The Ultimate (Non) Ugly Christmas Sweaters Roundup

Apart from downing a hot toddy (or three), our favorite way to bring the holiday warmth is definitely a festive sweater. The way we see it, you’ve only got two real options this season. The first is to don one of the self-proclaimed, certifiably ugly Christmas sweaters. Don’t pretend you’re unfamiliar with the trend. Basically, those Christmas sweaters boasting a cartoonish Santa or reindeer or more snowflakes than a blizzard. While the second is to search out a bright, jolly — but still incredibly chic — knit. You know one that brings the sartorial holiday cheer in a far more subtle manner. Of course, we’re partial to option two. Luckily, haute holiday sweaters aren’t at all hard to find. No, really. Anything intarsia, Christmas (or Christmas-like) plaid, sparkle-embellished or, for those with especially pared-back tastes, just plain red or green will do so long as it hangs nicely. See below for 13 shining and, frankly, stunning examples. Wear yours to open presents, eat dinner, then keep sporting it all winter long. Each is fun but at the same time un-ironic. And each takes personal offense to being called an “ugly” Christmas sweater.

Christmas Sweaters 2021 Update

Christmas Sweaters 2021 Update #1

Marni Reversible Crochet Wool Sweater, $820 at Marni
Christmas Sweaters 2021 Update #2

Mango Metallic-Knit Sweater, $59.99 at Mango
Christmas Sweaters 2021 Update #3

Lukhanyo Mdingi + The Vanguard Metallic Jacquard-Knit Cotton-Blend Sweater, $635 at Net-a-Porter
Christmas Sweaters 2021 Update #4

Victoria Beckham Geometric-Jacquard Wool-Blend Sweater Vest, $312 at Matches Fashion
Christmas Sweaters 2021 Update #5

Staud Knave Argyle Cotton-Blend Cardigan, $345 at mytheresa.com
Christmas Sweaters 2021 Update #6

Zara Cable Knit Jacquard Sweater, $49.90 at Zara
Christmas Sweaters 2021 Update #7

Whistles Funnel-Neck Wool Jumper, $129 at Selfridges
Christmas Sweaters 2021 Update #8

Y.A.S Printed Cardigan in Green, $77 at ASOS
Christmas Sweaters 2021 Update #9

Self-Portrait Cropped Embellished Striped Cotton-Blend Cardigan, $380 at Net-a-Porter
Christmas Sweaters 2021 Update #10

Tory Burch Fair Isle Sweater, $398 at Tory Burch
Christmas Sweaters 2021 Update #11

Zara Check Knit Sweater, $49.90 at Zara
Christmas Sweaters 2021 Update #12

Mango Metallic-Knit Sweater in Green, $79.99 at Mango
Christmas Sweaters 2021 Update #13

Urban Renewal Vintage Oversized Argyle Sweater in Warm, $39 at Urban Outfitters