Of course, as we all know, you can wear what you damn well please at any time of year, but even more so at Christmas. Do you want to put on your poshest frock to boil sprouts? That’s fine. Maybe you fancy dressing head to toe in tartan? Go for it. Or perhaps you feel like spending all day in your nightie, living like a slug on the sofa, eating an entire tin of Celebrations? You do you, girl.
Everyone has their own Christmas Day favourites when it comes to outfits. Personally, I like to make a bit of an effort, but I don’t want anything too restrictive, too uncomfortable or made of any kind of material that will hinder an afternoon nap. Here are six festive dressing ideas for the big day.
THE NOT-JUST-FOR-CHRISTMAS JUMPER
As you know, I can’t abide clothing that can only be worn at very specific events or on certain days of the year, so if it’s a festive sweater you favour, make it one you can wear all winter and you’ll really get your price-per-wear down to an acceptable level. Also, please steer clear of too many acrylic or man-made fibres when you’re slaving over a gas hob.
- Beulah Liberté wool jumper
- Latelita Mini Triple Clover Drop Earrings
- Beaverbrooks Clover Huggie Earrings
- Chinti & Parker Wool-Cashmere Star Yoke Sweater
- Essentiel Antwerp Jeans with pearl and stud embellishment
- Boden Eleanor Fair Isle Jumper
- Boden Soft Tassel Deck Shoes
CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL HOUR
If you come from a family that likes to dress up and sip ice-cold Martinis during the Christmas period, you’ll probably be looking at a nice cocktail dress to complement the occasion. I’d keep it simple in black. It’s not especially festive, but you likely already have a wonderful black cocktail dress that rarely sees the light of day, so get it out.
- Rixo Annina Satin Midi Dress
- Rixo Star Sign Enamel Necklace
- Anthropologie Gold-Plated Pearl T‑Bar Necklace
- H&M Balloon Sleeve Velvet Dress
- Jigsaw Chain Link Bracelet
- Mac ‘A Little Tamed’ Satin Lipstick
- Joanie Jennifer Contrast Collar Velvet Mini Dress
- Zara Leather Ballet Flats with Appliqué
- Boden Kylie Flat Buckle Pearl Mary Janes
A TOUCH OF TARTAN
Why not lean right into the pattern of the season? You don’t have to be at a lodge in Fife to get a feel for this trend – it can work just as well at your relatives’ house in Woking. Plus it looks really good with jeans, and you know I go for anything that means I can wear my jeans more often.
- The Well Worn Trixie Christmas Tartan Dress
- M&S Pearl Drop Earrings
- River Island Red Tartan Boucle Jacket
- & Other Stories Faux Pearl Bracelet
- Paige Arellia Ankle Jeans
- Office Bow Ballerina Flats
- Rothys Bow Point Flats
A CRIMSON CHRISTMAS
If tartan is the pattern, then red is the colour. Especially when paired with bows, pearls and fancy flats. I had a message from a reader this week asking what one should wear in a ‘no shoes’ household at Christmas. I would suggest pleading with your host to let you put on some nice clean ‘indoor’ flats, because an old sheepskin slipper just doesn’t cut it when you’ve got your best frock on.
- Mayfair Pearls Velvet Bow Clip Hair Accessory
- Astrid & Miyu Pearl & Crystal Drop Studs
- Abercrombie Shrunken Pointelle Crew Cardigan
- Queens of Archive Penelope Bow Velvet Mini Dress
- Lemon Daisy Accessories Retro Pearl Belt
- ME + EM Evening Man Pant Italian Velvet
- Jimmy Choo Mary Jane Flats
KEEPING COSY AT GRANDPAS
If you’re heading to a house that refuses to have the heating on above the bare minimum, this look is for you. Get your classy thermals and your cashmere socks on, and pair with your best and warmest argyle knit.
- Baukjen Clemence Wool Blend Argyle Cardigan
- Monica Vinader Deia Pebble Locket Necklace
- Monica Vinader Siren Muse Huggie Earrings
- Uniqlo Cashmere Blend Heattech Thermal top
- ME + EM Wool Blend Wide Leg Trousers
- Arket Cashmere Wool Blend Socks
- H&M Burgundy Loafers
NEVER OUT OF NIGHTWEAR
This is something I have never done at Christmas. The only time I don’t get out of my pyjamas all day is if I’m sick and I haven’t actually got out of bed. I always like to get dressed, but if you’re one of the many who don’t, at least make sure you’re in your best PJs all day. My favourites are these from Siân Esther and basically anything from the TBCo nightwear range.
- TBCo Cropped Cotton Pyjamas in Green Tartan
- M&S Cotton Modal Dressing Gown
- Jigsaw Velvet Scrunchie
- TBco Cotton Wash Bag in Navy Tartan
- Ugg Scuffette II Slipper
Maybe next week we’ll look at New Year’s Eve outfits, or we might just look at comfort clothes for that glorious time of year that I refuse to call ‘Twixmas’; I just haven’t thought of a better alternative name. If you have a preference, do let me know.
K x
