As we head into the month of December, I can safety say I am getting in the festive mood. Films have been selected (see my top picks here), activities decided (see my Christmas activities post here), and gift ideas are taking shape (check out my low energy/low cost ideas here). All of which have of course been taking into consideration my Christmas on a budget chronic illness lifestyle (see post here).

Next on the list is what to wear. What to wear over Christmas really isn’t a major deal, clothes are clothes at the end of the day. I personally am not going to be going anywhere for Christmas, nor will I be having visitors making it probably matter even less. Even so, Christmas is one of the few times of year I really look forward to and therefore I want to feel I am getting in the spirit regardless.

Getting ‘dressed up’ for the festive season doesn’t necessarily mean dressing up in the traditional sense and it certainly doesn’t mean spending money. It can be as simple as pulling something out of your wardrobe you have wanted to wear for a while, embracing your favourite hoodie, or wearing some jazzy accessories. The key factor is do what makes you feel happy and most of all what makes you feel comfortable.

Clothing idea number 1 – Anything (and I mean anything) that screams Christmas!

I am a Christmas fanatic plain and simple, and I love anything that has xmassy designs on. Think jumpers, t-shirts, shirts, dresses, ties, even socks – the list these days is endless. The best thing being that most of these items – especially the classic Christmas jumper – can be worn dressed ‘down’ yet still make you feel you have made an effort and gotten into the festive celebrations.

Clothing idea number 2 – Pyjamas or Onesies

Xmas is definitely that time of year where you have the perfect excuse to wear your best chronic illness outfit without any shame – enter the humble onesie and/or pyjamas. Most people chronically ill or not spend at least some time over this period in some sort of nightwear – right? Ok, just me then! Either way, they are incredibly comfy and warm, require zero effort and are the perfect outfit to zonk out in front of the telly with a chocolate or two.

Clothing idea number 3 – Loungewear

Whilst similar to option 2, loungewear is ideal for those of us who don’t like the idea of sitting around in a PJs or a big reindeer onesie when they are with others. Again loungewear can be incredibly comfy and relaxed, but add maybe a bit more glam to your look than a big old T-shirt. Think sweatshirts, hoodies, jogging bottoms and chunky cardigans. Mix and match different colours and styles or go matchy-matchy for a more put together look.

Clothing idea number 4 – Loose fitted items

Ok, I am sure there are some people out there who are not impressed by my ideas so far. Because having chronic illness doesn’t stop people wanting to make an effort and feel like everyone else whilst celebrating. I hear you, in fact for me I tend to ‘dress-up’ more on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve regardless of my symptoms – even if it is to sit in the house – and then dress comfy for all the time in-between. However, even if I am throwing on an actual outfit I always make sure to pick loose fitted items with stretchy waistbands and temperature sensitive materials. Expanded stomachs and digestion issues don’t stop because it’s Christmas day – if anything it can be worse! PCOS sweats combined with Raynaud’s chills don’t quit because it’s the season to be jolly. Therefore, always pick items that you know will be suited to your body’s individual needs and be confident you can still look amazing!

Clothing idea number 5 – Accessories

Regardless of what you have or have not decided to wear, know that any outfit can be completely made by the accessories you rock. Whether that be a pair of jazzy tights, a pair of cute earrings or a pop of colour on your lips, one simple item can help to make you feel magical even if you don’t feel it inside. If all else fails, stick on a Santa’s hat and be done with it!

Here we have it my chronic illness friendly Christmas outfit ideas. Of course, nobody is under any obligation to wear any specific item to get into the festive spirit – Christmas means different things to us all and therefore so is how we choose to spend it.

Remember you can share your own outfit ideas in the comments below. Do you tend to veer for more casual looks or smarter options? Oh, and anyone who would like to share their Christmas jumper picks this year, I am all ears!

Sarah xxx