What to Wear on Christmas Day
From first toast to last film, find Christmas Day looks that feel festive and effortless.
From the first cup of tea to the last slice of pudding, your Christmas Day outfit deserves as much thought as the menu. It’s the one day of the year where comfort meets a touch of sparkle — whether you’re unwrapping presents, hosting the main event, or ending the night in matching pyjamas.
Think textures that feel indulgent (velvet, cashmere, satin) and colours that glow under fairy lights: champagne, navy, deep berry. Not sure where to start? From relaxed Christmas Day dresses to elegant Christmas dinner, this guide has every festive moment covered. Read on for outfit ideas that move with your day, whether you’re hosting, walking off dessert, or winding down in soft loungewear.
Written By: Melisa Rustemova - Published: 28.10.25
Driving Home for Christmas
The drive home might be filled with traffic, Christmas playlists, and a questionable car sing-along or two, but that doesn’t mean your Christmas Day outfit can’t keep up. For the drive, it’s all about comfort that looks considered. Think soft knits, easy layers, and fabrics that don’t crease while you belt out Fairytale of New York.
A matching knit co-ord or ribbed jumper paired with wide-leg trousers is the kind of low-effort look that somehow feels high-impact. Add loafers, a trench, and your go-to tote, and you’re ready to step out at the other end looking like you meant it. A cashmere hoodie under a tailored coat gives that same quiet-luxury feel, perfect for coffee stops and car-park reunions.
For him, lean into easy refinement: a merino jumper, dark jeans and Chelsea boots — simple yet classic, its hard to get wrong. Or take the relaxed route with a hoodie layered under a quilted gilet; bonus points if you coordinate it with the car interior. Or nod to festive film charm with a roll-neck under a wool overshirt and structured coat.
Whether you’re cruising home for Christmas or just nipping round the corner, it’s proof that even a long drive deserves a Christmas Day outfit that feels just a little special.
Hosting Christmas
Hosting Christmas is an Olympic sport: equal parts carving, chatting and keeping the playlist on point. Your outfit has to multitask as much as you do: comfortable enough to baste the roast, polished enough for the first photo. You need something you can move in, but that still looks pulled together when guests start arriving. A satin shirt tucked into tailored trousers is an instant win, adding some seasonal shimmer. Swap in a pleated midi skirt or wide-leg trousers for extra movement, ideal for darting between the kitchen and the dining table. If dresses are more your thing, a knitted midi or wrap silhouette keeps you comfortable yet composed. Add heeled mules or ballet flats, a swipe of lipstick, and you’re set for the day’s main event.
For men, the same rules apply, ease first, then elevate. A crisp Oxford shirt layered over a fine knit feels smart without trying too hard, while cord or wool-blend trousers add texture to your Christmas Day clothes. If things heat up in the kitchen, roll up your sleeves and lean into chef in charge mode. A checked overshirt over a simple tee works for a more casual take, especially when paired with loafers or desert boots. Hosting might be chaos, but your Christmas dinner outfit should make it all look effortless.
Dinner-Table Worthy
Once the table’s set and the roast has finally made its grand entrance, your Christmas dinner outfit deserves its own moment. This is where a little extra sparkle goes a long way, you’ve survived the prep, now it’s time to shine (literally, if sequins are involved). For her, a velvet midi dress feels timeless yet easy, offering that soft structure that photographs beautifully under fairy lights. Or lean into satin, a slip dress layered with a fine knit or tailored blazer is a perfect middle ground between dressed up and relaxed. Add statement earrings, block heels, and maybe a touch of sparkle at the wrist for that finishing flourish. If dresses aren’t your go-to, a tailored jumpsuit or sleek co-ord gives the same energy with an chic twist.
For the gentleman, a smart knit over a collared shirt with tailored trousers sets the right tone, polished without being fussy. If you want to turn it up a notch, a velvet blazer instantly lifts your Christmas Day outfit, especially paired with dark denim or chinos and polished brogues. Or try a roll-neck under a checked blazer for a subtle nod to festive dressing that doesn’t feel overdone. Whether you’re carving, toasting, or catching up across the table, these Christmas Day clothes are about feeling comfortable enough to linger long after dessert, because style should last through seconds, leftovers, and the final mince pie.
Post-Dinner & Wind-Down
Once the crackers have been pulled and someone’s already nodded off mid-film, it’s officially time to switch into comfort mode. The post-dinner stretch calls for Christmas Day clothes that feel indulgent, because loungewear, when done properly, can be just as considered as the main event. For her, it’s all about elevated ease: soft knits, oversized jumpers, and pieces that feel like a warm hug but still look polished. A brushed cotton shirt left half-tucked into ribbed leggings strikes the right note, or try a matching lounge set that looks too good to only wear indoors. Add a cashmere wrap or thick cardigan, a pair of fluffy socks, and a mug of something sweet, the official accessories of the evening wind-down.
For him, the mission is simple: comfort that still carries a little confidence. Swap the smart knit for a laid-back crew-neck, and trade formal trousers for joggers or relaxed cords. A flannel overshirt layered over a tee instantly tidies things up, ideal for when someone whips out the camera again. Pair it all with moccasins or clean trainers and settle in; this is the part of Christmas Day that’s all about slowing down. Whether you’re watching the credits roll or claiming the best spot on the sofa, these Christmas Day outfits are made for one thing: doing absolutely nothing, but doing it well.
Cosy Finish
When the lights dim and the last of the pudding disappears, it’s time for the coziest costume change of all. The final act of Christmas Day calls for silky pyjama sets in jewel tones, brushed-cotton checks, and robes so soft they feel like a hug. Add sheepskin slippers, tie your hair with a satin scrunchie, and toast the night with hot chocolate by the tree.
For him, it’s about embracing the art of doing nothing, stylishly. Classic check pyjama bottoms and a cotton tee are always a win, or try a matching set in flannel or jersey for something that feels more put-together. Layer on a robe or a fleece dressing gown for that post-film warmth, and keep a pair of moccasins nearby for those late-night snack runs. Whether you’re halfway through another Christmas movie or drifting off before the credits roll, these Christmas Day clothes mark the perfect end to the festivities, proof that even in pyjamas, a little style goes a long way.
Final Thoughts
From morning coffee to midnight films, your Christmas Day outfit should move with you — relaxed, joyful, and just a little indulgent. It’s about textures that feel like celebration and details that make you smile, long after the wrapping paper’s gone. Because when all is said and done, it’s not just about what you wear, it’s about how it carries you through every laugh, every toast, and every sleepy goodnight. Here’s to the clothes that feel as good as the day itself.