Love it or hate it, the ugly holiday sweater is an unyielding sartorial tradition. Whether forced to wear one gifted to you by grandma or when invited to a friend's horrible-holiday-sweater party, the thought of styling such a fuddy-duddy piece can sometimes cause serious dismay.
To ease your ensemble-making woes, we've curated three awesome getups that you'll actually want to wear out and about, whether the dreaded topper is even required (yes, we're serious). Ahead, three rad looks that make the ugly Xmas sweater, well, not so ugly.
For a wear-anywhere outfit, try an unconventional knit with some slouchy-skinny boyfriend jeans, an easy-to-add-on scarf, velvet slip-ons, and some other simple-but-chic accessories.
Topshop Knitted Sequin Present Jumper, $100, available at Topshop; rag & bone Moss Mid-Rise Boyfriend Jeans, $220, available at MatchesFashion.com; Christopher Fischer Lake Fringe Scarf, $195, available at Christopher Fischer; Madewell The Essex Messenger, $158, available at Madewell; Stubbs and Wootton Insecuress, $400, available at Stubbs and Wootton.
Pair your festive sweater with leather leggings, flat boots with buckles, a layerable necklace, and a chunky beanie for another outfit that can go from casual errands to dinner with friends.
Topshop Knitted Sequin Present Jumper, $100, available at Topshop; Gabriela Artigas Large Tusk Necklace, $180, available at Gabriela Artigas; Eugenia Kim Marley Charcoal Chunky Wool Beanie, $215, available at Eugenia Kim; Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Balm Crystal Color (in Succulent Pomegranate), $32, available at Sephora; Chloé Marcie Mini Saddle Bag, $775, available at Neiman Marcus; Zara Leather High-Heel Ankle Boot, $129, available at Zara; Helmut Lang Stretch-Leather Leggings, $920, available at Net-A-Porter.
If you need to wear an ugly Xmas sweater to a dressier occasion or are simply eager to bring the holiday spirit to an office meeting, try this ensemble for a chic, professional, and dynamic look that everyone will be eyeing.
Topshop Knitted Sequin Present Jumper, $100, available at Topshop; Luv Aj Crystal Cross Necklace, $185, available at Luv Aj; Givenchy Podium Snake Leather Clutch, $3,595, available at MyTheresa.com; Vanessa Bruno Lace-Up Asymmetric Hem Skirt, $379.50, available at MyWardrobe.com; Ruby Triple Ankle-Strap Court Shoes, $300, available at Reiss.