Paint the town red

Call it cliché, but there’s something inherently festive about wearing red on Christmas Day. This print in particular, with its flecks of black and white, gives you an abundance of flexibility when it comes to pairing with accessories and shoes. And hey, that’s one less decision to make before your morning mimosa.

“The worst mistake people make is misjudging a situation and turning up either too overdressed or very under-dressed,” says Teneille.

Self-Portrait dress $441; Zoe & Morgan Rising Sun earrings $575; ZARA satin court heels $78; Tom Ford Lips & Boys lip colour $58

White Christmas

Your complexion will be treated to a healthy glow thanks to crisp white – for an added boost of radiance, pair with hints of rose gold. Mind the cranberry sauce, however!

Zimmermann dress $1,650; Topshop heeled boots $76; Gucci sunglasses $885; Daniel Wellington watch $250; Mooi clutch $ 110

Here comes the bloom

Relish in the season by allowing a bold floral print to take the lead. Use your accessories to dress the style up or down. From courtyard to croquet, this style is equally chic with heels or white trainers depending on where the day takes you.

OSCAR DE LA RENTA silk-blend midi dress $3,638; Gucci sunglasses $609; Zoe and Morgan earrings $339; Mi Piaci Sicily dress court $240

Polka face

Erratic placement, experimentation in scale and colour combinations have seen the humble polka dot soar to new heights of sophistication. We’ve paired this floaty Topshop skirt with a precious sequinned Christopher Kane cami to bring the otherwise Derby Day style into festive relevance. Heck, you can even leave it on for the Boxing Day races and your NYE party.

“The festive season is a great time to wear something more adventurous than what your usual style calls for,” says Teneille.

Topshop shadow spot skirt $69; Christopher Kane top $2,022; Dylan Kain clutch $239; Nude heels $170; Topshop fedora $55

Green light

If wearing red on Christmas Day isn’t your bag, channel the next best thing – green. This flattering dress by Ginger/Smart boasts a fit and flare flounce once on, making that waist—that you’ll be filling to the brim with Christmas ham no doubt—look slim and nipped in. Handy, right? If having your arms out isn’t an option, try wearing a mesh top underneath as an edgy alternative.

Ginger / Smart  dress $659; Dorothee Schumacher mesh top $579; Mi Piaci heels $250; Ray-Ban sunglasses $279; Annie Bing shoulder bag $459

Mad for monochrome

True to Kiwi fashion, some of us just can’t seem to shake black and white – even on Christmas Day. We recommend sticking to straight, clean lines to keep it formal and look to subtle embellishments—be it through jewellery, accessories or shoes—to add a festive sparkle.

Stella McCartney Amanda Cady top $568; ALTUZARRA  striped flared pants $896; SENSO boots $302; Dylan Kain Lamour Fou silk scarf $129; Fendi Momento Watch $1,560

Silver belle

Shine bright like a diamond this Christmas in this sequinned number by Alexa Chung. Add some edge with Karen Walker’s distinctive frames and a large cocktail ring. When wearing sequins of any form, seasoned veterans will know sleeves are a must to avoid any harsh friction to the underside of arms. This is a dress you will make occasions for in decades to come.

ALEXACHUNG dress $2,499; Topshop kitten heels $49; Witchery ring $45 ; Karen Walker sunglasses $349; RMS Beauty eye polish $43; Coast purse $85

Rock chic

Whether you’re keeping it casual this year, or bound for a relaxed BBQ on the deck with friends, this outfit will be a hit. The t-shirt literally translates to ‘thank you, my darling’, your shoes look like gifts with their ribbons wrapped around the ankles and there’s love hearts printed on the skirt. If that doesn’t express the meaning of Christmas—help, nothing does.

“Being comfortable in what you’re wearing is always the safest bet to avoid a fashion faux pas,” says Teneille.

Ksubi super fink oversized jacket $299; Topshop T-shirt $31; Gucci mini skirt $1,970; Elizabeth and James sunglasses $275; Seed Heritage heels $220; F + H earrings $199

Tinsel town

If you like to indulge in colour-blocking during the silly season,  you’ll take comfort in throwing all of the rules out the window. Go big or go home is the theme here, mixing textures, colours and prints. The almost off-the-shoulder style top from Etro keeps you light and breezy, while the heavier metallic Missoni skirt option will ensure no rogue winds will catch you off guard.

“Brighter colours and prints are perfect for summer and a great chance to show some personality in your wardrobe choices,” says Teneille.

Missoni skirt $1,088; Etro top $422; Dolce and Gabanna sunglasses  $POA; Topshop wedges $95 and Seed Heritage bag $109

Regatta starter

A beautiful maxi dress is the easiest way to feel feminine, keep you breezy and cool, and disguise sinful quantities of Christmas Day indulging. There’s something regal about channelling regatta vibes. Understated, simple to execute and endlessly chic. Too easy!

Shona Joy maxi dress $489; Country Road boater $89.90; Seed Heritage mule $189.90; Chloe handbag $2,554; IIUVO Fonteyn EDP $279

Holiday blues

Worn alone or under a lavish layer, this jumpsuit will be a star piece in your wardrobe. Offering plenty of versatility, dress it up as seen with these Zara slingbacks and Ruby earrings, or dress down with trainers and either layer over a white t-shirt or tie a shirt around your waist. Own the blues this holiday season.

Paloma Blue jumpsuit $841; J.W Anderson bag $3,211; Zara sling-back heels $138; Ruby earrings $49; Topshop mesh layer $65

Holly, jolly, slumber

Lounging in luxury on Christmas morning with a glass of champagne in one hand and your loved one in the other is an oasis of unparalleled proportions. If you’re planning a stay-cation with your significant other or simply went too hard at the Christmas Eve party, silk, satin, cotton and bubbles will be a gift in themselves. Need we say more?

Country Road wrap shirt $159; Fleur Du Mal pajama bottoms $367; Topshop mesh body $69; Slip sleep eye mask $66; Gift Boutique flute glass $30; Five Star Slippers summer slides $139; Ka Fines moon studs $89