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Christmas Day outfit ideas for every kind of festive celebration

Whether you’re in the strictly-PJs or glitzy party outfit camp, we’ve got you covered

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christmas day outfit ideas

Christmas is fast approaching and, no matter what you've got planned this year, it's always fun to start getting excited about what you'll wear on the big day.

Whether you're planning to dress up at home in something suitably sparkly, or your house is a strictly comfies-only zone, we've put together a selection of festive looks to suit every type of celebration in 2024.

From smart family lunches to afternoon walks, here are our favourite Christmas Day outfit ideas to inspire you... You want to be looking your best for the bucks fizz-fuelled family squabbles and Monopoly melodramas, after all.

The fancy family lunch outfit

what to wear on christmas day

Damson Madder Alice Shirred Midi Dress

Alice Shirred Midi Dress

If you’re after an absolutely darling dress to dazzle your third cousins-twice-removed with down the pub, or to twirl and twist in while you steal the show in a game of charades, this gingham number is both unique and classy. And a round of applause for the adorable bow accents, please.

If you’re brave enough for no sleeves in winter – anyone born and raised up North will know that cold is only a mindset – this Pia midi version can be worn in four ways and is suitably fancy for your family lunch with all the trimmings.

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Dr Martens Maybole Square Toe Leather Chelsea Boots

Maybole Square Toe Leather Chelsea Boots

If you – like us – love a black boot for winter but want something a bit different that’s still smart enough for work and, of course, Christmas Day, then look no further.

The square toe, red two-tone effect and cornered heels make these stand out, yet you still get the signature Dr Marten grooved soles and easy-to-slip-on loop at the back. We’re all about comfortable, stylish, long-lasting investments here at GH, and these cherry boots tick all the boxes. Plus, they’ll add a little edge to your elegant midi dress.

Anthropologie Melie Bianco Brigitte Large Faux Leather Shoulder Bag

Melie Bianco Brigitte Large Faux Leather Shoulder Bag

If you’re into your fashion (or your celebs), you’ll have seen ‘The Jodie’ Bottega bag sported by Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber and Rosie Huntington-Whitely, to name a few. But if you don’t have £2,150 to drop on the real deal, you’re in luck, as Anthropologie has launched the same waffle-shape pattern and croissant shape in three sizes.

Black is the most versatile option for your festive wardrobe, but our fashion writer also loves the brown. It keeps selling out, so be fast if you want to score yours in time for party season.

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The countryside Christmas Day walk wardrobe

christmas day outfit ideas

Barbour Ebberston Waxed Jacket Beech Classic

Ebberston Waxed Jacket  Beech Classic

The classic corduroy collar and khaki colourway keep this jacket rooted in countryside chic, but the rounded zips, supersized pockets and added length give it a bit of edge.

While it’s pricey, there are few more worthy investments than a reliable Barbour jacket for bracing walks and muddy strolls around the park with the dog.

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Hunter Balmoral Neoprene Welly

Balmoral Neoprene Welly

Green Hunters have had a grunge-y upgrade, and we’re here for it. Part of our wellies for walking in round-up, these iconic waterproof boots offer durability and will instantly help you look the part for Christmas and Boxing Day ambles in the great outdoors.

Also, the adjustable sides mean you won't get caught short if you want to tuck your trousers into your boots but there isn't much wiggle room.

Nobody's Child Brown Cord Pleated Wide Leg Trousers

Brown Cord Pleated Wide Leg Trousers

Granted, they may need tucking into your wellies while you walk to avoid any unwanted mud splatters, but these corduroy trousers complete the rural look. You can’t go wrong with earthy tones, and these are the kind of bottoms you’ll get endless wear out of.

Flattering, high-waisted and comfy, they’ll also be perfect with a blouse for the office come January (sorry, we wish we hadn’t mentioned it either).

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The comfies in front of Love Actually look

christmas day outfit ideas

Desmond & Dempsey Dorothea Cream Pyjamas

Dorothea Cream Pyjamas

We love a matching reindeer pyjama moment as much as the next person, but if you're going to ditch your glad rags, we reckon Christmas calls for something a little more demure.

It also seems a bit wasteful to have jammies you only whack on once or twice a year. So, we’ve trawled our favourite retailers to find the chic loungewear we’ll be wearing beyond Boxing Day. Desmond & Dempsey just gets it when it comes to fun, fabulous prints that still signpost exquisite taste. No Dasher or Dancer in sight.

This 100% organic cotton combo is incredibly comfy and comes in a wide range of designs. They also wash well and are made to last, so while they’re an investment, they’ll serve you for several Christmases to come. You'll want to feel put together for welling up at the Heathrow arrivals scene for the seven thousandth time, after all.

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Wolf and Badger Women's Extra Long Dressing Gown – chicago

Women's Extra Long Dressing Gown – chicago

Never have we ever seen a fluffy striped dressing gown we didn’t want to instantly de-robe in front of and burrow ourselves inside. This brown and snowy white one from Wolf & Badger had us at hello.

It's ideal for settling into movie marathon mode in after Christmas lunch, but also makes a lovely addition to your winter loungewear collection, keeping you cosy during the long, cold weeks of hibernation (otherwise known as January). When it comes to cost per wear, this must top our list for best value – we won’t be held responsible when you refuse to take it off.

John Lewis Sheepskin Mule Cuff Slippers – chestnut

Sheepskin Mule Cuff Slippers – chestnut

“More brown?!” we hear you say. It goes with everything and creates a warm, cosy finish, so we won’t hear any more on the matter, and these fab fluffy slippers are available in a ‘sand’ shade too, if you prefer to mix it up.

We love our shearling Birkenstocks, but besides being pretty pricey, they also leave heels a little chilly. These cuff slippers cover all bases, keeping feet toasty and looking cute at the same time. Plus, they won’t fall off when you run to the loo while the film is paused. Perfect.

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The glitzy party get-up

christmas day outfit ideas

Desigual Hybrid Combined Jumpsuit

Hybrid Combined Jumpsuit

Sometimes a great cut, classic silhouette and quirky design detail is all you need to effortlessly steal the show on a night out (or, indeed, around the Christmas dinner table). This jumpsuit is flattering but with a fun edge, thanks to the mandarin shirred collar and sleeves and glittery sheen.

You can also dial up the festive with a few sparkly accessories. Pair with some chunky bangles worn over the sleeves, a silver bag and a pair of playful heels.

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Marks & Spencer Leather Grab Bag

Leather Grab Bag

Silver accessories came on the scene in a big way last party season and they don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

This croissant style shape is very on trend right now, and although the handle doesn't lend itself to throwing over your shoulder, you’ll look très sophisticated clasping it under your arm like you would a belligerent chihuahua.

Boden Bow Kitten Heels

Boden Bow Kitten Heels

If you hadn’t noticed, bows are big right now. This polka dot and bow kitten heel combo nails a whole host of 2024 style trends in one shoe (well, two). The perfect pop of fun to pair with a classic black jumpsuit (see above) or LBD, these will garner compliments on any Christmas party dance floor.

Plus, if you’ve been looking for some – relatively speaking – comfy black heels that you can have a blast in all night without the next-day blisters, Boden is truly the best.

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