it comes to glamour you can't beat sequins. woman&home Fashion Director Paula Moore agrees. “I love dressing up and Christmas is the perfect excuse – I start wearing sequins on the 1st of December! On Christmas day I recommend a loose-fitted sequinned dress, perfect for after dinner drinks and dancing!"
RRP £125 | You won't fail to impress your guests in this full-on sequin dress, one of the best dresses to hide a tummy, the flattering shape skims over your curves and allows room for a little over-indulgence! Navy is a chic alternative to black and just as versatile, add silver accessories to complete the look.
RRP £135 | Add a quirky touch to your outfit with these mis-matched earrings. The eye-catching design has a vintage feel and the sparking stones will draw the light and attention towards your face. Don't save these for best - wear them after Christmas with your best jeans and a simple white t-shirt.
RRP £95 | Forget painful stilettos, chunky block-heeled sandals are the only way to go if you want to dance the night away in comfort. This silver pair can be worn all year, they'll be perfect if you are looking for comfortable shoes to wear to a wedding. Add sparkly tights for extra style points (and warmth!)
What to wear on Christmas Day: Sparkly Separates
If you're not a dress person there's plenty of alternatives that are just as glamorous when deciding on the best christmas party outfit ideas. “Choosing separates will give you more options" advises Paula. “On Christmas day you can wear your embellished pieces together to create a top-to-toe festive look but don’t forget sequins aren’t just for parties, wear your top dressed down with jeans and pair sequin trousers with a cosy jumper for daytime glam.”
RRP £125 (was £179) | The perfect sequin jacket for wearing with anything from jeans to a little black dress to instantly transform your outfit into a showstopper. If you are entertaining at home this will be easy to pop on at the last minute, just before your guests arrive.
RRP £22.50 (was £44.99) | These fully lined trousers have an elasticated waist and are made from a stretchy jersey fabric, the ideal balance of comfort and glamour. A useful addition to your evening wear wardrobe these trousers will work well with a fitted blazer and heels or an oversized knit and fancy flats.
RRP £219 | These low-heeled Mary Jane shoes epitomise quiet luxury and are the ultimate fancy flats. The tartan print adds a classy heritage feel to a sequin ensemble. Available in eight other colours including a classic black velvet.
What to wear on Christmas Day Festive & Fun
If you are looking for Christmas Day outfits that will be perfect for a family gathering that involves active games of charades or lounging around on the sofa watching the best Christmas movies you'll want something that's comfortable and cosy. Enter the Christmas jumper! Wear with the warmest leggings for winter or dress one up with a pair of smarter velvet trousers and then relax and enjoy the King's speech in style.
RRP £30 | The problem with the majority of Christmas jumpers is that they are made from synthetic fibres that leave you in a hot mess. Here's an alternative, a sweatshirt made from a cotton-mix jersey that's just as fun but more comfortable to wear.
RRP £38 (was £85) | Elevate your Christmas jumper by teaming with a pair of luxurious velvet trousers. These trousers form part of a tailored suit, with a matching velvet blazer in the same rich purple shade, which you can dress up with a lace blouse for a more formal occasion.
RRP £26.60 (was £38) | Frivolous and fun - these earrings are an affordable jewellery option that will add cheer to any outfit and are the perfect way to accessorise a Christmas jumper. It might be that they only get worn a couple of times a year, but they can be hidden away with the tinsel and brought out every December for their annual moment in the spotlight!
What to wear on Christmas Day: Get Outdoors
A brisk walk in the fresh air is a great way to re-energise after Christmas dinner, and if you have four-legged friends it's an essential part of the day. Wrap up warm in one of the best cashmere jumpers (a great gift idea) and protect yourself from the weather in a traditional raincoat. Sturdy footwear is a must, especially if we get snow on Christmas day!
RRP £575 | We are loving this collaboration between Barbour, the iconic British brand that make some of the best waterproof jackets, and quirky Scandi brand Ganni. Made from the signature waxed cotton this style features trendy leopard print and a cropped style.
RRP £250 | Merry and Bright - this jumper will keep you warm on a walk but look just as good dressed up with red velvet trousers for a New Year's Day pub lunch. Made from 100% sustainable Mongolian cashmere Follow our tips on how to wash cashmere jumpers and you'll enjoy this knit for years to come.
RRP £89.95 | Available in 15 colours these cute waterproof boots won the category for 'Best Short Boots' in our feature on the best wellies to keep you warm and dry this winter. They've got the stylish look of Chelsea boots with a neoprene lining, making them perfect for everything from city commutes to countryside adventures.
FAQs
What colours should you wear on Christmas Day?
What you decide to wear over the festive season is totally up to you, there are no hard and fast rules on what colours you should wear and you can stick to the best colours that suit you. How you decide to celebrate will dictate your choice of outfit, and every colour option will be available. There is no pressure to buy anything specially for the day, you can wear anything from your winter capsule wardrobe if you wish. However if you want to embrace the festivities you could opt for the traditional bright red/green/white colour combination or add some sparkle with gold and silver. Winter white is another popular choice and looks very chic worn head to toe.
Should you dress up on Christmas Day?
I always dress up on Christmas Day! I have been known to change four times during the course of the day to make sure I give all my festive clothes a chance to shine! However what you decide to wear on 25th December is totally up to you (my husband will wear the same combination of jeans and jumper that he wears all winter - Bah Humbug!).
You can make your own rules. If you plan to attend a church service in the morning you will probably want to wear a smart coat, but that's not essential as long as you are warm. Unless of course you are invited to spend Christmas at Sandringham, in that case you will definitely need to dress up!
Our experts...
Currently Group Fashion Director at Future Publishing, Paula Moore has been in the fashion industry for over 30 years. Overseeing the fashion pages for Woman and Home, Simply Woman and Home, Woman, Woman’s Own, Woman’s Weekly and Chat magazines.
