The Five Fashion Rules You Must Follow For Christmas Day So Many Middle-aged Women Get It Wrong. This Is Exactly What To Wear, The Waistband You Want… And The Denim That Looks The Best, By Fashion Editor DINAH VAN TULLEKEN

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I’ve only just realised that I ruined last Christmas. It wasn’t dry turkey, a forgotten present, nor even a lack of festive spirit. It was my outfit.

In the late December haze that follows weeks of mulled wine, parties and viral infections, I failed to make an effort with my sartorial choice for Christmas Day. And while no host ever mentions it, I learned the hard way that there is a dress code to December 25 – and my punishment for deviation will be eternally upheld by the camera roll: every photograph from Christmas 2024 is ruined by me in tatty old knitwear and jeans.

But fear not! I’m not here to add to your already enormous festive to-do list. I’ve distilled how to dress for Christmas Day into five stylish, fail-safe rules.

You’ll thank me when the pics appear on the family WhatsApp group.

Wear a Christmas jumper, but a classy one

A festive knit is an easy option, but you want to toe that fine line between playful and parody. Step away from anything 100 per cent polyester, particularly if it involves googly eyes, battery-operated LEDs, or (shudder) a Christmas pun. This is an investment piece, one you’ll still be wearing long after the decorations are packed away, and for many years to come.

Think Fair Isle, Argyle or a classic Nordic motif. Reds and greens are OK, but go for a refined colour palette. You want a grown-up Christmas jumper that adds instant cheer.

Stay in pyjamas, but only the superior kind

Prioritising comfort was once a sartorial crime, whereas now you can actually get away with staying in your pyjamas until midday – as long as you choose them wisely. Think silk, crisp cotton or soft modal.

Simple muted colours are best, although a simple stripe works, too, but nothing gimmicky. Nights by Wilder is an independent brand that is my favourite for children’s nightwear and, joy of joys, it has just released its insanely chic designs in adult sizes.

Matching with your offspring can finally be classy (unless it’s cartoon pyjamas).

Elasticated waistbands are your friend

A well-cut, elasticated waistband is not a concession to gluttony; it’s a strategic style choice. Go for a classic tailored design that looks polished but expands generously as the afternoon progresses, like these navy wide-leg trousers from The White Company.

This is one day when comfort is not only acceptable but essential – and, thankfully, you don’t have to forfeit fashion to achieve it.

Choose comfortable footwear, but never trainers

Comfortable footwear? Absolutely. Your well-worn trainers? Definitely not.

Avoid anything with a heel and think wearable but smart – loafers, mules, a classic ballet pump or something shiny like these Jigsaw pointed shoes – are all perfectly acceptable.

So, too, are shearling slippers, which will let your guests know you have no intention of leaving the house.

Yes, you can wear jeans – just add a jazzy top

If you’re like me and rarely wear dresses, there’s no need to force yourself into a frock just because it’s Christmas. You can wear jeans on the big day but they do need to be smart.

Avoid anything too baggy, and steer clear of pale wash denim; I’d go for something flared in a dark wash – and add a jazzy top. If this Paige pair at Harvey Nichols are out of your price range, turn to trusty old Marks & Spencer.