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Christmas is the perfect time to have fun with fashion — whether cosy, chic, or sparkling.
In many Nigerian households, Christmas morning is almost always accompanied by a celebration. Even if there isn’t a formal gift-opening moment with presents laid neatly under a tree, or a full-blown party, one thing is certain: There will be lots of food. Family members travel from far and wide, gathering to eat, catch up, and celebrate the joy of the season together — which, in its own way, makes it a party.
The challenge then becomes this: How do you dress for the occasion without looking like you’ve just rolled out of bed and wandered from your room to the dining table? In other cases, Christmas Day celebrations often happen outside the house, with lunches, visits, or full-blown parties planned. Either way, you still want to look put-together and feel good.
That’s where a more thoughtful approach to dressing comes in. We’ve curated a styling guide to help you figure out what to wear to Christmas parties — without the last-minute rush. Think styling tricks, unexpected combinations, modern silhouettes, and subtle festive touches that feel intentional, effortless, and still very you.
Family lunch or daytime gatherings
An elegant white dress
Pretty lady in a beautiful white dress via Pinterest (original creator unknown). If this is your work, please contact us for proper credit. You just can’t go wrong with a white dress. It exudes luxury and calmness, perfectly capturing the holiday vibe. It pairs beautifully with cosy layers like a tailored coat, knit cardigan, or even a soft shawl to keep warm. Add gold or red accessories to give it that subtle sparkle.
Denim
Mrs Ash in denim via @queendarerah on Instagram Denim works surprisingly well for Christmas. All you need to do is layer properly to stay warm. To bring in that December feel, add red accents like red heels, ballet flats, or a mini bag. It’s an easy, stylish option for hosting at home or heading out for a casual Christmas brunch.
Wool jumper
Beautiful girl in a red wool sweater via Pinterest (original creator unknown). If this is your work, please contact us for proper credit. With the harmattan chill in full effect, dressing light isn’t an option. This is where your trusty jumper comes in. For a more fashionable take, opt for a knit or wool jumper that feels cosy yet elevated. Pair it with a satin skirt for an elegant contrast that looks coordinated without trying too hard.
Evening or night parties
Velvet
Siren Racerback Smoke Velvet Dress – Cherry via kaicollective.com Velvet is a Christmas classic, but the key is avoiding overly Santa-esque vibes. Try colours other than red, or if you do choose red, balance it out with neutral tones like black or white. This keeps the look suitable yet chic, rather than costume-like.
Sequins
Big Sequin Mini Dress Silve via s-blackfriday.com Nothing says celebration quite like sequins. They’re a great choice for Christmas when a little extra sparkle feels right on theme. You can also pair it with simple, neutral items like a crisp white shirt, a black blazer, or minimal accessories. If you opt for a top-and-bottom set or a statement dress, this is an effortless way to elevate your look for Christmas parties, dinners, or evening celebrations — all while staying perfectly on theme.
Little black dress
Little black dress via @brenna_anastasia on Instagram A little black dress is a timeless choice for Christmas — sophisticated, effortless, and always in style. For a festive twist, layer it with a cosy blazer, a faux fur jacket, or statement boots. Add a pop of colour with red heels, a bold bag, or shiny accessories to give it that holiday edge. Perfect for evening parties, dinners, or even casual Christmas gatherings.
House party / hangout with friends
Christmas pyjamas
Christmas PJ set via @eilinnova_ on Instagram In Nigeria, we don’t typically have the tradition of ugly cardigans or matching pyjamas on Christmas morning. If you’re in the mood to try something different this year, this could be a fun route to take, especially for a staycation with friends. Go all out by adding festive accessories like reindeer antlers or Santa hats for the full holiday effect.
Jumpsuit
Halle Bailey in a white jumpsuit via @hallebaileyfanpage on Instagram A jumpsuit is the perfect blend of style and comfort, making it a great choice for Christmas celebrations. It’s sophisticated enough for family gatherings, yet relaxed enough to enjoy a day with friends without fuss. Pair it with bold accessories, a statement belt, or a flash of red shoes to elevate the look.
Casual co-ords or chic loungewear
Co-ord 2 piece set via @diana_eneje on Instagram You don’t really want to look too overdressed for a house party, and you want to go as comfortably as possible. For relaxed celebrations, casual co-ords or chic loungewear are the ultimate go-to. Add subtle accessories to bring the whole ensemble to life, keeping it stylish but comfy for an easygoing vibe with friends.
Afrocentric pieces
Judy batik set in purple via zephansandco.com Nothing says Christmas in Nigeria quite like well-tailored traditional outfits. Whether it’s Aso Oke, Ankara, or other fabrics, these pieces celebrate the season while keeping you stylish and on theme.
Beach or outdoor parties
Bikini
Taliyah in a stunning beach look via @taliyah.joelle on Instagram For beach or poolside Christmas celebrations, a bikini is your festive statement piece. Choose vibrant colours, earthy accessories like waist beads, seashells, or subtle metallics to capture the holiday spirit while staying sun-ready. Pair with a wide-brimmed hat and comfy sandals to balance style and comfort, making your Christmas by the water both fun and effortless.
Beach dress
Tamara in a beach dress via @ tamara_ldn For Christmas by the water, a breezy beach/sun dress is the perfect choice. Lightweight, comfortable and stylish, it lets you enjoy the sun and sand while still feeling the Christmas vibe. Opt for bright colours, playful prints, or subtle holiday-inspired accents, and pair them with chic sandals, a sunhat, or minimal accessories to complete your beach holiday.
Accessories
Christmas accessories via Pinterest (original creator unknown). If this is your work, please contact us for proper credit. Accessories are the finishing touch that can transform any Christmas outfit from simple to standout. Keep the Christmas spirit in your look with a hint of red or green in your accessories — whether it’s statement earrings, a bold necklace, festive hairpieces, or a pop of colour on your shoes and bag. They let you express your personality, elevate your look, and add a little sparkle or charm to every gathering. In short, the right accessory would help you to celebrate with style.
Dress well for the moments that matter
Christmas is a season of togetherness, warmth, and celebration, and what we wear can quietly honour the moment. Dressing with intention becomes a way of showing up fully, for the people around us and for the joy of the day itself. So choose an outfit that makes you feel your best, step into family and celebration, and allow yourself to bask in the beauty and meaning of the season.
Read more: The 10 holiday romance movies I’ll be watching this December
React to this post!The post Not sure what to wear for a Christmas party — this is your go-to guide to rock your holiday celebration looks appeared first on Marie Claire Nigeria.
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