Christmas outfits for every occasion
The Christmas period poses myriad wardrobe dilemmas. With an unnaturally high concentration of social events and a desire to dazzle more so than we do throughout the rest of the year, it's hardly surprising that we can be left struggling for inspiration.
From the work Christmas party to carol singing, supermarket sweeps and New Year's Eve, our chic outfit ideas will solve all your festive wardrobe quandaries.
Post-work drinks
A pair of statement earrings is a great tool for tackling the endless string of desk-to-dinner dates. Bejewelled, shoulder-grazing pairs add sparkle to plain blouses, while wearing one large metallic earring will give your office outfit a little edge. Opt for a pair of fancy flats that enable you to trot between soirées at ease.
Polo blouse, ￡169, Me + Em; velvet heart ballerinas, ￡98, Uterqüe; straight leg wool trousers, ￡79, Cos; chalcedony, aventurine, and black onyx statement earrings, ￡250, Carousel Jewels
Buying the Christmas tree
Practicality is key when preparing to haul home your Christmas tree. Wrap up in a thick wool jumper (festive Fair Isle knits encouraged) and a cosy parka with furry hood trim. Go for trainers or chunky boots.
Wool Fair Isle knit, ￡265, & Daughter; Converse All Stars, ￡55, Schuh; padded parka, ￡59.99, H&M; super high rise jeans, ￡75.95, GAP
Carol singing
Unless you want to be completely miserable in five seconds flat (churches are notoriously freezing), dress up warm for belting out the likes of Good King Wenceslas and Deck the Halls. A beret is the beanie's slightly dressier cousin, while faux fur stoles are a welcome addition to coat collars. Try opting for colour or animal print - it will bring your winter neutrals to life.
Faux fur collar, ￡42, Helen Moore; cashmere beret, ￡35, John Lewis; double monk strap shoes, ￡195, Russel & Bromley; wool wrap coat, ￡275, Jaeger
Christmas party
Set yourself apart from your fellow party goers and opt for a jazzy midi dress over a mini. The high street is awash with sophisticated below-the-knee dresses (think patterns, metallics and voluminous sleeves). Invest in one, and then accessorize with the pricier, designer accessories you have accrued over the years.
Wrap dress, ￡110, & Other Stories; Hillier Bartley faux-pearl hoop single earring, Matchesfashion.com; Hunting Season Tula velvet shoulder bag, ￡430, Net-a-porter; suede over-the-knee boots, ￡655, Stella McCartney
Homeward bound
Contrast luxe looking wrap coats with comfy trousers and trainers for the perfect lo-fi balance. No matter how many bags you’re carrying, the nipped-in waist will help you look pulled together.
Wool wrap coat, ￡199, Marks & Spencer; Adidas Gazelle trainers, ￡74.99, Office; cashmere jumper, ￡276.50, Chinti & Parker; track pants, ￡105, Ganni
Cocktail o’clock
Never underestimate a lady in velvet underneath the mistletoe. Show a little décolletage in a dress with a deep neckline and accessorise with a brooch. Rich burgundy, boysenberry purple, emerald green and dusty pink are the hues du jour.
Velvet tube dress, ￡29.99, Zara; fan heels, ￡46, Topshop; Erdem insect crystal-embellished brooch, ￡170, Matchesfashion.com; Mac matte lip colour, ￡17.50, John Lewis
Supermarket sweep
A backpack stuffed with reusable shoppers will be your best accessory on the dreaded supermarket run. Leave your coat in the car and rush round the store in a lightweight knit, slouchy trousers and trainers. You'll look cool and comfortable - ideal for when you inevitably bump into someone else on a turkey mission.
Vegan leather backpack, ￡110, Matt & Nat; cashmere turtle neck, ￡69.90, Uniqlo; trainers; ￡10.44, Veja; fluid wool trousers, ￡140, Jigsaw
Christmas Eve
Opt for a romantic suit, with a silky pussy bow blouse underneath (à la Gucci) for the most twinkly of evenings. Pair with platforms or pointy flats accordingly.
Velvet jacket, ￡162, Boden; velvet trousers, ￡126, Boden; suede flats, ￡235, L.K.Bennett; Iris & Ink silk blouse, ￡135 The Outnet
Christmas morning
Matchy-matchy pyjama sets are a no-brainer for present opening. Stay snug by layering a sumptuous dressing gown or cosy cashmere throw over the top. Finish with sheepskin slippers.
Polka dot pyjama top; ￡165, Asceno; polka dot pyjama bottoms, ￡165, Asceno; slipper, ￡80, Ugg; heirloom Aztec throw, ￡325, Celtic & Co
Queen of the kitchen
Rely on cotton and denim basics for your stint by the stove. Accessorize with a jazzy apron and a glass of prosecco. A hair band to stop the fly-aways falling across your eyes will also be a welcome addition.
Cotton apron, ￡45, House of Hackney; Breton tee, ￡29, Petite Bateau; cult jean, ￡92,50, M.i.h; cotton and silk headband, ￡16, J. Crew
Christmas Day
Opt for something with a little sparkle, flare or embellishment. It's Christmas after all. Wear a shirt with an embellished collar peeping out over a colourful knit, and pair the duo with relaxed tuxedo trousers or loose-fitting flares and a block heel ankle boot. Prefer a skirt? Opt for something glitter-strewn or pleated.
Embellished mock collar, ￡52, Essentiel Antwerp; zebra jumper, ￡46, Warehouse; tailored trousers, ￡205, Joseph; Acne boots, ￡410, Mytheresa.com
Boxing Day
Woolen kilts and chunky brogues are perfect for stomping between family gatherings on Boxing Day, while a mid-length kilt will keep you looking suitably festive.
Kilt, ￡405, Le Kilt; cable knit cashmere jumper, ￡125, Fat Face; vegan leather brogues, ￡115, Dr Martens; Manu Atelier Pristine leather shoulder bag with suede, ￡259, Shopbop
Country walk
Waterproof boots might be essential for hilly walks, but they don’t have to be generic. Look for short wellies in an interesting colour (think slate grey)- these are practical but also suitable for the ensuing pub lunch. Casual checks and bright woolen accessories are also a must.
Wellington boots, ￡95, Hunter; check shirt, ￡28, Next; Levi's 712 mid rise slim jeans, ￡85, John Lewis; navy parker, ￡54, Oasis
New Year’s Eve
A jumpsuit is a fabulous New Year's Eve option; comfortable for when you want to hit the dance floor, but perhaps not a party piece you've exhausted throughout the rest of the year. Try adding some asymmetric earrings for a modern take on disco jewellery, and a glitzy pouch.
Crepe jumpsuit, ￡98.40, Intropia; mismatches earrings, ￡19, Finery; Attico crystal embellished drawstring pouch, ￡340, Matchesfashion.com; burnt orange flats, ￡49.99, Mango
