Just like Thanksgiving, the air at Christmas dinners can be a bit tricky. You want to have the best time with family, look good in the photos, and dodge the peering questions. Well, you can have at least two of these. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your closet on Christmas Eve, wondering what to wear to look your best for the family dinner, you’re not alone, and the feeling is mutual. It’s easy to get overwhelmed over what to wear on a family dinner at Christmas, but we’re flipping the script this year. From a festive dress for winter to an ugly sweater and sweatpants set, 2024 Christmas Day can be comfier and more stylish. With just a few simple tricks and the right choices, your midi dresses can take away what may have been an awful wardrobe meltdown. Keep reading to find out!
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Outfit Ideas for Christmas Family Dinners
- Red & Green Combo:
This pair is an all-time Christmas fave since they are both the ultimate Christmas colors, so why not go all in? You can pair a red turtleneck sweater with green pants or opt for a red sweater and blue denim, then throw on a green coat. If you’re in the mood for a dress but want to keep the look subtle, go for a red bodycon dress with a green scarf or green accessories. These combinations are perfect if you want to fully get into the Christmas cheer and still keep things simple.
- Sweater Dress with Knee-High Boots
A sweater dress as a Christmas family dinner outfit is a great way to look stylish and stay comfy on the go. Chunky knits are better here, especially in a neutral tone like beige, grey, or soft white. You can pair the dress with knee-high boots to give it that chic, seasonal look. If the dress is maxi, you may want to stick with ankle boots instead. A wide waist belt will add some shape to the look.
- Plaid Shirt & Black Jeans
Plaid outfits should be your go-to if you’re looking for casual Christmas dinner outfits. A plaid shirt with a subdued check pattern is a casual yet stylish pick and the black jeans will balance the look. Alternatives here are plaid overalls for family photos, a green sweater and plaid mini skirt pair, or a red and green tartan fit and flair dress. You can always add a cozy cardigan or a jacket if the outfits don’t feel warm enough.
- Velvet Dress with Statement Earrings
Velvet has that holiday flair and a way of making Christmas feel more festive. A velvet dress in a deep jewel tone like emerald green, burgundy, or navy blue will instantly bring that Christmassy feeling into the room. It will be the perfect option if you want something more formal yet festive. And if you want to gear things up in your looks, add bold statement earrings and a delicate necklace.
- Chic Jumpsuit with Heels
If you’re looking for something modern and fashionable without the fuss of Christmas family dinner dresses, a well-tailored jumpsuit could be your best bet. Subtle holiday details such as metallic embellishments or a tie waist will be key here.
Styling Tips to Elevate Your Look at a Christmas Family Dinner
Dressing for a Christmas dinner doesn’t have to feel complicated. With simple styling tips, you can glam up your Christmas dinner outfits, making them festive and perfect for photos and relaxed family moments. After you’ve picked out your outfit, you can start by adding metallic accents. These can be gold or silver jewelry, shoes, or a belt. If your Christmas family dinner outfit for ladies already has these details, then you should opt for subtle accessories instead. Layering your dress with a festive coat or a cozy cardigan is not just about looking fashionable but a way to stay warm all through the day. Wool, faux fur, or even velvet layers are all great, depending on your outfit. Also, you don’t have to stick with just one fabric type. Feel free to play around with patterns and textures. It could be by pairing a velvet skirt with a silk blouse or mixing plaid patterns with solid colors. Pointy heels are always more elegant, but considering the weather and long hours, it’s best you stick with more comfy options like stylish flats, block heels, loafers, or ankle boots.
Common Outfit Mistakes to Avoid When Celebrating Christmas with Your Family
According to most studies, January is one of the most common times people make mistakes in a year, thanks to the overstimulation from Christmas and the previous year’s end. Celebrating Christmas with your family can be such a wholesome experience, so here are some mistakes to avoid if you don’t want to ruin the moment or the new year:
- Overdressing for the Occasion: Most families often have more relaxed Christmas dinners, and we know it can be tempting to wear your most glam outfit here. If your family’s Christmas dinner is more on the subtle side, avoid over-the-top formal attire, like mermaid gowns or super high heels, unless the occasion calls for it. Try balancing festive and comfortable in your outfits to ensure you feel at ease throughout the evening.
- Wearing Uncomfortable Shoes: There’s nothing worse than wearing shoes that pinch or give you blisters during a holiday dinner. Sometimes they are just uncalled for. Block heels, ballet flats, or ankle boots will allow you to move around with ease and are better alternatives to shoes that are too tight, too high, or just plain uncomfortable.
- Choosing Outfits that are Too Tight or Too Loose: These outfits can be uncomfortable and unflattering. Plus, they can restrict your movement or make you look disheveled. Instead, choose well-fitting Christmas dinner outfits that flatter your body shape and allow enough space for a large holiday meal!
- Forgetting the Weather: Christmas dinners will always be in winter, so don’t skip your layers in a bid to keep it cute. Always grab a cozy sweater, stylish scarf, or warm coat for extra warmth.
- Overloading on Holiday-Themed Items: Unless you’re Santa for the night, too many holiday-themed items may not look nice. A Christmas sweater, a cute pair of reindeer earrings, and a Santa hat might be a bit much for a family dinner. Instead, opt for one or two festive accessories to keep your look classy yet cheerful.
Conclusion
Looking great at your Christmas family dinner doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right outfit choices and styling tips, you can effortlessly balance comfort, festivity, and style. Whether you opt for a cozy sweater dress, a chic velvet number, or a jumpsuit, remember that simplicity and comfort are key to enjoying the evening. Avoid common outfit mistakes like overloading on holiday-themed pieces or wearing uncomfortable shoes, and focus on pieces that flatter your body and suit the occasion. If you’re still unsure where to find the perfect Christmas family dinner dresses, SunsetFashionLA has everything you need to look fabulous this holiday season. From trendy jumpsuits to elegant dresses, you’ll find stylish and comfortable styles, ensuring you feel confident and festive for your family celebration. Happy holidays and happy shopping!
