Our first (and hopefully only) Covid Christmas means gatherings will be more intimate and celebrations more muted this year. For December 2020, our focus will be on comfort – the comfort of immediate family, and of the familiar in a year that felt anything but. This mood will undoubtedly be reflected in how we dress for the festive season. Tactile textures in easy silhouettes fit the spirit of this special, but strange, holiday month. Below is an edit of affordable, chic pieces ideal for those of us who don’t want to let our sartorial standards slip, but covet something that feels more pared-back and in-keeping with the low-key nature of Christmas 2020. As you’ll see, restrained doesn’t have to equate to plain or boring, though. In my mind, these clothes are certainly worthy of being celebrated in.

Athleisure style made smart

This wide-leg pants and white shirt combination is an outfit I’d feel really great wearing on Christmas Day. I’d add personality to it with a red lip and a statement necklace, injecting just enough glamour to offset the athelsiure elements of the outfit. Both are available from Topshop Boutique, a more expensive but better quality collection from the otherwise fast fashion outlet. Happily both items are on sale right now. I’m a huge fan of buying separates because I always feel I get so much more value from them by interchanging each with other items in my wardrobe. Wide-leg pants with trainers have replaced skinny jeans in my wardrobe so I’d get plenty of wear from this camel pair (a colour which mixes easily with almost every other autumnal shade).

White extreme cuff shirt, €77 (was €95); camel fluid joggers, €88 (were €110); both at eu.topshop.com

The versatile black dress

When I shop in H&M, I generally choose from the Premium or Conscious collections, as they wear better and offer me the kind of longevity I’m looking for from my clothes. I love this silk-blend black dress from the Premium collection because it will do double duty. It’s styled with a polo-neck here and chunky boots, which is a great look for Christmas Day, but lose the polo-neck and throw on a pair of heels and a blazer and you’ve got a sexy alternative look using the same dress for New Year’s Eve. Although it costs €99, which is pricey for this high-street store, it offers great value and versatility.

Silk-blend black dress, Premium collection, €99 at 2.hm.com

A jumper dress to impress

Arket is one of my favourite high-street brands. I’ve bought several items online and I’ve never been disappointed. The silhouettes suit my aesthetic, as they tend to have a minimal, masculine hit off them. This grey knitted dress is a good example with its straight cut and clean lines, yet I love the subtle design detail of fold-up cuffs. It’s unfussy without being plain. Made with wool certified according to the Responsible Wool Standard, it’s also great value at €89. I love the heeled boots it’s styled with here, but I’d probably wear this with a pair of chunky Chelsea boots. Either way, it epitomises understated chic and cosy elegance.

High-neck knitted dress, €89 at arket.com

Red for the holidays

I’m all for a bit of festive red, as colour can be such a strong mood booster, plus it’s a flattering shade for most skin tones. I’ve already invested in a fine-knit red polo-neck from Arket, which I’ll layer up on Christmas Day. I suspect a lot of us will choose the snugness of knitwear over the sparkle of sequins this month, but if you want a sweater that feels a little more dressy, then this cape-style jumper from Cos is perfect. I love the sophisticated drape, and the excess of fabric gives it a luxury feel, which makes it appear far more expensive than it is. This piece would look great over the camel joggers from Topshop Boutique mentioned above.

Merino wool hybrid cape, €115 at cosstores.com

Laid-back luxury

If you’d like to up the glamour quotient this season without sacrificing an ounce of comfort, this divine velvet jumpsuit from Massimo Dutti is perfect. I love how the slouchy silhouette and pockets give this one-piece a boyish vibe, yet the sensuous neckline and tactile fabric create a beautifully feminine aesthetic. This is a statement piece, yet there’s nothing shouty about it, which signifies really clever design in my mind. A pair of fabulous earrings would complete the look perfectly.

Black velvet jumpsuit, €169 at massimodutti.com

Short and sweet

I love the simplicity of this Zara dress, with its unfussy tunic style and graphic print. It’s an easy throw-on yet looks smart and pulled together nonetheless. It’s wonderfully versatile too – wear with tuxedo trousers and heels or tights and chunky boots. A textured oversized cardigan would love great with the latter. If, like me, you haven’t managed to shift that pesky Covid half stone yet, a tunic dress is a very forgiving option too.

Rubberised black tunic dress, €19.99 at Zara.com

Going grey

This pleated dress is a beautiful choice for Christmas Day. It’s fluid, flattering and subtly sexy with its deep V-neck and decorative knot at the waist. The slightly flared hem creates shape from head to toe, while a side split elevates the piece for evening time if worn with heels. The soft shade of dove grey is incredibly chic and beautifully timeless. For daytime, pair with chunky flat boots for an effortless but arresting look.

Long pleated dress, €29.99 (was €59.99) at shop.mango.com

Marie Kelly, December 2020.