Outfit formulas to suit all style personalities this festive season
In case you missed it – it’s December! If the panic of shopping for your entire extended family hasn’t sent you into a spin yet, then thinking about what to wear on Christmas Day might be the straw that breaks the Wise Man’s camel’s back… So to save you from feeling too frantic this festive season, we’ve got a few ideas to help make getting dressed on the 25th a bit more stress free.
The thing about a Kiwi Christmas is that one minute you might be navigating a backyard BBQ and the next you find yourself being dragged down to the beach with a bucket and spade, so getting the balance right between dressed up and casual is key. With these clever styling tricks, you can build an outfit for any scenario, without sacrificing ease, personality or the ability to eat a third helping of pav.
Colour is always appropriate
If there’s ever a day to lean into colour, it’s Christmas. Even if you’re not usually a bold dresser, adding a hit of cherry red, emerald, cobalt, citrus or bubblegum pink instantly brings festive energy without tipping into novelty territory. A bright cotton poplin dress, a printed shirt tucked into shorts, or even a colourful jewellery stack can be enough to lift the whole mood, yours included.
The secret is choosing shades that feel good on you. If traditional red and green aren’t your vibe, go for fresh summer tones like watermelon, tangerine, butter yellow, or sky blue. Colour blocking also works brilliantly in the heat, like an oversized shirt in one hue and easy elasticated shorts in another. It’s intentional styling that oozes ease (and lets you breathe).
SHOP THE LOOKS
Karen Walker Theia Smocked Mini Dress, $445
Buttermilk Accessories Rebekah Claw Clip, $42
Don’t do colour? Do texture instead
For those who lean towards neutrals, Christmas dressing doesn’t have to mean abandoning your minimalist preferences. Instead of colour, focus on texture. Linen, crochet, broderie anglaise, soft pleats, silk, seersucker, and open-weave knits create visual interest without adding weight or warmth.
A cream crochet tank with tailored shorts, a slouchy silk set, or a more structured dress is just as celebratory as something brightly coloured, but in a quieter way. Metallic accessories pair beautifully with neutrals and create a subtle contrast, like a gold or silver sandal, a raffia clutch, or a glossy hair clip instantly feels more occasional, without you leaving your comfort zone.
SHOP THE LOOKS
Caitlin Crisp Celine Dress, $425
Mineral Ninette Lace Boxy Blouse, $99
La Tribe Gia Beaded Tote, $169
Add sparkle to a casual ’fit
If your Christmas Day looks more like sand between your toes than a sit-down meal, you can still dial up the festivity without overdressing. A casual outfit made up of denim shorts and a tank, a simple slip dress, or even wide-leg trousers and a tee becomes instantly elevated with the right dose of sparkle.
Think embellished sandals, a studded belt, a pair of excellent sunglasses, or some eye-catching earrings worn with an otherwise beach-level outfit. The contrast is what makes it stylish, and since sparkle reflects beautifully in the sun, you’ll catch the light in all the right ways.
SHOP THE LOOKS
Karen Walker Metropolis Crystal Smoke Sunglasses, $240
Arizona Love Trekky Sandal, $375
Jasmin Sparrow Celeste Earrings, $700
Meadowlark Magd Fiv Charm Necklace, $675
The fancy-dress-plus-casual-shoe combo always serves
This might be the ultimate Christmas Day hack. Kiwi Christmases are notoriously relaxed, and highly practical, seeing as you’re highly likely to be lounging on the grass, parked up on the deck, sitting in the sand or possibly participating in a spot of backyard cricket. That being said, heels rarely survive the day.
The trick is to pair something traditionally “dressy” like a silky slip, a ruffled mini, a garden-party-ready maxi dress with a casual shoe. Flat sandals, chunky slides, Birkenstocks, or colourful sneakers ground the outfit and make it wearable from breakfast through to the evening leftovers raid. The juxtaposition reads modern, effortless, and ready for anything.
SHOP THE LOOKS
Birkenstock Arizona Eva in Coral Peach, $120
Collective Canvas Veld Hemp Sneakers, $179
Twenty-seven Names Second Coming Dress, $650
Juliette Hogan Katy Dress, $399
At the end of the day, make comfort the starting point
With temperatures often creeping towards the high twenties, comfort is not optional. If you look for breathable fabrics, loose silhouettes, elasticated waistbands, and soft textures that feel good against the skin you’ll be set. The best Christmas outfit is one you don’t have to think about again after you’ve put it on.
Prioritise pieces you can move in: maxi skirts that swish, shirt dresses that breathe, sets that look polished but feel like pyjamas, and swimwear under clothing if there’s a beach stop on the agenda. A great hat and sunglasses that reflect your personality round everything out.
Meri Kirihimete x
