Fashion
7 Ugly Sweaters You'll Want to Wear Even After the Party
Fact: Ugly sweater parties aren't just a thing anymore — they're pretty much a mainstay on the holiday festivities circuit. And if you don't already have an "ugly" sweater in your closet, then some interesting shopping choices await.
You could go the secondhand store route, where tacky, glue-gunned reindeer cardigans hang in the wings, but even at a majorly discounted price, will you wear it again? Chances are unlikely, at least until next December rolls around. Instead, why not invest in a sweater that's perfectly cheeky, quirky, and offbeat, and most importantly, one that you'll want to reach for after the party's over?
Herein find seven kinds of ugly(ish) sweaters that will outlast the Christmas party scene.
Image: 54115831@N07/flickr
The Bright Fair-Isle Print Sweater
Louder Fair Isle prints will always serve you well in the ugly sweater category. This particular print is a little bit boyish, a little bit campy, and a little bit preppy. And where the latter attribute is concerned, this sweater would look great with a sharp navy blazer and skinny jeans.
Mango Fair Isle Alpaca Wool-Blend Sweater, $45, mango.com
The Intarsia-Knit Sweater
Intarsia knits are inherently cozy looking and a little bit quirky, and this particular iteration's oversized silhouette means you can utilize it as a "minidress" too.
Ganni Intarsia Winter Sweater, $218, asos.com
The Colorfully Embroidered Sweater
While vaguely reminiscent of Dolce & Gabbana's colorful needlepoints, this floral-embroidered sweater is off-beat enough to get you into the ugly sweater party, no questions asked. But with no reindeer appliqué in sight, this topper can be worn later styled with a pleated red, tea-length skirt and ankle boots, waxed jeans, or with your baggiest boyfriend jeans and Chucks.
Zara Sweater With Embroidered Flowers, $119, zara.com
The Snowflake Sweater
The snowflake design could be interpreted as an unintentionally wintry geometric pattern, and the boxy shape lends itself to a more modern kind of sweater. Wear this topper all season long, layered with a blouse, dark denim, shearling-lined coat, and knee-high boots.
Free People Snowflake Pullover, $128, freepeople.com
The Sequin Sweater
You must love (or be in possession of a desire to love) high-shine sequins in order to fully appreciate the awesomeness of this sweater. Yes, it's a little over the top, but isn't the holiday season one for indulgence and whimsy?
If you're attending an ugly sweater party, pair this sweater with a black, high-waisted pencil skirt and classic black pumps. And for down the road, dress this statement sweater against a very minimal palette and casual pieces (beat-up jeans, for example).
Topshop Knitted Large Sequin Jumper, $150, topshop.com
The Plaid Mohair Sweater
A plaid mohair sweater may not be high on most people's shopping list, but it has a surprisingly chic edge. For now, embrace its "uglier" side, then style it later with a leather moto jacket, stonewashed gray jeans, and patent loafers.
H&M Knit Sweater, $50, hm.com
The Holiday Sweater
Schoolgirl layering meets cheeky snowflake print in this green sweater, and while it's definitely a seasonal topper, it's not ugly in the traditional sense. Translation: wear it again (and again) with a mismatched plaid skirt, leather pants, or over a knee-length LBD.
ASOS Holiday Sweater in Snowflake Pattern With Collar, $64, asos.com
