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Shop Your Closet: Christmas Day Outfit Inspiration

Greetings, and hello Monday! I woke up this morning with nothing on my editorial calendar for today, so I decided to put together a post with some outfit ideas for Christmas Day… or really, whatever holiday celebrations you have going on this week.

I loved reading about all of your holiday plans yesterday. As I shared, our Christmas Day is pretty low-key. We just stay home, the five of us, and have a leisurely breakfast, open presents, then later on a homemade Christmas dinner. I’m not one to stay in my pajamas all day, but I’ll definitely be keeping it casual and comfortable.

Next weekend, I’ll be hosting a big family gathering, so I like to plan a festive outfit for that as well.

Some years, we’ve gone to Christmas dinner at my brother-in-law’s house, and I try to dress up a bit more for those kind of gatherings. And other years, we’ve gone out to eat for a fancy Christmas dinner with my family, which I think is really fun too. Of course, that requires a totally different dress code.

All that to say, I tried to come up with a variety of outfits at different levels of formality to cover all the bases. The idea here is to shop your closet, but of course I’ll provide shopping links where I can.

Christmas Day Outfit Ideas

#1. cozy sweater + jeans + ballet flats

Clearly, this outfit is from last fall, but this is probably what I’ll be wearing on Christmas Day… once I finally get out of my pajamas.

I love a chunky sweater and jeans for hanging out at home, and ballet flats are the perfect shoe for doing a lot of standing and cooking. Although, since we’re alone, I may just wear my slippers all day.

chunky turtleneck sweater // similar jeans // TB Minnie ballet flats

#2. Ivory Sweater + Black Jeans + Pumps

If your gathering is a little more dressed up, I love this outfit I wore to a holiday concert earlier this season.

This particular sweater is lovely, but it can be any fine-gauge sweater that is a little dressier than the one above. Any color works, but I love ivory and black together. Just add black jeans or pants, and pumps.

I also think this look would be fun with a red pump or a plaid pump. I wish I had a pair. (Adding it to my shopping list…)

ribbed v-neck // black AG Farrah skinnies // similar pumps // necklace // earrings

#3. metallic sweater + jeans + pumps

While red and green are always festive choices, I like the idea of going with a different color. The metallic shimmer gives this sweater a holiday vibe, even though it’s pink. (It also comes in black.)

The jeans tone down the look, but the pumps add a nice juxtaposition, which helps keep the look interesting and modern. I also added blingy earrings.

Of course, if you’re going to be on your feet all day, you may want to bring some cute ballet flats to change into, or heck, bring your favorite slippers!

 metallic v-neck sweater // high rise jeggings // similar pumps // earrings // necklace

#4. blouse + black jeans or pants + pumps

This is more of a going-out-to-dinner outfit, for anyone who goes out to eat for Christmas. Or, you could definitely wear this to a friend’s house for dinner, if it’s the kind of gathering where people get more dressed up.

If you want something a little more festive, choose a blouse with some red or green in the print. I just usually stay away from a plain red blouse with black pants — it’s too expected.

v-neck blouse // black jeans // similar pumps // TB tote // Anna Beck necklace

#5. cardigan + graphic tee + jeans

If you’re going to visit friends or family and want to be cute and casual, this is an easy outfit formula you can recreate so many ways. I particularly like the colors in this graphic tee — it’s neutral, but it has that hint of red embroidery.

I believe a lot of you bought this tee, but if you don’t have it, you may have one that works. Just throw on a black or red cardigan (or camel… but I think black or red would be more Christmassy) and add jeans and booties, and you’re good to go!

Might I suggest the Splendid flight cardigan as a black option, or this one comes in hthr charcoal, and I found this red one that is actually available for Christmas delivery!

If you like something a little more festive, add a red scarf (with the black or camel cardigan, of course) or a pair of fun earrings.

graphic tee // exact cardigan (camel sold out, but I like the hthr charcoal with this too!) // camel cardigan option // red cardigan option // AG Farrah skinnies // booties // belt // pearl earrings

#6. black sweater + black jeans + black bejeweled flats

I love a monochromatic look for the holidays… or anytime, but it does have a festive flair.

This pearlized sweater has the perfect amount of bling to make it special for the holidays, but not over-the-top for casual gatherings. Here’s another cute option. And the jeweled bow flats are comfortable for wearing all day, but still holiday-appropriate.

pearlized sweater // black jeans // bow flats // pave drop earrings // pave stretch bracelets

Here’s another black on black monochromatic outfit I styled last year, but it can be easy replicated with any black tunic sweater, faux leather leggings, and booties.

cowl neck tunic options // faux leather leggings // similar booties

#7. fair isle sweater + jeans + boots

Any fair isle sweater will work for this look — this is perfect for super casual gatherings. And you can always swap the boots for slippers if you’re staying at home all day!

Jo-Lynne Shane wearing a fair isle sweater outfit with J.Crew Rollneck Sweater in Fair Isle

fair isle sweater // AG Farrah skinnies (option) // booties // pearls (option)

Also, consider a fair isle sweater you can pair with white jeans. I love this fresh and unexpected look for the holidays! This one is old, but maybe you have one that works, or I linked up some other options below.

How to Style a Fair Isle Sweater Outfit with White Jeans for Winter: Jo-Lynne Shane wearing LOFT Fairisle Turtleneck Sweater with Paige Verdugo Ankle Skinny Jeans and Jeffrey Campbell Vanhook Booties

fair isle sweater options here, here, here, here, and here // white jeans // taupe booties

#8. cozy cream sweater + blue jeans + taupe booties

Again, this outfit isn’t specifically a holiday look, but I do love the light neutrals right now, and I think they have a festive flair somehow.

If you want something with a little more holiday pizzazz, swap out this cozy sweater for the glittery one I wore out to dinner the other night. In fact, scroll down for that outfit…

cowl neck sweater // skinny jeans // booties // earrings // similar bag

#9. sparkly sweater + jeans + OTK boots

This is a little more of a dressed-up version of the one above. The sparkly sweater is a little more festive (it also comes in grey and red), and the OTK boots definitely dress up the look. I also added blingy earrings.

I’d wear this if I was going to a friend’s house for a Christmas celebration (or Christmas Eve dinner out…)

metallic sweater // AG Farrah skinnies // similar OTK boots here and here // similar earrings

#10. sweater dress + OTK boots

Another dressy look, for those who go out to dinner for Christmas, a sweater dress is always my go-to for winter dresses because it’s warm and stretchy. In fact, I wore a sweater dress yesterday.

This one is from last year because for some reason, I didn’t really think to look for a new one to share with you all this year. I’ve really been in a denim rut, haven’t I???

But if you have one in your closet that you like, this is a great opportunity to get some wear out of it!

similar sweater dress // similar OTK boots here and here // my favorite tights // similar necklace

#11. sparkly sweater + coated jeans + pumps or booties

I’m bummed I didn’t do more with my coated jeans this season, but I found this look from last year, and any metallic/shimmery sweater would work. Or even a regular casual sweater works, and you can always wear a dressy bootie if you don’t like pumps.

similar metallic sweater (there’s a red option) // similar coated jeans (size down) // similar pumps // similar earrings

#12. festive sweatshirt + jeans + cozy socks

Unfortunately this quilted hoodie sold out in the red, but it’s still available in evergreen… or perhaps you already scored one for yourself when it was in stock!

If not, any red or green sweatshirt/hoodie will do… or any holiday-themed graphic sweatshirt!

quilted hoodie // blue jeans // fuzzy socks

#13. cute pajamas

Let’s be real. Some of us will just stay in pajamas all day… or at the very least, for half the morning. No shame in that game, but I do recommend thinking about the pajamas you wear and pick some cute ones. After all, these pictures will be around to haunt you for years to come!

These BP. pajamas are now 40% off, and they are still available for Christmas delivery in some colors and sizes. And don’t forget, the Buy Online, Pickup In Store is always an option.

BP. girlfriend pajamas (40% off!) // butter socks // Kennebunk Bliss Plush Throw (25% off!)

And these PJ Salvage flannel pajamas are also 40% off. Both pairs are so, so cozy. Just very different styles.

 PJ Salvage flannel pajamas (40% off!!!)

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27 Responses

  1. I found a shirt that says I’m only a morning person on Christmas. I’ll probably just wear that and pj pants if we stay home.

    1. I would say I need that, but I’m always a morning person, haha! It sounds cute tho. I’ve missed seeing you at CBS. My attendance has been spotty lately, I hope to be more consistent after the holidays.

  2. Love all the looks! I will definitely be in my new PJs at home for part of Christmas morning. Then changing into a sweater dress with tights….. Feels as comfortable as PJs but more dressed up! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

  3. Have a Merry Christmas!  Thanks for the ideas.   PS- my daughter did invite me to tag along to see CATs (Cue angels singing) and I was the only person who thought it was decent, not terrific though.  I did read up on the storyline first which helped.  

  4. Timely post. Had my outfit, blue velvet jeans & gorgeous sparkly sweater, all picked out. We will be in the low 50’s here in Chicago. That makes my sweater a big NO for my SIL’s tiny hot house packed with 40 people. I shopped my closet and found a blouse that will work. Not my first choice but no one else will know. At least we don’t need to worry about slick snowy roads this year. Merry Christmas Jo-Lynne, family & fellow readers. 

  5. Yes I liked this email. It newsy, breezy and flew right through it. Not That it wasn’t perfection, as are all your emails. Gave me lots of inspiration on what to wear the next couple days. I have Christmas Eve and then Christmas Day at my house. Whew! Think I’ll change that next year. Anyway, thoroughly enjoyed this Dow to earth post today, just spoke to me. Merry Christmas to you .

  6. Great options for many different holiday settings! Thank you for all that you do for all the fashionistas! Merry Christmas to you and your family!  

  7. I saw the Cats movie and am glad I did! The movie captures the plot a bit better than the production. People dressed as cats is somehow easier to accept when you see it on stage. It did take me a few songs to get past the fur on the faces and twitching ears. But you leave with all the great tunes in your head and it’s fun to see this version.

    1. You make me want to see it. I’ll probably wait for it to come to Netflix or Amazon Prime, although I hear it’s worth seeing on the big screen. I don’t think I have anyone who I could coerce to come with me tho.

  8. Even though it’s just going to be the two of us on Christmas Day, the possibility exists that we will see a few of our neighbors.  This post helped me decide to change what I will wear.  While it will still be super casual and comfy, it will be more presentable, and suited for the sunny upper 60’s-70’s that we are supposed to have.  I ordered the red cardigan from Nordstrom, since it is a good color for me.  Unfortunately, it won’t arrive until after the new year, due to us being in a rural area, but I will still get plenty of wear from it.  Have an awesome family day!

  9. I’m going to try to stay in my Christmas pjs as long as possible on Christmas Day… it’s the five of us this year too( the four of us and our son- in- law) . I may get dressed in time for my turkey dinner I’ll be doing. But I’ve had many occasions to dress up already. Tonight we are all attending a Christmas concert and I’m pretty sure I’m wearing an outfit like your cream cowl neck with the taupe boots…Then we have company on the 26, and 27 but I still keep it casual… with some nice tops Or sweaters.
    Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 

  10. Good Morning Jo-Lynne,
    Love this post. I am shopping my closet this year for Christmas Eve church service. I have black velvet leggings and suede boots and a red camisole… I only ordered a new black velvet blazer from Macy’s. It will arrive today.. So excited 😁 to see how it all looks together.

    Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you and your family!! Looking forward to seeing what 2020 Brings in way of fashion and prices!

    Blessings

    Cindy

  11. This was an awesome post!  Quite often I forget what I already own , but luckily, thanks to you, I get inspiration and end up with new ideas about how to style clothes in my own closet!!
    Thank you Jo-Lynne and all the best to you and yours for a blessed , joyous holiday season and a Happy , Healthy 2020! 

  12. I really like the blue and white sweater with the white jeans and also the raspberry colored sweater dress.
    MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄🎁 🍷

  13. hi Jo! I love all your cozy looks for Christmas day. All great choices. I just wanted to relay to you that I went to see the movie cats and like you I also saw the Broadway play and absolutely loved it. I read all the reviews, so going into the movie I knew what to expect. It was definitely a lot different than the Broadway play but I still recommend going to see it. Sometimes I like to see things for myself without being swayed by a review.

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