Summer Christmas Outfit Ideas for Men

Searching online for inspiration for the Christmas season? The outfits you’re likely to see are all woolly jumpers and cosy scarves. That doesn’t work for us here in Australia. Instead, we need comfortable, summer-ready options with a bit of a festive edge. 

Whether you have a work party, a beachside lunch, or a Christmas BBQ with the family, you’ll want to look great in the photos while staying cool and comfortable. The good news is you don’t need an entirely new wardrobe to make this happen. Often, a few simple styling choices can completely change how an outfit comes together.

In this guide, we’ll cover some easy Christmas outfit ideas for different occasions, plus some simple tips to help you survive the summer heat while still looking sharp.

Key takeaways

• Different Christmas events call for different outfits
• Light fabrics like linen and cotton are the best options for staying cool in the summer
• Accessories and small festive touches can elevate an outfit without going over the top

The best choices for surviving a hot Australian summer Christmas

A good summer Christmas outfit starts with the right fabric and colours. Otherwise, one minute you’ll be posing for family photos in the aircon, the next you’re standing near a BBQ in 34-degree heat, sweating through your shirt. That’s where light, breezy options can make all the difference. Here are the top ones we recommend for the summer time. 

Linen

Menswear shops in Australia stock a lot of linen, and for good reason, too. Linen is perfect for hot weather since it’s breathable. It lets air flow properly, dries quickly, and still looks sharp even if it’s a bit wrinkled.

A linen button-up with tailored shorts is one of the easiest and nicest-looking Christmas outfits you can throw together.

Source: Unsplash

Cotton

Another breathable favourite, cotton is comfortable and looks great at pretty much every Christmas event on your calendar.

A lightweight cotton shirt instantly looks more put-together than an old, stretched-out tee you found five minutes before leaving the house. Since cotton is so versatile, it looks as good at work drinks as it does sitting at the beach. 

Avoid dark colours

Black and darker colours can absorb more heat from the sun. That means they tend to get hotter much faster, especially during outdoor Christmas events. 

To avoid this, we recommend lighter shades, like sage, white, beige, and light blue. All of these reflect more sunlight, helping you stay cooler while also looking summery. 

Source: Unsplash

Keep the layers light

There's no point in being uncomfortable on Christmas. We all want to look nice, but fighting the heat in a heavy blazer is no one's version of fun. Instead, ditch the thick jacket or heavy overshirts and stick to options like lightweight button-ups or open linen shirts over a tee. You’ll still look put together, but without feeling like you’re cooking in the sun.

Christmas outfit ideas for every kind of festive event

There is a wide variety of Christmas events thrown across Australia during the silly season, and not all of them have the same vibe. What might be good for a day at the beach might be out of place at a rooftop bar in downtown Sydney. 

To help you dress to impress this holiday season, here are a few easy outfit ideas for different plans. 

Smart casual Christmas lunch outfit

For backyard gatherings, smart casual usually works best. This allows you to look like you made an effort, but not like you’re trying to outdress everyone.

A linen or lightweight cotton shirt paired with tailored shorts is one of the easiest combinations to wear to an event like this. 

Linen works especially well because it’s breathable and naturally relaxed, while tailored shorts help keep the outfit looking intentional. Finish off the outfit with loafers or clean sneakers, and there is nothing more classic for a summer get-together.

Source: Unsplash

Christmas Day family gathering outfit

Christmas Day outfits should feel comfortable enough to wear all afternoon, while still looking nice for family photos. You don’t need anything overly formal, but it’s still a special occasion, so it’s worth putting in a bit more effort. 

A short-sleeve button-up shirt with light chinos works well for almost any family gathering. For a more festive feel, try colours like soft red, light green, cream, light terracotta, or muted orange tones. This allows you to lean into the theme without sacrificing comfort.

Office Christmas party outfit

Anything related to the office will usually require slightly more polish compared to your family BBQ. There are exceptions to this. If your workplace is relaxed, you might be able to wear something similar to the previous two examples. However, if you want to play it safe, it’s better to lean slightly more put-together.

A lightweight blazer over a breathable cotton or linen shirt is one of the easiest combinations for an office Christmas party. Pair it with tailored trousers or chinos to keep the outfit looking clean and professional, without looking too formal in the summer heat.

The office Christmas party is, of course, a bit more fun than your typical workday, so don’t be scared to throw on a Santa hat or sparkly bow-tie and lean into the festive side of things.

Source: Unsplash

A day at the beach outfit

If your Christmas plans involve spending the day at the beach, comfort should be your main priority. Nobody wants to sit in the sand overheating in stylish clothes that feel stiff.

A loose linen shirt or lightweight long-sleeve button-up with relaxed shorts is an easy option for a beach Christmas, helping to keep you cool while providing sun protection. Slides, thongs, or simple sandals also make the most sense for the beach, along with sunglasses and a cap to keep the sun out of your eyes.

If you’re heading straight into the water at some point, swim shorts paired with an open linen shirt also work well and save you from needing a full outfit change later in the day.

How to add a festive touch without looking tacky

You don’t need to dress like a Christmas decoration to look festive. In fact, most Australians cringe at the thought of a matching Christmas get-up. However, there are still ways to have fun by adding a few small festive touches rather than going fully themed from head to toe.

Here are some ways you can do this. 

• Choose festive colours: Opt for Christmas colours like red, cream, or forest green. They still feel festive, but without looking like you stepped straight out of a Hallmark movie. 
• Follow the “one festive element” rule: If you’re wearing a wacky Santa hat, keep the rest of the outfit simple. The same goes for loud shirts, novelty socks, or bright colours. One fun piece usually looks intentional; five starts looking like a costume.

Lean on texture instead of sparkle: Linen, lightweight cotton, suede, or textured shirts can make an outfit feel more interesting without needing glitter or shiny fabrics.

Source: Unsplash

The accessories that make a summer outfit feel complete

Sometimes an outfit just needs a few extra details to feel complete. Even a simple summer outfit can look more stylish with the right accessories. Here are some accessories you can mix and match with any Christmas outfit. 

• Sunglasses: A pair of sunglasses you enjoy wearing is essential during the summertime. They make outfits feel more polished instantly, while also being practical for long beach days and outdoor lunches.
• Belts: Belts are an easy way to give a more structured look to even the most relaxed outfit. Woven or lighter-coloured belts usually work well for summer compared to heavier formal styles.
• Watches: A simple watch adds dimension and interest to any outfit. You don’t need anything expensive either. Something clean and minimal tends to work best with lightweight summer outfits.
• Pocket squares: If you’re dressing up for a work event or Christmas party, a pocket square is an easy way to add a colourful festive touch without going over the top.

  Source: Unsplash

  How to use tailoring to look a cut above the rest

  Most clothes are made to fit as many people as possible, which usually means they don’t fit anyone perfectly. Shirts can look boxy, trousers sit too long, sleeves drag past the wrist, or shorts pull in all the wrong places. Even expensive clothes can look average when the fit is off.

  The answer to these issues is tailoring. Sometimes a simple adjustment is all it takes to make clothes look nicer and feel more comfortable. A lot of people assume tailoring is only for expensive suits, but even basic everyday clothes can look far better with a few small fixes. 

  No one wants to feel uncomfortable at family events or in the summer heat, so it’s well worth investing in a bit of light tailoring. It can also help you keep pieces in your wardrobe for longer, rather than replacing them completely.

  Around Christmas time, we do a lot of: 

  • Shortening sleeves
  • Hemming trousers
  • Tapering pants
  • Adjusting shirt length
  • Bringing older pieces back to life

  If you’re feeling unsure about what to do with a piece, come speak to our team, and we can show you your options. 

  Feeling festive? 

  The best Christmas outfits are the ones that fit well and suit the Australian summer. If you’ve got pieces sitting in your wardrobe that almost work but need a few small fixes, Alter It can help bring them back to life in time for the holiday season.

  Find your nearest Alter It store and get your summer outfits sorted before the Christmas rush hits.

  FAQs

  What are good colours to wear at Christmas?

  For summer, it’s nice to take traditional Christmas colours and use their lighter version. For example, shades like soft red, green, cream, light blue, beige, and muted orange.

  What should you wear to an office Christmas party?

  A lightweight blazer, breathable button-up shirt, and tailored trousers or chinos are usually a safe option for an office Christmas party. You want the outfit to feel polished enough for work, but still relaxed enough for drinks and end-of-year celebrations.

  Can you get summer clothes altered?

  Yes, we commonly alter summer clothes to help them feel more comfortable in the heat. Simple changes like shortening sleeves, hemming shorts or trousers, tapering pants, or adjusting shirt lengths can completely change how an outfit looks and feels.

  Do I need to book an appointment?

  No. Simply bring your piece/s into your nearest Alter It store, and we’ll talk you through your options.