Christmas Day Outfit Ideas: Cosy, Comfortable and a Little Dressed Up

The easiest Christmas Day outfit is a luxe knit with a statement bottom half: a soft jumper for warmth and comfort, worn with something that has a little shine, such as a metallic pleated skirt or satin trousers. It feels festive from breakfast to the evening without the formality of a party outfit.

Christmas Day asks a lot of one outfit. It needs to be comfortable through a long lunch, warm enough for a walk and dressed up enough for the photographs, and ideally it should still be useful in January. As Hayley Thomas, our founder, puts it, “I really love a metallic statement piece with something a little more cosy. That, to me, feels really festive.”

A luxe knit with a statement skirt

A sparkle knit with a metallic skirt is the simplest version of the idea. The Blythe Funnel Neck Cropped Jumper in ice blue sparkle is a pale, pearly blue with a silver sparkle, in a weighty wool and cashmere blend, and because it is cropped to the waist it sits neatly over the Mia Pleated Skirt without a tuck. The Mia is a pleated midi with a gentle metallic shine and a silver waistband, so the two share the same cool sparkle.

For something softer, the Felicity Loose Knit Jumper in navy with the navy Mia makes a polished head to toe outfit. The Felicity is a loose, slightly sheer knit, so it feels lighter and dressier than most jumpers. In bronze, the Mia is warmer, and it looks lovely with knitwear in chocolate, or with a black roll neck for more contrast.

Satin trousers with a jumper

Satin trousers with a jumper are the trouser version of the same idea. The Hazel Wide Leg Satin Trousers are a heavy satin that drapes well, with a flat front and some elastic at the back for comfort. They are narrower at the waist with the weight towards the hem, so they define your waist even under a jumper.

A shorter knit suits the Hazel best, because it does not need tucking and so adds no bulk at the waist. The Blythe in chocolate makes a rich tonal outfit, while the Blythe in chalk or turmeric gives more contrast. A longer knit such as the Bea looks better with jeans than with the Hazel.

For a more classic outfit, the Maeve Balloon Trousers in navy satin can be worn with the matching navy Jules Blouse and the navy Felicity over the top. The Jules shows its frill at the neckline and its velvet tie through the open knit, and you can take the jumper off as the day warms up.

A sparkle knit with a maxi skirt

A long, full skirt is another way to dress up a jumper, and in winter it is warmer than it looks, because tights, leggings or even long johns can go underneath unseen. The Blythe in black sparkle stops at the waist rather than cutting you off at the wrong point, so over a maxi skirt with a long boot it makes an easy outfit for the whole day. Our guide to how to style a tulle skirt has more on wearing one in winter.

Christmas colours: jewel tones and rich neutrals

Jewel tones feel particularly festive, and they are an easy way out of all black if that is where you usually land. Bottle green with navy looks rich, such as the Alex Cashmere Blend Jumper in bottle green with the navy Mia. Sky blue lifts the complexion, which helps if you are feeling a little tired by the time Christmas arrives, and a sky blue knit such as the Nian V-Neck Cashmere Blend Jumper looks lovely with navy, whether that is the Mia or the Maeve.

If you live in neutrals, the festive version is to add a metallic and go a little darker. Chocolate is a good alternative to black for dressier outfits, because it is a little softer next to the skin. Chocolate knitwear layered with the bronze Mia, with tones that are slightly different from each other, adds depth, and a fine roll neck under a chunkier knit, with just the collar and cuffs showing, adds more.

Navy and black together is another quietly smart Christmas combination, such as the navy Mia with a black roll neck and black boots.

Layers for a warm house and a cold walk

Most Christmas Days involve both a hot kitchen and a cold walk, so the outfit works best in layers. A fine knit such as the Gwyneth Fine Merino Roll Neck under a chunkier jumper means you still have a finished outfit when the jumper comes off.

If the day starts with a walk, the Billie Barrel Leg Faux Leather Trousers cope with drizzle and mud yet look dressed up later with a sparkle knit, and they have a soft brushed lining for warmth.

For the walk itself, the Audrey Wool Blend Cape goes over the chunkiest jumper without crushing it.

A cosy Christmas Day outfit

Comfort matters on a day built around a long lunch, and several of these pieces have give at the waist. The Mia has an elasticated waistband, the Hazel and the Maeve have elastic at the back, and the Mia's pleats return to shape after hours of sitting. The Mia is also machine washable on a cool wash, and the pleats re-form when it is hung to dry.

For the cosiest outfit of all, the Mel Merino Blend Rib Skirt is a knitted maxi with a fully elasticated waist, and with the Alex in the same charcoal it looks like a knitted dress.

What shoes to wear on Christmas Day

A long boot is the easiest choice with a midi skirt: black boots with the navy Mia, or brown for a softer contrast, and brown boots with the bronze. For the evening, a silver heel picks up the navy Mia's waistband, and the bronze Mia works with gold or silver. A loafer with a coloured sock is a comfortable alternative for a day at home, and a fun way to bring in a little colour.

Our guides to Christmas party outfits and winter outfits for women have more ideas for the season.

In short, a Christmas Day outfit works best as a luxe knit with a statement bottom half, layered for a warm house and chosen for comfort.

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear on Christmas Day?

A luxe knit with a statement bottom half is the easiest choice, such as a sparkle jumper with a metallic pleated skirt or satin trousers. It feels festive while staying warm and comfortable all day.

What is a cosy Christmas Day outfit?

A knitted maxi skirt with a jumper in the same colour is one of the cosiest options, and it looks like a knitted dress. A soft knit over satin trousers with an elasticated back is another.

What colours should you wear on Christmas Day?

Jewel tones such as bottle green, sky blue and navy feel festive, and they make a change from all black. If you prefer neutrals, chocolate and bronze with a metallic finish look rich.

How do you dress up a jumper for Christmas?

A jumper looks dressed up with a statement bottom half, such as a metallic pleated skirt or satin trousers. A sparkle knit adds a little more shine.

What should I wear on Christmas Day at home?

Comfortable pieces with some give at the waist, such as an elasticated pleated skirt or satin trousers, worn with a soft knit, are ideal for a day at home. A fine layer underneath lets you take the knit off when the house warms up.

What shoes go with a Christmas Day outfit?

A long boot suits a midi skirt, while a silver or gold heel picks up a metallic finish for the evening. A loafer with a coloured sock is a comfortable choice for a day at home.