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Listen, I am not above going all out for the holidays. Gifting is my love language, and I’m always looking for a reason to wear sequins, so you will not catch me budgeting this time of year. Where I draw the line, however, is purchasing a brand spanking new “ugly sweater.” Like, what should I wear to an ugly Christmas sweater party if I don’t like ugly Christmas sweaters? Don’t get me wrong, I love the theme and that it allows people to dress down a bit while still being festive. BUT in the last decade, we as a society have really lost the plot on this charming tradition. Stealing a kitschy Santa knit from your grandmother? Perfect. Thrifting a snowflake-printed cardigan? Chic. But spending my hard earned dollars on a highly flammable sweater specifically labeled “UGLY”? I think not.
So where does that leave you when the Ugly Sweater Party invite inevitably comes? I personally don’t want to look like a Scrooge by ignoring the dress code entirely, but Nutcracker puns and wearable drinking games have no place in my wardrobe or my credit card bill. Lucky for you, I’ve rounded up a selection of sweaters that are festive enough to get into the holiday spirit but not so festive that you’ll never wear them again. Your wallet and your wardrobe will thank you.
A candy cane cardigan
For the Swifties in your life
If you only wear black all year
Am I…Princess Diana?
A cozy snowflake knit
“Where’s Waldo?” But make it fashion
For the minimalist girlies
A subtly sparkly moment
For a little bit of edge
The perfect oversized knit
Shiny *and* cozy
A chic knit option you’d wear on a night out
Because you’re the gift
For the après skier
