Despite enjoying fashion’s proclivity for being flamboyant, I’m usually the sort of person who dodges wearing anything remotely festive. Halloween costumes are a strictly no-go area, Valentine’s Day isn’t worth celebrating (sorry), so then, of course, Christmas jumpers are completely out of the question. Don’t get me wrong—Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year, but when I start seeing the two words “novelty” and “knitwear” together, I want to run a mile. I dislike it all—from pull-overs festooned with stick-out reindeer antlers to cable-knits with look-at-me tinsel embellishments.
Call me Ebenezer, but that doesn’t mean I’m completely averse to a bit of festive-style clothing. And this year just so happens to be the year when the Christmas jumper can finally meet the word subtle. This season’s knitwear, while being a little sparklier than your usual autumnal jumper, is ideal for wearing right now until the end of winter in 2022. Spotted on the runways at Valentino, Molly Goddard, and Ralph Lauren, knitwear was taken up a notch. Some pieces were bejewelled, some had sequin details, and others had fringed beading. But all are ideal for party season—especially if you’re planning to keep yours low-key.
Below, I’ve hunted down the ideal knitwear to wear right now and then all the way through winter. Come Christmas Day, however, it’ll still feel festive enough for a celebration.
There’s just something about this true green shade and ruffle combination that feels so festive.
This knit brings the gold, but you’ll need to provide your own frankincense and myrrh.
Pearls make for a stylish alternative to sequins.
Because bows are too pretty to be relegated to parcels.
Just when we thought cable-knits couldn’t be improved upon, Ralph Lauren gives us this spectacular card.
Red and ready to feel festive.
The pom-poms give this knit an après-ski aesthetic.
Fair Isle features heavily in Christmas jumpers, but it’s a motif you can wear throughout winter.
Ideal if this is your favourite Christmas song.
Perhaps it’s the bright colour palette or the chevrons, but doesn’t this jumper look like a Christmas party?
For those of you who like your festive fashion polished.
Just think how cute this would look styled with an oversized-collar blouse.
Feathers tick the fancy box.
Forget sugarplums. Visions of this knit are dancing around in our heads.
The shiny gold buttons give this knit festive flair.
Just add a contrasting roll-neck and statement earrings.
For the magpies amongst us.
A very stylish take on traditional red Christmas jumpers.
Reiss’s Fair Isle knit is high on our winter wish lists.
Again, we’re here for the bow.
The closest thing you can get to wearing tinsel (whilst still looking chic).
The colours really pop against the navy backdrop.
Crystal rhinestones? That’s our kind of trimming.
There’s a bit of a bow theme going on in this edit.
