Festive Dressing: Your Christmas Day Outfit
If there’s one thing you might gift yourself with this Christmas, make it a new festive outfit.
By festive, I don’t mean jolly jumpers or a big red suit (Santa anyone?) but adding a touch of the Christmas holiday through colour and texture can really ignite the spirit of the day.
Now as each of us will be celebrating differently, our location and our day’s activities will play a big part in what we wear.
For many years, my family and I have celebrated Christmas Day at the beach. However, trying to logistically get everyone down the coast (my, how things have changed) is a little challenging these days so we’ll spending the day at home with family for the hearty Christmas meal.
As much as I miss those hot (or cold) Christmas Days at the beach, it does now give me the opportunity to dress up a bit more – which I love. So I’ll be folding my shorts away and hanging up the kaftan to wear something a little fancier this year.
In terms of colour, white, green and red that are our traditional Christmas colours generally come into play. Even if they’re not your “colour”, you can bring them into your look through a handbag, shoes or accessories. Even a bright red lip will work.
For those seeking sparkle, metallics are also great. To keep it casual, you can pair a metallic top with denim pieces or perhaps work in some bold gold and silver accessories to your look.
Dressing up? Enjoy sequined tops, dresses and high sheen fabrics. Curvy ladies, be wary of the cling factor in some of the metallic fabrics.
So let’s go to where we’ll be:
Camping
Shorts, a pretty blouse and a cute sandal are appropriate. Perhaps even a light summer dress with some cool flats.
Now I know some of you are thinking, “Cindy, I’m camping… I’ll wear any old thing.” Of course you can, but on Christmas day, I like to encourage everyone to bring in a touch of festivity.
You might even inspire those around you to dress the part as well and you’ll be amazed at how much more joyful the feel will be when you allocate this one day to dressing up – only a little 🙂
Casual Lunch
If your lunch or BBQ is a picnic in the park, the outfit can lean on camping but be uplifted slightly to include a maxi or simple dress with a wedge or sandal.
Casual pants or jeans, flats and a lovely top will also let you transition from sitting down to eat or taking a walk. If you know there might be an opportunity for you to get coaxed into playing a football or soccer game, keep some sneakers in the car.
This is also just like the races, keep stiletto type heels (even kitten heels) at home, you’ll only sink as the day goes on.
Entertaining at Home
For those of you entertaining at home, feel free to glam up a little more – you’re the host! You don’t need to wear heels in the house, but a little dress or fresh two-piece ensemble is great.
If you’re also head cook, don’t let it deter your outfit choice. Opt for darker colours or clothes that can be easily cleaned (thank you scuba fabric) or take inspiration from my Italian ladies: Keep a full length apron in the kitchen for your food duties, leave it there when heading back to the main dining table.
Dining Out
Dining out for Christmas is a growing trend in Australia. My sons own a restaurant and I know that dining out gives you the opportunity to really dress up.
Restaurants will generally decorate their space, offer customised menus and raise the bar on Christmas day prompting you to also dress the part.
The larger hotels can deliver quite a magical and grand experience (Santa included for the kids) but even the more casual places will still try to exude a little Christmas spirit.
So I hope these style ideas have helped you along in considering your festive outfit.
Now I would love to hear from you.
What Christmas Day outfit have you got planned and where are you off too?
Michelle says
Love the white Seed dress that you purchased, also loving the red Cue dress, that looks fabulous!
Thank you for the inspiration.
Cindy Newstead says
Oh Michelle……..so pleased that you say that the inspiration helps you!!! We need to hear this feedback as it makes all the work worthwhile!!!! Yes, I was unsure about the Seed dress, once on though, I loved it!!! xox
Mairead says
I’m off to Ireland in the morning Cindy, so it’s a lot more formal for me, as there will be a handful of fancy occasions to dress for. Christmas morning it will be a jade green Jigsaw tailored frock, killer heels, scarlet overcoat, woollen hat (never a beanie in Dublin), new designer bag (thank you in advance, Santa), a vintage silver Christmas tree brooch and a glass of champagne. Have a great holiday yourself!
Cindy Newstead says
Mairead, this sounds so gorgeous!!!! Ireland……I really want to go there! Your outfit sounds beautiful, have a wonderful Christmas and a great new year! xox
Janelle says
Unfortunately, I’m a little short on cash for Christmas (who isn’t when you have young children) so I’m not buying anything new but I’ll be wearing a Cue tribal-print shirt dress that I bought a month or so ago. The navy, aqua and coral colours will look great on a summery Christmas day.
Cindy Newstead says
Janelle, your outfit sounds perfect! Yes I know about the costs at Christmas and especially with small children 🙂 I really hope you enjoy all the festivities!!! Thanks so much for your comments, we appreciate it 🙂 xo
Cherie says
I’m planning on wearing a bottle green Leona Edmiston dress with a red wedge. As I’ll be helping in the kitchen, over the top I’ll be wearing my self made Christmas apron. Love to stick with the traditional Christmas colours on Christmas Day and I guess the apron is why my sister calls me a stepford wife. Merry Christmas.
PS my favourite dress above is the red Cue one shoulder – I’m wondering if I could wangle that for a Christmas dinner with friends tomorrow night. x
Cindy Newstead says
WOW Cherie…….I love that you are traditional!! What you are wearing sounds gorgeous!!!! Cue have started all their Boxing day reductions so go in and have a look as they are not busy either apparently 🙂 Merry Christmas and thanks so much for your comment! xo