CHRISTMAS DAY OUTFITS WHEN YOU DON’T WEAR DRESSES.

Do you have a Christmas Day tradition of wearing a new dress? I don’t think I’ve met anyone who doesn’t. There’s something about frocking up in a new swishy dress isn’t there?

I guess the tradition of wearing a new outfit on Christmas Day was once a mark of respect but I’m pretty sure these days it’s also because you want to make the sister in law jealous, or maybe it’s just a pretty present to yourself.

Of course not everyone wears or feels comfortable in a dress and if that’s you then don’t fear, there’s a special outfit out there with your name on it too. I’ve put together some outfit ideas for the Christmas day celebrations and they’re not all dresses! There’s lots of links (click the highlighted text) and some ‘inspiration’ pics to guide you,

KAFTAN
I love a kaftan, one day I might own a Camilla kaftan but until then there’s loads of options out there and priced to suit everyone’s budget. Personally I’m a fan of a shorter kaftan because it gives me options.

I like my legs so showing them off works for me. Just add a layering slip under your kaftan, add some bling and ‘comfy’ wedges or sandals and you’re good to go. I also love to team a shorter kaftan with pants or over shorts with the front corner tucked, you can also try one over a long tube dress or with a tube skirt. See…options!

Of course if a longer kaftan is for you the same rules apply, a layering slip will smooth you, give you a silhouette and protect your modesty. Just remember to add your own ‘twist’, perhaps add a low slung belt, knot the hem, tuck the hem and accessorise like you’re an extra in a Bollywood film ?

SHORTS.
Uhuh, you can totally wear shorts on Christmas Day, especially if the mercury is rising. Dress up your ‘shorts style’ with some pretty sandals or on trend espadrilles. Add an off the shoulder top or a button through shirt for a more polished look.

Keep your short length respectable, there ain’t nothing nice about tucking into your turkey and seeing a family member in ‘too short’ shorts bend over and suddenly your appetite is lost. You know what I’m sayin!

The trick to feeling ‘polished’ in shorts is to steer clear of tees, thongs and grubby sneakers. Add a classic belt, statement jewellery, a cape/blazer and finish with a beautiful oversized tote…oh and if you need it, a spray tan.

PANTS.
Long pants can take you from day to night and if you’re active or just not a fan of a skirt then they could be the perfect option for you. If you’ve got little ones then try a jogger pant, drop crotch pant  or even a jersey pant dressed up with some statement jewellery and a crisp shirt. These pants aren’t for everyone but I love the relaxed feel, I call them a ‘lifestyle’ pant.

If you prefer a dressier option then a pair of straight leg 7/8 pants can be teamed with a flat sandal, heel or wedge. Just try to find pants in colour, it’s a festive time of year so play along and ditch the black pants. ‘Summer white’ or ‘navy‘ are your best options and both can be worn relaxed or dressed up for a night out.

A SHIRTDRESS.
O.K. technically a dress but you can wear it as a shirt so it makes the list 🙂 A shirt dress is your ‘one stop shop’. It’s fun and has a relaxed feel that can be accessorised to take you from Christmas breakfast to dinner with the in laws. It’s all about switching out the shoes and accessories for a different option.

Keep your shirt dress simple and treat it like a capsule wardrobe staple, one that you can integrate time and time again to create new looks. A shirt dress also doubles as a relaxed over shirt, wear it open or button it up and team with straight leg pants and heels. See, not ‘just’ a dress.

SKIRT.
Whether you like a twirly girly skirt, maxi length or sporty jersey tube skirt we can ALL wear skirts. Add a blouse (not a tee) to dress your skirt up. If it’s warm or you require a more relaxed look (perhaps you’re wrangling small kids) then add a Cami and a ‘cape with personality’ and accessorise

Most skirts require a heel to dress them up, if heels are something that make you nervous then try a wedge or block heel. I can’t go past ‘Bared Footwear’ for a shoe with good looks and superior comfort (a little pricey though). If you really can’t do heels then add espadrilles with a pop of colour or in festive metallic.

Have you got your Christmas day outfit sorted?
What are you wearing? Is it a dress?

Til next time,

Jen x