Christmas Day outfit ideas: from Bacofoil skirts to novelty knits

For me, the run-up to Christmas wouldn’t be the run-up to Christmas without a two-day prosecco hangover, endured at my desk, and the opportunity to wax lyrical in this newspaper about what to wear on the big day.

It’s a pastime that has neither tired or lost its sparkle as the years roll by — I wish the same could be said for my skin. The standard practice is as follows. I tell you what I’d wear if I were off to Claridge’s for Christmas lunch before caveating the information with the fact that the farm on which my mother was raised — somewhere between Perthshire and the end of the Earth — is our festive family destination of choice.Musings on the best festive knit to wear with wellies follow.

But this year a new chapter begins. Following a group decision to swap our annual adventure to the motherland for a Portuguese odyssey, I’m gearing up for my first hotel Christmas. It’s a prospect that delights (no washing up or bed-making) and terrifies (what if Santa doesn’t get the memo?). Certainly, it offers a whole host of new festive dressing opportunities and the chance to create a Christmas Day outfit that doesn’t require thermal layering and sub-zero capabilities.

Of course, much like what hour you choose to sit down for your turkey and the order in which presents are opened (stocking first, always), Christmas Day dressing and the methodology you approach it with varies from person to person and from family to family.

Some of us are all-day PJ wearers, others go full razzle-dazzle in sequins. Undoubtedly, what we all agree on is that by the end of a long month of parties, wrapping and low-level anxiety, it’s the need to make a decision about said outfit that can be too much to bare.

Too tired to make a decision? Here are four festive failsafes to see you though, whatever your destination.

The cocktail knit

When does a novelty jumper become a cocktail knit? When you team it with something shiny and shove a heel on, of course. Revive your Santa sweater for Christmas dinner by layering it with red lips and a jolly heel.

The jumpsuit

If your Christmas Day activities include anything remotely laborious, this is your failsafe. Add seasonally appropriate earrings — the blingier the better.

The quiz show jacket

If you’ve got to be in it to win on Christmas Day, dressing in a jacket emblazoned with sequins or boasting a floral motif is the ultimate way to succeed. Team yours with jeans and a T-shirt.

The foil skirt

Nothing says it’s Christmas like a Bacofoil skirt. Bypass the bird in the oven and wrap yourself up.