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Campy design? A bolder color than charcoal? We love what we hear. The upcoming holiday season is the perfect excuse to invest in festive knitwear, but that shopping requires a certain Goldilocks balance. So between buying a sophisticated and classy Christmas sweater that will turn heads at a well-oiled festival, and making sure the item is versatile enough. You can reuse it even after December. But one thing’s for sure: your ugly Christmas sweaters don’t have to be ugly this year (in fact, we highly recommend they don’t).
Knitwear is a timeless wardrobe staple, but despite making many reliable comebacks, it has faced significant changes over the years. One of the biggest events occurred in 2023, with a boom in “quiet luxury”: disciplined silhouettes, neutral color palettes, and a general aversion to maximalism. This turned out to be the perfect entry point for sweaters using hard-to-find, high-quality cashmere yarns (think sea moss, camel, or pebble gray in terms of colors), but still, it was a great entry point for clothing creations. restricted free will.
Today, it seems like knitwear designers are embracing maximalism once again…and we couldn’t be happier. In fact, sweaters are now adorned with imaginative prints, appliqués, and ribbon motifs (case in point, Ralph Lauren’s iconic Polo Bear is featured on the brand’s holiday sweaters this year, along with earrings and charming flaunting eyelashes and a silk charmeuse jacket). No wonder people do everywhere The “more is more” approach to knitting is evident in the huge fanfare surrounding Princess Diana’s red and white wool sheep sweater from Warm & Wonderful, a brand that has entered the hearts of many when it was auctioned at Sotheby’s last year. It is clear from the advertisement. Thanks to the adorable prints and eye-catching colors.
Another trend seen in this space, supported by the Pinterest Predicts 2025 Trend Report, is the fisherman aesthetic. Practical clothing and Fair Isle flair are combined with a touch of nautical kitsch. For fashion conscious people, there’s never been a better opportunity. It evokes an introspective, cable-knitting seaside dweller.
If this story got you in the shopping mood, we’re here to save you some research time. Better invest in holiday festivities. You can cater to both Santa and highbrow fashion sensibilities with these 15 carefully selected Christmas knits from luxury brands.
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Ralph Lauren Lunar New Year Polo Bear Sweater
Polo Bear looks stunning in this cashmere-blend sweater with a ribbed crew neck and cuffs. One look at the lapels of a silk charmeuse jacket, wool gabardine pants embroidered with metallic thread, or a lamb shearling coat and you’ll wonder who’s more stylish: you or your new companion.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $1,690
altuzarra virs sweater
Remember how we said fisherman sweaters would be all the rage in 2025? Now, this lambswool number is just taking that aesthetic to new heights. Thanks to translucent sequins that resemble sparkling water droplets, it’ll shine on any occasion (especially during a low-lit holiday dinner).
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $1,295
Tory Burch embellished wool cardigan
Cardigans aren’t just one of the top men’s trends for fall 2024; Cardigans have also gained a following in women’s fashion, continuing to take up space in wardrobes in oversized sizes, argyle prints, and many other varieties. This exclusive Tory Burch Embedded Wool Cardigan is supremely chic thanks to its horn buttons, crystal embellishments and soft, scratch-free blend of wool, slush and mohair.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $898
J.Crew Merino Wool Carolyn Embellished Fitted Crewneck Sweater
This lightweight merino wool sweater is perfect for a little layering. In addition to its gorgeous burgundy hue, it also stands out in the jewelry collar department, so when it comes to accessories, you can skip the charm necklace and embrace a more understated look.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $87.99
Cinq à Sept Dreama Marnie Feather Cuff Cardigan
Do you want to be tickled with festive feathers this season? Your wish is, after all, the command of this cardigan. A timeless V-neck cut, ornate buttons, and (of course) feather cuffs combine to form a look that makes ugly Christmas sweaters bow in reverence.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $395
LoveShackFancy Ashtan Alpaca Ribbon Embellished Cardigan
Here are some of my favorite things about this cardigan, in no particular order. Crafted in Peru from a super soft alpaca blend, it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, and comes with a charmeuse ribbon that makes it the perfect gift. You have the Christmas spirit. Always remember to wear a ribbon… because you is a gift.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $495
Zimmerman illustration fluffy cardigan
Pair it with corduroy pants and you might feel like the third protagonist of the Frog and Toad children’s book series in the best possible way. The Zimmerman Illustrated Fluffy Cardigan has a grandpa vibe at its core, featuring crystal trim in the sweater’s spiced color. This holiday season, avoid the warm and fuzzy in favor of the warm and fuzzy.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $895
Boden Fenella embellished cardigan
All good things come in sequined packaging ( thatquiet luxury! ). This fancy pants wool blend sweater is classy through and through and is sure to make quite the impression at your White Elephant gift exchange.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $198
For Love & Lemons Josefina Cardigan
Floral embroidery is the star of this life-affirming cropped cardigan. Given its style, you can wear it all the way through winter and into the chilly days of early spring. Feeling extra? Buy it with the matching Josefina panties to earn your status on the naughty list.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $149
Farm Rio Colorful Striped Sequin Belted Cardigan
For those who die for the hills of a monochromatic capsule wardrobe, this is a must-have. After all, its oversized fit (which can similarly be cinched at the waist with a sequined and striped belt) makes it perfect for wearing a cardigan over an all-black outfit, thereby making its inherent Vibrancy will be all the talk. Show up to your office holiday party and brag.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $298
ALC Frankie wool embellished cashmere sweater
It looks simple at first glance, but a closer look reveals that the ALC Frankie Wool Cashmere Embellished Sweater is very special. It does so with teardrop-shaped crystals, a high neckline, and touches of brushed alpaca texture. . Pair it with a festive maxi skirt or flared jeans for a seamless look.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $495
mango piette knit cardigan
This V-neck wonder offers sequins for fun that rival the baubles decorating your Christmas tree this year. The cropped style and black colorway make it an instant classic, and you’ll definitely get compliments over and over again.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $129.99
Favorite Girl It’s Snowing on Fair Isle Merino Wool & Cashmere Blend Cardigan
The Fair Isle print has never left us, but this cardigan interprets it in a chicer, more contemporary light. Soft and scratch-free, with ribbed cuffs and hem, this item is sure to become your new favorite cold-weather companion while still fitting the dress code of any holiday gathering on your calendar.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $298
Loro Piana Holiday Noel Cashmere Knit Sweater
You can go from 9-5 to 5-9 in no time. Known for their impeccable designs and quality fabrics, Loro Piana is hard to miss with this sweater. This sweater, with its patterned collar and relaxed fit, is clear evidence of that fact.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $2,500
Reformation Queenie cashmere cardigan
With this purchase, you will not only look better, but also feel Considering the fact that it is made from recycled wool and recycled cashmere, it contributes to reducing waste in the fashion industry. The navy knit is attractive on its own. But with that collar attached, it becomes simply unforgettable.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $298
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meet the author
Stacia Datskowska Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked as an assistant digital editor at ELLE DECOR, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through the lens of design. Over the past five years, her byline has appeared in USA Today, the Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, the Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Before joining ELLE DECOR, Datskowska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tent pole sale events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from New York University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on trends and seasonal styles.
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