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This year we’re making up for lost time after what feels like a million months of lockdowns and restrictions due to Covid-19. Back are the Christmas markets, festive work dos and New Year’s Eve parties — and we are 100% here for it!
Whether you’ve got a packed seasonal calendar ahead or need assistance with that dress for Christmas Day, it’s understandable that the desire to nail the festive outfit is high for 2021 in particular. (Zero loungewear in sight, please.)
That said, here are the best Christmas outfits that require very little effort to throw together but still adhere to the latest trends and will attract compliments.
1. Christmas Jumper, Skater Skirt and Patterned Tights
Firstly, who says tradition has to be boring? Pair a super cute Christmas jumper like this little pudding number from New Look (*) with a plain black skater skirt and patterned tights for a refreshing twist on the classic Christmas Day outfit.
Speaking of patterned tights, they are definitely having a moment this season — and we’re glad because it’s freezing! Think polka dots, faux pearls and diamantes that will bougie up even the most casual outfit.
Thank you, ASOS (*), you got the memo.
2. Bold Sequin Dress and Strappy Heeled Sandals
Want to catch someone’s eye at the work do? Show them you mean business this holiday season with this prominent animal print and sequin combo (*) from River Island. The bow-tie waist detail will accentuate your figure and the asymmetric neckline offers a more appropriate cut for hanging out with your colleagues.
If you’re a “go big or go home” kinda gal, this look was made for you. We’ve spent long enough stuck in the house; it’s time to steal the spotlight again. Right?
Team this snappy piece with some black strappy heeled sandals (*) and keep everything else understated to let the dress truly do the talking.
3. Blazer Dress and Colour-Block Heels
Blazer dresses are the ideal way to keep warm while looking cool during the festive season — and this Unique 21 mini (*) is no exception. In an icy blue shade, you can team it with contrast block-colour heels (*) for maximum impact when you step out this Christmas.
The mid-height heel of this shoe ensures you can dance the night away on your Boxing Day night out, without having to limp off before the mistletoe makes its appearance.
This look is perfect for those who prefer to keep a lighter colour palette running through their wardrobe all year round. After all, whoever said that Christmas outfits have to stick to just reds and greens?
4. Velvet Dress and Heeled Knee-High Boots
If you prefer to add a touch of vamp to your Christmas attire, plush velvets in deep jewels or monotones are the perfect combo.
These details are perfect for taking your outfit from day to night. All you have to do is remove opaque tights when you’re ready to hit the town, add heels and style your hair with tousled waves.
This & Other Stories number (*) is embellished with adorable glitzy floral buttons and puff sleeves, so does it get any more festive than that? We’re opting for knee-high boots (*) with the sultry mini-length skirt so we can show off our pins in style.
5. Gilet, Jumper and Leggings
After all the celebrating (and munching on mince pies), it’s always nice to get out for a crisp Boxing Day walk. Wrapping up with cosy layers is a must, especially if we’re lucky enough to have a ‘white Christmas’. In other words, this gilet, jumper and leggings combo a must-have for your seasonal wardrobe.
Note that if you opt for timeless pieces that nod to Christmas but aren’t too overtly festively-themed, these items will adhere to AW21 fashion trends and see you through to the new year.
We’re obsessed with all-neutral ensembles, especially if it contains a long-line padded gilet (*), basic leggings and a fun fair isle jumper (*) to add a playful element. In fact, do you think that anyone would notice if we just wore this all weekend?
6. Satin Dress and Statement Earrings
Is there any simpler way to evoke sophistication at Christmas than a satin wrap dress? Brilliant for hiding a multitude of sins after several rounds of the Boxing Day buffet, its hip-gliding cut is comfortable yet subtly alluring.
Whether paired with a faux fur coat and chunky boots for an elevated take on ‘visiting the fam’ or accentuated with a waist-cinching belt for added drama, we’re packing light with this versatile addition.
We’ll have one in every colour, please — starting with these slinky Zara and ISAWITFIRST (*) numbers.
For an extra injection of yuletide glam, slip on some statement earrings to finish the look off with the pizzazz that only Christmas allows for. For instance, these rhinestone beauties are going straight into our basket. Or how about these stunning Pandora sparkle hoops (*)? (Cue the heart-eyed emoji.)
Keep makeup to a minimum for off-duty model chic, or lean into the cheer with a red lip and gold shadow as per AW21 beauty trends.
7. Smock Dress and Chunky Boots
Want to nod to Christmas without buying something you may not be able to style for the rest of the season? The best Christmas outfits are the ones that we can reuse and dress up or down for several occasions.
For example, pair this check-detail smock dress (*) with riding boots and long socks for a casual ensemble, or dial it up with platform heels and an updo.
In terms of hair, keep it sleek with a slicked-back high ponytail or curl the front tendrils for a complementary aesthetic.
ASOS have nailed it by teaming this hero piece with these bold grey leather knee-high boots (*) for stomping your way into 2022.
Best Christmas Outfits for 2021: Less Tree-Toppers, More Show-Stoppers
Whatever sartorial vibe you’re feeling this festive season, there’s a wealth of new and old styles to get stuck into. Truth be told, we’re so excited at the prospect of getting dressed up for more than just the sofa and Netflix this year.
(Fingers crossed that nothing changes in the next few weeks!)
Would you agree that these are the best Christmas outfits? What’s on your radar this holiday season? Drop us a comment below.
Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded Trendy Tourist. Since 2017, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.
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