'Tis the season: Nine ways to wear the classic Christmas jumper

Thu, 30 Nov, 2023 - 18:11

Annmarie O'Connor - @aocdotme

Get the cheese board ready. Dust off that kitsch Christmas jumper.

The silly season has officially begun. Whether a traditionalist, novelty-seeker or quiet luxury adherent, this is one yuletide ritual that is expected if not encouraged.

If LED-lit nativity cosplay isn’t your scene, fear not.

There’s more than one way to embrace the festive spirit. So, don’t get your tinsel in a tangle.

Let’s start with holiday-adjacent styles: ones that allude to winter pursuits from après-ski to fireside mugs of hot chocolate with nary a Santa in sight.

For authentic Norwegian and Icelandic styles, try outdoors specialists Icewear. Cork’s vintage haven, Miss Daisy Blue also stocks a selection of Nordic knits from time to time, like those worn by '60s style icon Princess Grace.

Fair Isle counterparts offer similar heritage appeal, albeit brighter thanks to the titular knitting technique of working multiple colours in the same row.

For mood-boosting hues try Tory Sport, Polo Ralph Lauren and M&S or simply opt for the classic cable knit--a veritable shapeshifter paired with a rhinestone bag and pointy party shoe.

Feeling playful? There’s a handmade reindeer knit on Etsy.com, which bears a similar resemblance to that worn by heartthrob Mark Darcy in the 2001 rom-com Bridget Jones’ Diary.

We can’t guarantee it will fetch £2,244 at a Christie’s charity auction, but it will certainly look the part at any turkey curry buffet.

Pro user tip: wear yours with leather trousers, pointed-toe ankle boots and a double-faced shawl coat or keep it casual with straight-leg jeans, block-heel Mary Janes and a faux shearling jacket. Go on; the office karaoke party awaits!

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