Does Christmas Have a Dress Code? We Found Out

Does Christmas Have a Dress Code? We Found Out

The Queen of Christmas’ Stylist Reveals All.

Candace Cameron Bure, right, and Paul Greene star in Hallmark Channel’s ‘A Christmas Detour.’
Credit: Marcel Williams / Crown Media
Written by Kevin Cortez
Updated December 20, 2021

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Ah, Christmas—a holiday filled with cheer, time spent with loved ones, gift exchanges, and, if you’re anything like me, a bit of wardrobe anxiety. (Yes, even style editors can stress over what to wear for semi-formal Christmas gatherings.) Deciding on the perfect outfit can be daunting. Should you show up to Christmas dinner in jeans and a T-shirt, risking the disapproving looks from a grandparent? Or should you opt for something more formal, potentially ending up in too-stiff taffeta and uncomfortable shoes?

For many cable-watching Americans, modern holiday fashion is defined by the merry made-for-TV movies like A Christmas Contest and A Shoe Addict’s Christmas. In these films, star Candace Cameron Bure often sports cozy snow-white knit sweaters, dazzling red dresses, and classic flannels. So who better to consult about the Christmas dress code than Bure’s stylist, Erin Noël? We asked Noël to share her insights on how we should dress for the upcoming holiday season.

What Is Christmas Style?

Woman wearing a sparkly metallic dress while holding a sparkler.
Credit: Getty / CoffeeAndMilk
Metallic accessories and clothing pieces are fashionable for Christmas.

Traditionally, Christmas fashion leans towards classic pieces that evoke either a cozy or glamorous vibe—think festive holiday sweaters, flannel, shimmering accessories, and the timeless color combination of red and green. But according to Noël, Christmas 2021 brings a more relaxed approach to holiday attire.

“I think we left behind the strict Christmas dress code in the ‘90s, and now the holiday season has more of an anything-goes vibe. However, there are still some expectations, like sequins, velvet, reds, greens, and metallics, that we all gravitate towards once December rolls around.”

Noël mentions that while she styles Bure’s holiday outfits differently each year, they’re always rooted in these classic Christmas staples. The key to curating December looks, she says, is to either put a fresh spin on these timeless elements or to confidently rely on a favorite outfit that never fails.

What Should You Wear This Christmas?

Candace Cameron Bure stars in “Christmas Town,” a Hallmark film.
Credit: David Dolsen / Crown Media
In “Christmas Town,” Bure wears a maroon coat and white scarf for a subtle Christmas look.

The right outfit depends on the occasion, but Noël suggests incorporating classic holiday elements in subtle ways.

For Christmas morning, prioritize comfort—whether that means matching family Christmas pajamas or lounging in your favorite robe and slippers.

For Christmas-themed parties or social gatherings, Noël recommends dressing according to the event’s theme. Christmas plaids and cozy sweaters are ideal for activities like cookie decorating or picking out a fresh Christmas tree.

For more formal occasions like cocktail parties, Noël advises opting for elegant pieces. For those preferring a masculine look, velvet pants and suit jackets are stylish choices. Those seeking something more feminine might consider dresses with a touch of sparkle. Adding a festive twist can be as simple as incorporating matching accessories—think red pocket squares, ties, or socks for a pop of color, or sparkly earrings and sequin handbags for a bit of flair. “Anything that can give an outfit that extra festive pop.”

Not a fan of the traditional red and green? No problem. Instead of focusing on Christmas colors, Noël suggests playing with fabrics. “Switching to warm, cozy fabrics can evoke the Christmas spirit without making you feel like you’re dressed as a Christmas tree,” she says. Satin dresses in shades like navy, hot pink, purple, and burgundy are all stunning for the season, while knits—especially thick cable knits—velvet jackets, and pants offer a stylish, comfortable option.