
Your prized Christmas cashmere sweater is going to get a) messed up and b) you’re going to get far too hot in it when cooking. Likewise a sweater dress which can leave you red in the face and trying to cool off frantically.
The answer, whatever you're doing, lies in layers. So that you can take off an embellished cardi and then put it back on as and when you need to.

Flattering jersey tops over which you can layer a waterfall cardigan or gilet and wear with pants and boots or a skirt do the job perfectly. You can dress up a plain-ish one with as much bling as you want or buy something printed which stands alone. Either way these are a great option with wrapping and ruching, particularly for the curvy girl.
The other answer is that great staple, the jersey or fine knit dress, wrap or otherwise. Both will take you from church to champagne and on to cooking dinner. And both again can be layered up or down as you wish or need. And make sure someone else puts on the Marigolds.
The great thing about a dress is that every girl needs a new one to add to her collection at this time of year so this is the perfect excuse.