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What to Wear on Christmas Day

Good morning and happy FRIDAY!!! My kids are bouncing off the walls since today is the last day of school before Christmas break. Their poor teachers…

Christmas is just a few days away, so I decided to update this post on What to Wear on Christmas Day. Not that what we are wearing is the focus of Christmas or anything… but the photographic evidence will be around to haunt you for the next hundred years (or, at least, it will be haunting your grandkids) so it’s not a bad idea to put a little thought into our wardrobe choices for this festive occasion!

Cheers sweatshirt (wearing size 3) // Luna pendant // link bracelet // nails: CND Midnight Swim

I’ll include links to what I’m wearing because I know people will ask if I don’t, but this post is more about giving you general ideas that you can use to shop your closet since it’s clearly too late to get an online order in time for Christmas Day, and I expect most of us have everything we need in our closets already. Sometimes we just need some fresh ideas.

I’m all for being comfortable around the tree, but I still want to look decent. We usually give our kids new pajamas on Christmas Eve, so they always look cute when they emerge from their rooms on Christmas morning, all sleepy-eyed and tousled from their slumber and ready to see what “Santa” brought.

In recent years, I’ve been treating myself to a new pair of pajamas as well. I enjoy them all season, but it’s nice to have something new and nice to wear on Christmas morning if I don’t get dressed right away.

thermal pajamas // mug // snowflake pillow // faux fur throw

The older I get, however, the more often I end up putting on clothes. Maybe it’s because my kids aren’t up as early and I have some time, or maybe I’m just getting old and feel better when I’m dressed, but I do want to be sure to look somewhat presentable. I may not shower and put on a full face of makeup, but I usually throw on a casual outfit or at least a cute cardigan with a tee and joggers.

thermal cardigan // perfect white tee (10% off w/ code JOLYNNE10 ) // joggers // Converse Shoreline

After Santa’s presents have been discovered, the stockings have been spilled, and I’ve lingered over my second (or fifth) cup of coffee, it’s time to shower and get dressed for the day. I usually do that before we have our family holiday breakfast and open the presents under the tree, but sometimes I wait until that’s all said and done.

As far as what I like to wear on Christmas Day, it varies depending on where we are and what our plans are. This year we’ll be going out to a fancy dinner so I’ll definitely dress up. You certainly can’t go wrong with a red sweater and black pants for Christmas events. While it is predictable, I like the pop of leopard in this outfit, and the choker helps keep it current.

sweater (50% off) // pants // pumps // choker with hoop drop (50% off) // similar clutch

Some years I keep it casual because I’m at home cooking for the better part of the day. That’s when I’ll just hang out in a favorite sweater and jeans.

sweater in hthr burgundy (30% off) // jeans // loafers (50% off) // crossbody (33% off)

If we attend a family gathering, I go with something in between. I usually wear something like this. These pumps are actually oxblood suede, although they look black in this picture. My sweater is super old so I tried to find something similar. Unfortunately the best one I found is pretty pricey.

If you’re in an area where it’s not very cold, or you just tend to get hot indoors this time of year, this short sleeved funnel neck sweater is perfect for a holiday gathering — or something like it.

similar sweater // AG legging ankle jeans // oxblood suede pumps // gold drop earrings with Bordeaux tiger’s eye (RESTOCKED!!)

Don’t forget the details… a festive red manicure or a shimmery scarf can take a basic outfit into the festive category in no time. I just had my nails done in CND Hollywood so I’m going to stick with neutral outfits for the next week or so and let my red mani and a bright red lip do the talking.

Here are a few more outfits I’ve styled that would totally work for Christmas Day or any other family gatherings this time of year.

I love an ivory sweater at the holidays, and I’m definitely packing this one for our Christmas vacation. I’d definitely want to add some accessories to make this look more festive — my red nails and lipstick will help, and I may swap out the cognac boots for burgundy suede flats or pumps or even booties. I also love the idea of adding these sequin ball drop earrings or something glittery and fun like that.

v-neck sweater (30% off) // Paige cropped skinny jeans (similar for less) // similar boots (same brand – 30% off) // / gold drop earrings with Bordeaux tiger’s eye (RESTOCKED!!) // pave layer necklace (old Stella & Dot)

Velvet pants are a fun and festive look while giving you the comfort of jeans, and there’s another ivory sweater!

ivory turtleneck (50% off) // washed velvet pants (50% off) // clutch // similar pumps // faux pearl earrings // Alex and Ani bangles // aviators c/o (pink gradient lenses & matte gold frames)

This outfit would be another good option for going to someone’s house for Christmas dinner. A green sweater is as festive as red, just in a more understated way. If the OTK boots aren’t your thing, booties would be just as cute with this outfit.

sweater (wearing hthr cactus) // Paige cropped skinny jeans (similar for less) // similar boots herehere, and here // necklace // earrings

Champagne and white is an elegant combination, and I like how it’s a bit unexpected. You could tone this down with ballet flats if the pumps are too dressy for your gathering. This outfit is from last year, but it should be easy to replicate with a similar shimmery sweater.

champagne and white outfit for the holidays

sweater option // white jeans // similar pumps

You could take this look down a notch by subbing black jeans or pants for the coated denim. Maybe wear simpler earrings and more casual shoes… or not! It’s Christmas, after all. Don’t be afraid to be fancy.

holiday style: charcoal and black with a pop of burgundy

sweater option // coated black jeans // similar burgundy pumps // similar clutch // earrings // wrap bracelet // red lipstick

Leggings and a tunic are another good option for a more casual venue.

tunic // leggings //  tote // boots // gold drop earrings with Bordeaux tiger’s eye (RESTOCKED!!)

And don’t rule out a dress. This teal sweater dress outfit is great for going out to dinner or attending a family get together.

sweater dress (50% off) // similar OTK boots // leopard clutch (similar for less) // similar cuff bracelet // leopard watch // sunnies c/o Maui Jim

Also, if you have a red coat, now is the time to rock it! Your outerwear is part of your outfit too.

red peacoats // ivory cowl sweaters or (option) // jeans // similar leopard pumps // similar black clutch

I hope this post was helpful! I had several requests for a post about Christmas day attire, and I know we all have different ideas of what that is, so I tried to cover the gamut.

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57 Responses

  1. Merry Christmas!  I laughed at your line about “photographic evidence haunting us” for the rest of our lives.  That is so true!  I’m still horrified by last years photos! So many great choices. I really love the coated denim look!

  2. Fabulous outfit ideas, Jo-Lynne!  And I am really liking the idea of joggers and a cardigan for the morning.  I usually am in my jammies and bathrobe hiding from the camera!  I think this year I need to follow your lead on a cute casual outfit instead for the morning hours!  Thanks for a fun year of posts and outfit inspiration.  I wish you a very Merry Christmas and many blessings in the New Year!

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

  3. What a great post, Jo-Lynne. I’m so impressed that you put this together only a few days before Christmas. Thanks so much. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family!

  4. Love all the outfit inspiration. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas! I hope you have a wonderful vacation!

  5. You pretty much covered every scenario here, right down to the cozy pjs for gifts. Any one of these would be perfect for Christmas. I am very much looking forward to cooler weather for Christmas for the first time in several years. Maybe I can actually use some of these great sweater outfit ideas for a change!
    Safe travels this weekend, and have a Merry Christmas!!

  6. Jo Lynne, You always look so pretty and pulled together! You are so right about the legacy of the Christmas morning photos— oh my there have been some scary shots of robes etc in the past. I had to laugh! I so appreciate your many good ideas. I need some new tops so I plan to refer to your wonderful research, your links and pics for after Christmas shopping! Thank you! Julie L 

  7. What a FANTASTIC post! So many amazing ideas! You’re the best & I thank you for putting this together! I can now pack for our trip confidently! Really, I’m LOVING all the options! Merry Christmas to you and your family, Jo Lynne! ????☃️❄️????

  8. Love them all! I think I need to buy some coated denim. They really do dress up an outfit. If I can squeeze it into today and find a good fitting pair they’ll be my go to for the next week. I’m late to the show again. ????
    You must be getting very excited to be heading home for Christmas. Have a wonderful time, Jo-Lynne.

  9. Wonderful ideas, one and all!

    We’ll probably hit Mass first thing in the morning, so I’ll choose something dressier….  But when we come home I’ll probably pick something like your joggers outfit.

    It’ll be perfect for our festive Christmas morning NERF war.

    Safe travels and a very Merry Christmas to you, your family and all of your readers!

  10. I always buy my kids new PJ’s for Christmas Eve and have recently started to buy myself I pair. In PJ’s is how I spend my day as we usually stay home. I love all these options for Christmas, definitely an outfit for any occasion your doing that day.
    Hope you have a great Christmas and thanks for hosting

    xo
    Mel  

  11. Great ideas. Thanks for the Christmas day ideas.  I’m sure we all could do most from our closet. 🙂  I sure hope you and Cyndi do a Spring series. Love having your daily outfit ideas.  However, lets enjoy Winter and hope for snow. 🙂  LOL

  12. Wonderful post Jo-Lynne, your every single post is appreciable. Merry Christmas! I want to know which color combination is the best for baby carrier jacket. I mean the color combo jacket which suits both a mother and baby.

  13. What a fun post and covers all the bases of outfit scenarios. I like the cardigan + joggers casual combo. Thank you for the past year of posts and fashion advice. You have gently nudged me out of my comfort zone. I now have a camo fall jacket and leopard pattern shoes thanks to your fashion advice 😉

    Merry Christmas to you, your family and all of your readers/ supporters!! ❄🌲
    God bless.

  14. Merry Christmas
    Shopping my closet for two different outfits for tomorrow Breakfast with my family, then lunch with my husbands family. Our office Christmas party I wore the Red top with black pants outfit like the one you show. The outfits for tomorrow will depend on our FLA weather, but at least I have options. Thank You for the share on what to wear.

  15. So funny because I actually looked this up and reread it last night!  Thank you for all your fashion advice throughout the year. I look forward to reading your posts everyday.  Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!  Cheers!

  16. Thanks for another post filled with fun ideas! You have inspired me once again.  Time to shop my closet.  😊 Merry Christmas to you and your family!

  17. Merry Christmas!
    Yes I will rock the red coat tonight and patch up
    My red manicure!
    Enjoy your new home was just beautiful 
    On your post yesterday!

  18. Have a fabulous Christmas break with your family in your beautiful  home. I never shared  but in 2016 I lost 100 pounds and reading your blog every day kept  all my weight off  as I enjoy getting dressed thanks to your styles and suggestions 
    Now I’m starting to update my house so I love your current situation 

  19. Wishing you and your family the very best Christmas ever. Thanks for all you do to help us see the possibilities, in our closets and in the stores. I enjoy your posts every morning.

  20. A year old and I still love all of your looks on this post!  Thank you for all your inspiration this year at liking our best no matter what size we are! Merry Christmas and I hope your family receives many blessing in the new year. 

  21. Love seeing so many outfits in one post. My favorites…champagne & white, grey funnel neck sweater, ankle jeans & oxblood pumps, coated black jeans & burgundy pumps and cheers sweatshirt! Thank you for all the time and energy you give to your blog, I so enjoy it!

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