I’m a fashion director and these are the exact Christmas day outfits I’ve got planned for the big day

Planning your Christmas Day outfits? It’s the ideal time to follow the fashion formula effortlessly stylish dressers swear by: the high/low mix. It’s easy! Just take something boujee then wear it with something more basic. 

I’ve always adored planning a festive *lewk* that is jolly – but not kitsch – and cosy, yet not casual. That stylish balance becomes simple when you mix your most extra pieces with the pared back classics. (Although, FYI, I’m talking what to wear if you’re spending Christmas Day at home in the UK like many of us are due to the spread of the new COVID variant… If you’re travelling to the Maldives, that’s a whole other wardrobe! Although if you do need bikinis, sandals or suitcases we’ve got you!)

Now loungewear has become our second skin for WFH, even though you’re at home (and might be dealing with a mountain of washing up) you’ll still want to slip into something a little less casual than a tracksuit. Even if you are among those forced to self-isolate this Christmas, meaning you’ll only be seeing loved ones over Zoom. If anything, it gives you all the more reason to dress up and get that festive feeling. 

As we all know by now, being cosy and comfortable is a priority when acing that post-lunch nap and slippers, comfy socks, cashmere and Fair Isle knits score highly on this front. And don’t worry, we’re not encouraging you to give that up. 

On an already sparkle-laden day, there is always a danger your *lewk* could veer into tacky territory. If Pat Butcher-style Christmas pudding earrings are your thing, you do you (and these ones are kind of cute…) but it’s better to avoid kitsch costumes and pick something that you can wear the rest of the year. There is nothing less sustainable than buying something to wear once. If you do want to dial up the dazzle in a one-off outfit, check out what’s available from the array of excellent fashion rental options instead of making a purchase.

If you’re planning on actually shopping for something new? All of my favourite Christmas Day pieces can easily be incorporated into other outfits, with a clever styling twist or two. 

So, what are the best Christmas Day Outfits? 

There will be a walk (there is always a walk) so pull on a pair of wellies or Chelsea boots and stride out in style. A statement coat worn with a vibrant scarf, gloves and hat combo will serve you well and look festive, especially if you’re doing the rounds of relatives or visiting church.

Underneath, team a pair of sequin trousers – or a sequin skirt – with a simple knit. Kitri’s Fair Isle jumper has miles more longevity than a Christmas sweater and will dial down the drama of a longer length skirt, like this one from H&M. A knit shot through with metallic lurex thread from Bella Freud will add just the right amount of sparkle at the dining table. Add chandelier drop earrings and feather trimmed silk trousers now and then jeans in January.

Layer one of this season’s staple sweater vests over a fine knit polo-neck from Uniqlo or Ganni blouse with a statement collar and don’t forget to swap your wellies for fancy flats – or posh velvet slippers – when you’re inside. 

In fact, anything velvet is ideal for Christmas Day dressing. It’s a luxurious fabric that suits the occasion (exhibit A: this delicious velvet jumpsuit from Reiss) but it’s still soft and snuggly when it’s time to loll on the sofa. 

Anything tartan works brilliantly for Christmas Day too. A neat blouse or fine cardigan tucked into velvet trousers is family appropriate (then wear it with a leather mini-skirt or biker jacket for a punkish feel when you’re back in the pub.) H&M’s red tartan checked trousers feel fun – mix a bold printed bottom half with a plainer top if you want to ace the high/low mix (although they also look cool with another contrasting print and colour). 

If you’re having a decadent day, just you or perhaps a significant other, you might want to slip into a pair of fancy pyjamas (Sleeper does the Insta-famous feather-trimmed version.) This year? I’m going to be wearing a tulle ball skirt from Needle & Thread (and why not?) sparkly socks from & Other Stories (seriously, they do The Best socks) and a cosy knit. I’ll even wear the hat from my cracker, if there is no photographic evidence. Oops.

Scroll through the GLAMOUR edit of the best pieces to add to your Christmas Day Outfits…

Read more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton here or follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton