Christmas lunch in Australia is a funny little balancing act. You want to feel festive, but it’s also summer, which usually means sunshine, long afternoons outside and the kind of heat that makes anything too structured feel like a bad idea. The best Christmas lunch outfits are the ones that feel special without forgetting where we actually are.
And I don’t think Christmas dressing needs to mean red, green or sequins either. We get two celebrations at once here: Christmas and summer. You may as well dress for both.
If you're still figuring out what works best once the weather heats up, our guide to Australian summer style has a few more ideas for dressing comfortably without losing that polished feel.
Christmas Lunch Outfits Don’t Need Christmas Colours
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with traditional festive colours, but they aren’t the only option.
Soft butter yellow, navy, paisley prints and relaxed summer shades can feel every bit as celebratory when the outfit itself has a little movement or personality. Something like the Mrs Dellacorte Butter Short Dress gives you colour without looking themed, which is handy if you want something you’ll happily wear again in January.
The Mrs Dellacorte Navy Long Dress takes things in the opposite direction. Navy feels classic, but on a long summer silhouette it still looks relaxed enough for lunch.
That’s really the goal. Festive, but not costume-y.
Keep the Shape Loose When the Day Is Hot
Australian Christmas lunches have a habit of lasting much longer than planned. There’s lunch, dessert, another drink, someone suggesting coffee, and suddenly it’s late afternoon.
A dress that gives you some room is very welcome by then.
The Gwyneth Paisley Long Sleeve Maxi Dress is a nice example of how a longer style can still feel easy. The paisley gives you enough interest that you don’t need to pile on accessories, while the flowing shape suits those slower, drawn-out lunches.
If a longer silhouette is usually your thing, we’ve also put together some long flowy dress ideas with more tips on fabrics, shapes and prints that work well through an Australian summer.
If you prefer a shorter look, something loose through the body can work just as well. Comfort does not have to mean looking casual.
Sets Are Brilliant for Christmas Lunch
A matching set is one of those things that looks as though you’ve made an effort even when getting dressed took almost no time.
The Liss Short Shirt Set works particularly well for Christmas lunch outfits because separates give you options. Wear the pieces together for a coordinated look, then split them up later with things already in your wardrobe.
Sets also suit a more relaxed Christmas. Think backyard lunch, seafood outside, bare feet by late afternoon. Very Australian.
And if dresses or matching sets aren’t quite your thing, a relaxed pair of trousers can work beautifully too. Our guide to vacation pants for summer getaways has plenty of inspiration for linen, cotton and printed pants that still feel light enough for warm-weather plans.
Think About Where Lunch Is Happening
What works at a restaurant might feel a bit much for lunch on the verandah, so it helps to think about the setting before choosing the outfit.
For something dressier, the Mrs Dellacorte Butter Long Dress gives you that sense of occasion without relying on traditional Christmas colours.
For a more relaxed gathering, the Michelle Dress is the sort of piece I’d look towards when the day calls for something uncomplicated.
A few things worth keeping in mind:
- choose shoes you can actually stay in for a few hours
- keep accessories light if the dress already has a print
- look for shapes that let you sit comfortably through lunch
- bring a light layer if the celebration continues into the evening
Nothing groundbreaking. Just the things you’ll be glad you thought about beforehand.
Dress for Christmas, but Dress for Summer Too
The nicest Christmas lunch outfits don’t necessarily look obviously Christmassy.
They simply feel right for the day.
Maybe that’s paisley and sandals. Maybe it’s butter yellow. Maybe it’s a navy maxi, relaxed trousers or a matching short set. The Australian summer gives us permission to have a little more fun with it.
Choose something cool enough for the weather, comfortable enough for a long lunch and lovely enough that you feel good when the photos inevitably start.
That’s usually more than enough.
Love,
Megs xx
