When it comes to festive dressing, the emphasis is usually on statement party pieces. However, during the Christmas period the look we often long to wear is the softest and cosiest clothing.

For many of us, our family get-togethers and celebrations aren’t strictly limited to the evenings. Parts of the festivities often involve lazy breakfasts, cosy brunches, pub lunches and country walks. Enter loungewear: clothing that is elegant enough to receive visitors, wear outside or still potter around the house.

Since the pandemic, the way we dress has become more comfort-focused. We’ve become used to working from home and needing to maintain a degree of professionalism and, occasionally, glamour. And we’re seeing that across partywear, too. We’re accustomed to comfort and we’re not prepared to compromise, not even when the prosecco starts flowing on Christmas morning. Loungewear needn’t be an afterthought – a beautiful cashmere co-ord set can be just as chic as a sparkly dress.

Fashion writer Frankie Graddon agrees: “Party flats are replacing heels, and evening trousers are giving dresses a run for their money. With so many more luxe loungewear options available, it makes sense that we’re reaching for these over the festive period too – whether it’s a chic silk co-ord for Christmas dinner, or a cosy cashmere one for Boxing Day.”

Loungewear is no longer something to just wear on the sofa, says Graddon, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be soft and easy to wear: “Sets in silk, brushed cotton and even cashmere are both luxurious and comfortable and are the perfect alternative to classic evening wear.” Who doesn’t love the idea of streaming a Christmas film and unwinding in the most cosseting cashmere co-ord?

But if you want to maintain a more timeless style when entertaining guests, Graddon suggests picking a classic silhouette that can be paired with velvet slippers, classic pumps or kitten heels. To hang on to the party vibe without compromising on comfort: “Make sure to add polish with statement jewellery and a bold lip,” she says.

For Christmas Day dressing that’s cosy, breathable but still has sparkle, pair a sequinned skirt with a chunky Fair Isle jumper and trainers. Or try a velvet blouse with cashmere joggers for the feel of the fabrics on the skin. It’s a put-together look that never compromises on comfort – ideal for when most of the day’s activities are spent sitting at the table celebrating, or relaxing afterwards.

Maybe you’re wondering what’s best to wear for those chilly trips to the pub or the Boxing Day dog walk with the in-laws. This is all about picking luxe fabrics that feel indulgent and decadent in cuts that flatter but still give comfort. “Think about classic, oversized pyjama shirts and trousers, or consider posh joggers with coordinating sweaters,” says Graddon. “A cashmere track set always looks chic and can’t be beaten on comfort-factor,” she adds.

Christmas nightwear is almost as important as Christmas daywear and there’s happy anticipation in the ritual of opening a new pair of PJs – perhaps as a Christmas Eve gift. The feeling of putting them on, anticipating the next day itself, ready to wake up wearing on Christmas Day. Silk PJs will add significant glamour to your Christmas morning and a velour robe will ease you into cooking that Boxing Day brunch in style.

This content was first published as part of a partnership with Telegraph Media Group and published on telegraph.co.uk