Christmas day is an affair steeped in rituals - and those rituals dictate what we wear. Some prefer to spend Christmas day cocooned in their pyjamas and away from the rest of the world, while others gear up to throw a full-blown bash.
No matter which camp you fall into, the long-awaited day deserves a special sartorial statement. Christmas is the ultimate excuse to amp up the maximalism. Think sequins, metallics and velvets - all highly sumptuous embellishments that come to the forefront of our wardrobes on December 25.
Thematically, Christmas is easy to get right. You already have the mood board in your head. The green and red colourways, traditional tartans and a frill here or there - it’s easy to visualise. We just need to know which brands to look to for the execution.
Our favourite high street heroes will inevitably churn out the Yuletide trends year after year. This means that stores such as & Other Stories, ME+EM and H&M are never lacking on the party frock front. Simply stroll down Oxford Street and you’ll be overwhelmed with the abundance of iridescent ensembles that animate the windows.
The same goes for brands on the higher end. It-girl label Rixo floods our social feeds with opulent designs, while Cefinn and Batsheva spoil us with gothic decadence in the form of ruffled numbers with dramatic silhouettes.
Stars by the dozen like to don their finest glad rags for the occasion, take Hailey Beiber's extravagant faux fur coat or Elsa Hosk’s vibrant cherry red ball gown for example.
Yet, Christmas doesn’t always call for OTT dressing. Gigi Hadid, Lily Collins and Kim Kardashian have been known to ditch the drapery for some festive loungewear on Christmas Day. But given it’s one of the only days in the year to deck both the halls and our bodies with some beautiful fabrics, we think we ought to make the most of it.
It turns out we have the Roaring Twenties to thank for our now on-trend Christmas attire. The First World War drastically affected society, with a boom of jazz clubs and bars throwing their doors open during the decade. Fashion started to take inspiration from now-controversial concepts such as exoticism and imagined orientalism, with hemlines rising upwards and chiffons, velvets and silks tumbling down.
Artisan appliqué work such as beading, fringing and tasselling gained popularity - all of which we still see on the high street today. Flappers generously adorned themselves in rich greens, crimsons and other resplendent shades, while bringing fabrics such as lamé and fur into the limelight.
Elevate your festive finery this season with a brand new number and bid farewell to 2023 with a sprinkle of glitz and glamour.
Shop now
Best Christmas board games that are fun for the whole family
Best Christmas pyjamas for the whole family to get into the festive spirit
Best New Year’s Eve outfits for women to kick off 2024 in style
Best New Year’s Eve outfits for women to kick off 2024 in style
& Other Stories Frilled Two-Tone Mini Dress
Imfuse your wardrobe with some Victoriana charm. This sweet & Other Stories mini dress adopts a charming smock silhouette, complete with a snow-white ruffled bib and a youthful pinafore structure.
Buy now £120.00, & Other Stories
Cefinn The Irina Puff-sleeve Velvet Maxi Dress
Cefinn’s design wouldn't look out of place on the Princess of Wales. A longline silhouette is enhanced by a rich emerald hue, gentle puff sleeves and an elegant high neckline with a frilled trim.
Buy now £340.00, Matches
Reformation Talleen Dress
Reformation’s Talleen dress is one to check out. Featuring a whimsical georgette fabric that delicately drapes over the body, the tartan-esque number can be worn all throughout the winter months.
Buy now £248.00, Reformation
Rixo Clarice Silk Velvet Midi
Red velvet is a true Christmas classic. Rixo’s Clarice midi dress is a feminine frock complete with a radiant raspberry tone, short sleeves and a petite rosebud to catch the eye.
Buy now £265.00, Rixo
& Other Stories Ruffle Midi Dress
Who said florals were just for spring? Deck yourself in sprawling foliage thanks to & Other Stories’ dramatic gown. Dramatic balloon sleeves and fluttering ruffles will help you make that all-important statement entrance at any festive bash.
Buy now £95.00, & Other Stories
Laura Ashley X Joanie Bronwyn Walwick Floral Print Velvet Midi Dress
Operatic blooms steal the show in this velvet midi dress. Crafted by the design teams at Laura Ashley and Joanie, the dress boasts crimson winter roses and ivory petals set against an inky black backdrop.
Buy now £57.00, Joanie
Ghost Aselia Satin Midi Dress
Join us in feeling dotty about Ghost’s Aselia midi dress. Pristine white polka dots are scattered across a black satin background. Note the elegant scoop neck and girlish puff sleeves that merge conventional and kittenish themes.
Buy now £72.50, Ghost
ME+EM Fashioned Rib Metallic Fit and Flare Midi Dress
Go for gold with ME+EM. A comfortable number that will glove the body in metallic tones, the high neck design looks perfect when paired with point-toe boots. Layer with a snug knit for a cosy concoction.
Buy now £225.00, ME+EM
Nobody’s Child Green Cord Peggy Mini Dress
Invest in a dress to wear until summer rears its head. A cord mini dress exudes retro nostalgia, and Nobody’s Child has conjured up the ideal rendition. Team with knee-high boots for a fun, feminine ensemble - and don’t forget some chunky tights.
Buy now £69.00, Nobody’s Child
Maje Asymmetrical Flannel Dress
High fashion meets the Highlands in Maje’s cool-girl piece. A classic long sleeve is fastened to a trompe-l’œil skirt in flannel tartan with a gold buckled belt.
Buy now £209.30, Maje
Batsheva May Ruffled Velvet Midi Dress
Gothic glamour is fully embraced by Batsheva. The brand is known for its romantic designs, and the May ruffled dress follows suit.
Buy now £300.00, Net-A-Porter
Free People Tupelo Honey Maxi Dress
As long as you don’t spill your wine, this timeless dress is a snug, sophisticated choice for any occasion.
Buy now £158.00, Free People
Eliza Faulkner Tessa Dress
Make no mistake, Eliza Faulker’s Tess dress is not to be missed. The beautiful tartan piece is an extravagant add-to-bag moment. The striking plaid fabrication, basque-shaped corset and velvet bow-tie detailing ooze punkish attire with a hint of luxury.
Buy now £428.00, Free People
Kitri Valentina Burgundy Velvet Mini Dress
Edwardian chic was on the sartorial menu for Kitri when the team designed the Valentina dress. Long, fluted puff sleeves lead the eye up to the main attraction - a romantic neck tie complete with an open chest panel to sculpt the figure.
Buy now £165.00, Kitri
Warehouse Premium Metallic Faux Leather Dress
This mini dress makes a serious case for futuristic fashion. A metallic sheen made from vegan leather offers a sculptural evening look.
Buy now £41.30, Warehouse
