What to wear at Christmas
Wear something warm and a little festive: a good knit, wool trousers or a midi skirt, and polished closed shoes. For a family dinner, dress one step smarter than usual; for a quiet day at home, comfortable knitwear is enough.
Two outfits that work
Burgundy knit, green midi skirt
- burgundy knit
- forest green midi skirt
- black ankle boots
- brown small bag
Deep red and green are classic for the season, and a knit with a midi skirt is warm, easy to sit in and smart enough for dinner.
Navy jumper, shirt and wool trousers
- navy fine-knit jumper
- white collared shirt
- grey wool trousers
- brown leather shoes
A fine-knit jumper over a collared shirt looks put together at a family table and still feels comfortable after a big meal.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | Rare in Central Europe, but possible in the southern hemisphere: a light dress or linen shirt and sandals. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | A mid-weight knit, wool trousers or a skirt, and closed shoes, with a light coat for walking between homes. |
| ColdBelow 10° | A warm coat, thick tights or thermal socks, and boots with grip for icy pavements. |
Do and don’t
- Dress a step smarter for dinner with family or in-laws
- Choose warm layers you can remove in a heated room
- Wear comfortable waistbands, since the meal is usually long
- Keep colours rich: red, green, navy, cream
- Wear a novelty jumper to a formal dinner unless the host does
- Choose thin shoes for icy streets
- Wear anything you would be nervous to spill on
- Assume the dress code is the same in every family
Check the night before
- Iron the shirt or dress the night before
- Check the forecast for the walk between homes
- Put out shoes that are clean and comfortable for a long evening
- Pack a small bag with gifts and a hostess present if needed
- Have a warm layer ready in case the church or home is cool
Questions people ask
What should I wear to Christmas dinner?
Smart and comfortable: a knit with a skirt or trousers, or a shirt and jumper. Choose what you can sit in for hours.
Is it OK to wear a Christmas jumper?
For a casual family day or a fun party, yes. For a formal dinner, a plain knit in a rich colour is safer.
What colours should I wear at Christmas?
Red, green, navy, cream and gold are traditional, but there is no rule. Choose a colour you feel good in.
What should I wear to church on Christmas Day?
Smart, calm clothes with covered shoulders and a warm coat. See the Christmas Eve service page for more detail.
Pick Christmas in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
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