If you celebrate Christmas, chances are that you have come across the festive season’s sartorial nightmare: the ugly sweater. Usually seen in droves at festive parties and winter destinations, you might find it hard to fit it into your wardrobe because of its gaudy look. Like it or not, the Christmas-embodying staple is here to stay, with a relevance that has persisted since the ’80s. While wearing it might almost feel like a painful obligation, it doesn’t have to be—in fact, it can be an intentional stylistic choice. When styled or worn correctly, it is a great way to tap into the cheer the season brings, with its quirky prints and Christmas-themed embellishments.
When picking out a holiday sweater, one can certainly be more deliberate with their choices. Want to deviate from the usual palette of green and red? Opt for something metallic that is still in line with the festive theme. For a play on proportions, consider both cropped and off-shoulder iterations. If you’re a maximalist, details like fringes and bows will add an additional textural quality to your fit and you are almost certain to turn heads during your parties as a result. If you prefer a more subdued version, go with simple checks, monogram patterns or even a colour-blocked version to make it easier on the eyes.
The next question would be, of course, how to style it. Pair it with muted but trendy bottoms like a denim maxi skirt or bell bottoms for a touch of modernity and balance. For footwear, opt for Mary Janes for a preppier look or knee-high boots for that little bit of edge.
Finding it hard to find a desirable option amongst a sea of garish ones? Browse below for Vogue Singapore’s picks for the most stylish ugly sweaters.
