How to wear the chic Christmas jumper
Looking for something a little more understated this festive season? M eadhbh M cGrath selects the best high-street options
For some of us, a Christmas jumper will always be a garish knit festooned with tinsel, pom poms and cartoon Santas. But in recent years, the famously ugly novelty piece has undergone something of a makeover, as designers including Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Bella Freud have offered their own achingly cool luxury versions.
While young kids and teenagers can get away with all-singing, all-dancing knitwear in all manner of glowing reds and greens, as you get older, you might be looking for something a little more understated to see you through the festive season. Christmas Jumper Day isn’t until December 15, but if you’re eager to get in on the action and would rather avoid the traditional gaudy knits, there are plenty of stylish options on the high street. They can be dressed up or down for the office Christmas Jumper Day, a 12 Pubs of Christmas night out or a weekend shopping trip, and how festive you choose to go with your Christmas jumper depends on how much you’re willing to commit.
You don’t need to be trussed up like a Christmas tree in baubles and fairy lights — see Cate Blanchett (left )in glimmering gold as an example of how to make a subtle nod to the season.
Follow her lead and you’ll get into the Christmas spirit in no time without having to compromise on style.
On the high street, there are stylish knits emblazoned with mistletoe, baubles and candy canes, or for something that will last beyond Christmas, try a glittering or embellished design. Go low-key in a pastel pink crew-neck with sequinned ice skates, or high-key with glitzy Christmas puddings.
For day, tone down the look by pairing your knit with classic blue jeans, crisp white trainers and a cross-body bag. Tuck Penneys’ grey jumper into a velvet or corduroy mini skirt and add some polish with a simple leather belt.
But seeing as it’s the season to sparkle, we say go big or go home — drench yourself in jewels by styling Aldi’s shimmering knit with a metallic pleat skirt and statement earrings, or up the glamour in a sparkling Bella Freud knit and silver tailored trousers.
It’s a fabulously festive look that strikes a merry balance between Christmassy cheer and grown-up sophistication.