Everyone does Christmas differently, which is exactly what makes it so special. One side of the family might opt for a barefoot backyard barbie, kids splashing in the pool, uncles standing around shelling prawns, an inevitable game of cricket to end the day. The other side might lean into the more formal side of things, preferring to mark the occasion with a sit-down dinner complete with a pasta course and table centrepieces.  

 However you celebrate the most festive day of the year, there are a few elements that require some thought. The food, of course; the drinks; and naturally, the outfit. We’ve pulled together an edit of five dresses for five unique Christmas day celebrations, from poolside to proper. 

The fancy brunch  

If your first stop of the day is a brunch with mimosas, homemade sourdough and corn fritters, a sweet A-line dress is the perfect place to start. Aje’s floral-print midi takes its cues from billowy-sleeved peasant blouses and can be worn with sandals for brunch and heels for dinner. 

Secret Border Print Midi Dress, $595 from Aje, Level 1 

The backyard barbecue  

Think floaty, lightweight and something that looks as good barefoot as it does with barely-there sandals. Lean into colour or print — something vibrant that says “summer” is always a safe bet. Jac + Jack’s spaghetti-strap maxi in cornflower blue is as laid-back elegant as it gets.  

 Tobias Dress, $480 from Jac + Jack, Level 1  

The multi-course lunch 

Opt for something comfortable that you won’t regret when you’re going back for seconds. P.Johnson Femme’s Hannah dress is crafted from a silk-cotton blend that’s breezy while still graceful. Wear it with a pair of studded or mesh ballet flats to lean into the dress’ insouciantly cool vibe. 

 Hannah Dress, $695 from P.Johnson Femme, Level 1 

The afternoon drop-in 

Between your family’s lunch and the in-law’s dinner, you promised your best friends you’d drop into their Christmas gathering for a drink. If you’re running between events, you’ll need a dress that can act as a blank canvas for you to switch up with accessories. Scanlan Theodore’s A-line cotton dress in a simple denim-blue wash is perfect for dressing up with red accessories during the day then swapping in a metallic bag and black heels for something more sophisticated come nightfall.   

 Parachute Ballerina Dress, $700 from Scanlan Theodore, Level 1 

The formal dinner 

You can never go wrong with a monochromatic look when you need to look put-together. That doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun with silhouette and accessories though. Manning Cartell’s Global Fusion dress feels festive courtesy of its vibrant vermillion hue, while the cross-back and gentle shaping at the waist creates an elegant hourglass figure. Dress it up with chunky gold accessories for maximum impact. 

Global Fusion Sleeveless Dress, $499 from Manning Cartell, Level 1