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?