I Always Dress Up for Christmas Day—8 Outfits That Really Do It for Me

For as long as I can remember, Christmas Day has always been about dressing up in my family. We would have breakfast in our pyjamas, and then my mum would shoot upstairs to get ready before making her way down to the kitchen. No one makes beef Wellington the way my mum makes it, but even that wouldn’t stop her from wearing her sparkliest dress. To be honest, there isn’t really a special occasion that I remember where my mother didn’t dress my sister and me up in the most fabulous of dresses, with bouncy curled hair to boot. (My dad is a hairdresser, so putting in some rollers was just an ordinary day for us.) The word casual just isn’t in our vocabulary on December 25.

There’s no formula for Christmas Day dressing. However, as the above suggests, I tend to gravitate towards an obvious palette of red, green and metallics sprinkled with sparkly details like sequins, diamanté, bows and rich velvet fabrics. Pick one of these, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to instantly give yourself an extra dose of Christmas cheer. Don’t get me wrong; I also love lounging around in my pyjamas and wrapping up in cosy knitwear, but in my books, the big day is reserved for the best of the best. And whether you're having a quiet one with friends or hosting a luncheon for the entire family, there’s an outfit out there for all tastes and budgets. Plus, who said you can't rewear your Christmas Day outfit for NYE, date night, a wedding and plenty more occasions well into 2023?

Keep scrolling to discover my eight favourite Christmas Day outfits (jazzy pj’s included) that I think you’re going to love just as much as I do.

1. Boden's Bandeau Midi Dress

Style Notes: Boden has perfectly nailed minimalist Christmas Day dressing with this strapless velvet dress. This is such a great option if you're the one entertaining, as not only is it incredibly comfortable, but also the black velvet fabric won't mark easily. The green shoes I chose are also pretty special and have a diamanté bracelet that wraps around your ankle—pretty impressive given their high-street price tag.

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2. Massimo Dutti's Velvet Suit

Style Notes: A velvet suit is definitely one of the most stylish ways to do Christmas dressing in 2022. This one from Massimo Dutti has a rich berry tone to it, which, compared to a classic red, makes it a lot more wearable all year round. This look required minimal styling, but I added a does of sparkle courtesy of my favourite Mango mules. The low kitten heel means you get a nice slouch at the ankle from the trousers, which gives it a modern edge.

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3. Rixo's Slinky Slip Dress

Style Notes: I don't think I've ever tried on a Rixo dress that wasn't comfortable to wear, so this would be one of my top picks for Christmas Day. The neckline is impactful and demure in equal measure, the length means it's easy to throw on without having to worry about tights, and the loose fabric around the waist means you won't be itching to change after a five-course meal. Win-win!

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4. Sleeper's Feather-Trimmed Pyjamas

Style Notes: If you prefer to have a relaxed Christmas Day but still want to dress up, this Sleeper feather-trimmed set is perfect. This is an update of its sell-out party pyjamas, and I'm here for the minimal lines and elasticated waistband. Again, keep accessories minimal and opt for a touch of sparkle with a glittery mule.

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5. Miscreants' Cupid Dress and Bows

Style Notes: On Christmas Day, anything goes, and what I love about it is being able to get ridiculously dressed up without even leaving the house. We tend to spend a fair amount of time at the dinner table on Christmas Day, so the detachable bows on this dress make a nice detail that will remain visible when seated. 

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6. Warehouse's Sequin Midi Dress

Style Notes: This is such a great dress and a really modern way to wear sequins. When opting for all-out sparkle, keeping everything else simple. I love the high neckline and long hemline on this dress, which makes the whole look even more striking and elegant.

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7. Harmur's Velvet Minidress

Style Notes: Dressing up like you've been wrapped up like a Christmas present may seem like a very literal interpretation of the dress code, but there really is nothing better on Christmas Day. This halter dress by independent label Harmur is elegant but still fun. It's an investment, but the quality of the fabric is notable, and it is also lined in silk. Furthermore, the bow is detachable so could be worn in various ways throughout the year by adding a blazer and knee-high boots. 

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8. Sister Jane's Velvet Mini Dress

Style Notes: Sister Jane is a go-to brand if you love to dress up all year round. Its collection of dresses and co-ords is not only affordable but unapologetically fun. This velvet mini would be perfect for your first Christmas with your in-laws. It is obviously festive but has an element of formality with the military-inspired structured pockets and buttons. 

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Next Up: 30 Sensational Gowns for Fancy Occasions, as Recommended by a Stylist