Christmas morning has a certain softness to it. Maybe it is the quiet before everyone wakes up or the first cup of coffee when the house is still in a half glow of tree lights. Whatever your version looks like, I always find that choosing what to wear matters more than we think. The right look sets the tone for the whole day. This is where elegant Christmas day outfits come in. Not fussy, not glitter everywhere, just simple things that make you feel put together without trying too hard.
Over the years I have figured out that Christmas outfits fall into two camps. The first is the cozy version. Soft knits, warm textures, a little bit of shine through jewelry. The second is the dressed up version for families who like a sit down lunch or a more polished afternoon. Both can be elegant if you build them in the right way.
These are the outfits that usually end up being my go to for Christmas. Easy, comfortable, and still a little
1. Cream Knit Sweater + Tailored Trousers + Pearl Studs
Some days I do not bother overthinking it. I grab a cream knit and trousers and call it done. It just works. The color is gentle and looks a little dressy on its own. Any neutral trousers will work.
Pearl studs add a tiny bit of polish. With flats or boots, the look comes together fast. It is my go to when I want to look like I put in effort but I really did not.
2. Midi Sweater Dress + Belt + Long Coat
A sweater dress is one of the easiest elegant Christmas day outfits. It shapes the body without being tight. Choose a simple ribbed knit in brown, black, or forest green. A slim belt adds definition. A long coat on top creates that classic winter silhouette.
Tall boots are perfect with it, and pointed flats look good too. I would keep the jewelry minimal because the outfit already looks complete.
3. Silk Blouse + Straight Leg Pants + Minimal Gold Jewelry
A silk blouse always feels right on Christmas when things are a bit more dressed up. It has that soft shine that makes the outfit look nicer without trying. Straight leg trousers keep it relaxed but still tidy.
A tiny bit of gold is enough. A delicate bracelet or chain keeps it simple. It is a nice look for holiday meals or those quick family photos someone always ends up taking.
4. Knit Polo + Wool Skirt + Leather Knee High Boots
If you like a hint of European style, try a knit polo. It has that neat, gentle preppy look and pairs so nicely with a wool midi skirt. The mix feels warm and still looks thought out.
The boots pull the look together right away. A structured bag just gives it that neat little finish.
5. Cashmere Turtleneck + Slip Skirt + Flats
This pairing always ends up looking nice without much thought. The turtleneck gives you warmth and the slip skirt adds that smooth, pretty texture. A darker color for the skirt gives it a quiet holiday feel.
Flats make it easy to move around all day, but if you know you will be sitting more than standing, a small heel is really pretty. I reach for this combo almost every Christmas since it is comfortable and still looks nice.
If you often reach for turtlenecks in the colder months, our timeless turtleneck outfits for women has more ideas.
6. Shawl Collar Cardigan + Dark Denim + Polished Loafers
If your Christmas day is pretty relaxed, this combo is ideal. The shawl collar cardigan looks a little nicer than your everyday knit and has a cozy shape. Dark denim keeps things tidy and loafers add a quiet, classic touch.
A cotton tee works well underneath if things warm up in the house. A silk camisole makes the outfit feel slightly dressier. It is simple, comfortable, and still looks thought out.
If you want to see which jeans pair well with looks like this one, take a peek at our best old money jeans.
7. Wool Wrap Coat + All Black Base Layer
There is something simple and really chic about wearing all black and then throwing a beautiful coat over it. The black-on-black base keeps everything smooth, and the wrap coat in camel or brown adds that warm contrast that makes it feel more styled.
This outfit works especially well if you are in and out of different homes. The coat carries the whole look, so you stay pulled together with almost no effort.
8. Velvet Top + Wide Leg Pants + Statement Earrings
Velvet always brings in a tiny bit of that holiday mood. Put a velvet top with wide trousers and the outfit falls nicely and feels very soft. If the top is already detailed, stick to small earrings. If it is simple, add a pair of gentle drop earrings to balance it.
This outfit looks dressy without being overdone and works beautifully for Christmas evening gatherings.
9. Ribbed Knit Set + Shearling Slides + Gold Hoops
For a slow Christmas, maybe the kind where you mostly lounge, open gifts, snack, and repeat, a knit set is perfect. It still looks coordinated and elegant. The matching pieces give a cleaner look than regular loungewear.
Go with shearling slides if you want it extra cozy, or simple flats if you prefer something cleaner. Gold hoops add a little warmth. Even the smallest detail can lift a comfy outfit.
10. Classic Button Down + Cashmere Vest + Wool Trousers
I usually pick this when I need something easy that still looks okay. A button down under a soft vest just looks right in winter. There is something about the mix of crisp fabric and warm knit that feels calm and clean. Nothing fancy, just simple pieces doing their job.
This is what I reach for when I want to look nice without going full dressy. Loafers keep it easy. This is one of those looks that works for a Christmas meal or just hanging out with family. You can curl up on the sofa or move around the house and nothing feels tight. It has that grown up ease to it.
11. Soft Cardigan Set + Midi Skirt + Delicate Necklace
A cardigan set has such a sweet, familiar feel to it. It is the kind of thing you could easily find in your sister’s or your mom’s closet. Choose a soft neutral and wear it with a midi skirt and the whole outfit instantly looks put together without any effort.
A delicate necklace adds just enough glow. Ballet flats or a low heel keep things soft. This is an outfit for days when you want to look nice without trying hard. It falls into place naturally.
How To Add A Quietly Festive Touch
You do not have to dress up a lot for it to feel holiday ready. Little touches make a big difference.
You can add the tiniest bit of shine and the outfit shifts. Gold hoops, a thin bracelet, maybe a soft satin bow. Whatever feels natural. And the texture matters too. Something like cashmere or velvet or silk or wool makes everything feel warmer and a little seasonal.
And color. Deep greens, burgundy, navy, cream, soft gold. They always photograph beautifully and just feel right in December.
You do not need much. The whole point is to feel comfortable and warm and still a little polished.
Final Thoughts
Elegant Christmas day outfits are usually built from things you already have. Your favorite knit. Trousers that sit right on the waist. Boots you can actually walk in all day. A coat that instantly makes the whole outfit look better. Those pieces never fail you.
And once you find a combination you like, you will probably wear it again next year. That is the nice thing about simple outfits. They do not age. They just work. Christmas is already a full day, so your clothes should make things easier, not harder. A little texture, a little polish, and you are good.
