The Most Luxurious Loungewear You Can Afford

The festive season is a time best spent at home, but that’s no excuse to spend three weeks of the year schlepping about in holey (or unholy) sweats. While it’s perfectly fine to drink hot wine at 11am, letting overnight guests and visitors see you in a novelty T-shirt and gravy-stained shorts is not. To stay on the sartorial nice list, what to ask for this Christmas is quality loungewear. The rules are simple. Opt for a matching set – whether that’s a pair of classic pyjamas or a series of seriously premium basics – in neutral colours such as navy, grey or black and prioritise soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, silk and jersey. Both of which will have you covered for lounging, lunching and everything in between. – Luke Todd, deputy editor

A Dressed-Up Parka Jacket

A parka has always been considered a casual piece of outerwear, but that doesn’t mean you only have to wear it with super laid-back attire. The mods of the 1960s were the first to explore the parka’s true versatility when they wore them over sharp, three-buttoned tonic suits, and while you don’t have to replicate that look entirely, there’s no reason why a parka can’t be your go-everywhere, do-anything coat this season. Dressing up a parka is easier to do on the non-furry, more militaristic fishtail style. But, unlike the mods, ditch the green army surplus look in favour of sharper blacks and blues, which are instantly more formal. Try wearing one over a chunky roll neck or crew neck jumper, some tailored trousers and black boots, for a look appropriate for both work or play. Bonus tip: While many parkas come in a shorter length, try and seek out a long one. This will replicate the look and feel of an overcoat, further smartening up the look. It shouldn’t be too roomy, but if there’s a bit of bag, fishtail parkas often come with a drawstring waist to tighten things up. – Charlie Thomas, senior editor