With just under a week until the Big Day, thoughts at Best Picks are turning to what we will wear on December 25.
For many of us in Australia, the day will be spent opening presents and relaxing with friends and family, eating and drinking plenty, and making the most of the (hopefully) warm weather.
But whether you’re planning a low-key seafood picnic by the beach or a fun, festive lunch at home, Christmas calls for a very specific outfit — and it requires us to put our best sartorial foot forward.
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Enter: the dress of the season.
1. Rebecca Vallance Chiara Puff Sleeve Mini Dress, $649, THE ICONIC
I first spotted the Rebecca Vallance Chiara Puff Sleeve Mini Dress ($649; THE ICONIC) on the Aussie designer Rebecca Vallance’s Instagram page — when socialite and It girl Paris Hilton wore it to Kathy Hilton’s Christmas party.
Since then, I’ve seen it everywhere (in my dreams, on my Instagram feed, IRL, I really can’t escape it).
With gorgeously kitsch puff sleeves, diamante hearts and cut-out detail on a stunning red mini dress, the Chiara Mini Dress is the ultimate outfit for making a style statement this Christmas.
I love its festive feel with the red, as well as the 80s-style sleeves and cute heart detail.
It’s not just me who is obsessing over the dress either.
After selling out in weeks online at Rebecca Vallance, the young designer who was recently named Australian Designer of the Year re-stocked the dress online and in-store.
You can currently pick it up at THE ICONIC for $649.
2. Shona Joy Camille Plunged Cross Back Midi Dress, $380, THE ICONIC
If slinky and black is more your vibe this Christmas Day, I am also lusting after this Shona Joy Camille Plunged Cross Back Midi Dress, $380, THE ICONIC.
This dress is ultra-versatile, in that you can wear it for Christmas, dinners out and weddings alike.
It’s also highly flattering, thanks to its silky finish that hangs just right rather than clings.
3. Auguste the Label Mason Maxi Dress, $249, Auguste the Label
I’ve always loved Aussie label Auguste’s floral, silky dresses — and this new purple number is no exception.
As easily dressed up with heels and lipstick as it is dressed down with a pair of sandals, the full-length dress is glamorous and laid-back, making it perfect for a number of Christmas occasions.
4. Spell Ocean Gown in Bluebell, $429, Spell
Full disclosure: this is one of my (self-chosen) Christmas presents and my actual Christmas Day dress.
First released in 2019, Spell’s Ocean Gown has long held a place in my heart as a dress I would one day love to own.
And now it’s been re-released in two colourways, Lemon and Bluebell, it feels like it’s the time to invest.
With its delicate lace trim, three cascading tiers and gently flared sleeve, the V-neck gown is an absolute showstopper — made for Christmas and New Year parties, weddings and events.
Crafted from a slinky jacquard weave, the feminine dress is sure to impress any woman on your Christmas list this year.
5. SIR Frankie Slip Dress, $590, SIR The Label
In collaboration with artist Frankie Tobin, this dress has been exclusively designed to evoke the natural world with a collaboration with SIR.
I love its flattering wear-everywhere tones, as well as the fact that like the other options, it can be dressed up or down.
It’s already a best-seller despite only recently launching on the SIR website, so you’ll need to move fast if you love this one.