Planning your Christmas Day outfits early? The joy of deciding what to wear on Christmas Day is that you can wear exactly what you want. Whether you’re planning on lounging in pyjamas or throwing on as many sequins as you would for a night out, the ball, disco or otherwise, is totally in your court. But, by way of a bit of inspiration, we’ve pulled together some trending Christmas party dresses, knitwear, matching Christmas pyjamas and winter coats fit for a snow day, that we think you might like to consider.
Disclaimer: these Christmas Day outfit ideas focus on what to wear if you’re spending Christmas Day in the UK… If you’re travelling to the Maldives, that’s a whole different wardrobe. Although if you do need bikinis, sandals or suitcases we’ve got you.
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So, what are the best Christmas Day Outfits?
Back to it. Now that loungewear (hoodies, joggers and the like) has become our second skin, it’s likely you’ll want to slip into something a little less casual than a tracksuit on 25th December this year. Skims’ pyjamas are perfect for present opening session under the tree, while a Christmas jumper scores highly on the cosy scale for post-food naps. Choose something more chic than kitsch that you’ll want to wear all year round.
There will be a walk (there is always a walk) so get out your ski coat and layer on the cosy accessories. A scarf is a no brainer but we also love the bonnet trend when it comes to headwear. Bundling up, but make it chic.
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If you’re opting for party outfits there are lots of trends we’re looking to this season. Scarlet is the colour to know, as seen on Alexander McQueen’s autumn/winter 2025 runway. Victoria Beckham has some sleek red pieces this season like this gathered dress and draped top. Elsewhere tulle is the texture we’re coveting in any colour and this AllSaints mini skirt is high on my Christmas day wish list. Of course, you can never go wrong with sequins and few do them better than Retrofête.
On a similar note, anything crafted from velvet is ideal for Christmas Day dressing. It’s a luxurious fabric that suits the occasion (exhibit A: this Dries Van Noten Asymmetric Draped Velvet Top) but it’s still soft and snuggly when it’s time to loll on the sofa. ‘Jeans and a nice top’, the festive way.
Our final bit of advice? 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. And if you’re planning on actually shopping for something new? Choose Christmas Day pieces that can easily be incorporated into other New Year’s Eve outfits and other partywear get-ups with a clever styling twist or two.
Ahead, our guide to what to wear on Christmas Day.
If you’re having a pyjama day
Look, you don’t have to dress up. This is your day. And we can’t argue that a pyjama day sounds very inviting. Whether you want to elevate your PJ day with a Sleeper set or you’re getting seriously cosy in a pointelle pair, either is ideal for sitting around and preparing yourself for the next board game or the third pudding course.
If your family always wear Christmas jumpers
If you’re getting cosy you might as well make it festive. But don’t be fooled, the best Christmas jumpers don’t need to be kitsch. Anine Bing and Valentino prove a Christmas jumper can actually be very chic.
If you’re into dressing up on Christmas Day
Party girls unite. Whether you’re staying at home or heading to the in-laws, you cannot be overdressed on Christmas Day. We don’t make the rules. You can’t go wrong with sequins or a tulle skirt but we also recommend a satin midi dress if you want to buy something you’ll rewear for occasions to come, from wedding guest attire to birthday parties.
If you’re a luxe lounger
We get it, you want to be comfy but you do want to actually get dressed. Enter: luxe loungewear. in recent seasons loungewear has taken its place firmly in our wardrobes and a look for more than just errands. You can’t go wrong in something from Skims, but we’re also obsessed with this JW Anderson hoodie. The tie-detail really elevates this cosy vibe.
For a “jeans & a nice top” ‘fit – but make it festive
There’s a reason we all go back to the ‘jeans and a nice top’ combo. It’s a formula that works every single time. And we’re here to tell you that goes for Christmas day, too. For a festive spin on your usual going out ‘fit try textures like velvet or lace.
If you’re hoping for a snow day
We’re always hoping for a snow day at Christmas and if we get one we definitely want to be wrapped up in one of Free People’s ski jackets. Complemented of course with some knitted accessories like this crochet bonnet or fringed blanket scarf.
And, your finishing touches
Whatever you’re wearing you’ll want some pretty accessories to finish the look. In pyjamas? A hoop earring with give you just a touch of glam. Any party dress will look chic with some polka dot tights, and just because you’re staying in doesn’t mean you don’t need some fun heels.
For more from GLAMOUR UK’s freelancer Hattie Cotmore, follow her on Instagram @hattiecotmore.