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10 Best Holiday Sweaters for Women 2025 (and How to Style Them)
Can you feel it in the air? Christmas is coming, meaning there’s never been a better time to thoroughly assess your holiday sweater collection — replacing anything that’s “ugly” (think faux garlands, overdone puns, and miniaturized ornaments) with knitwear picks that are chic and thus worthy of your elevated style.
Sophistication, after all, does not have to be synonymous with “lacking any and all festivity,” and our fashion shopping editors have done the hard task of rounding up the 10 best holiday sweaters it’s still not too late to snag before all your December engagements: from the white elephant gift exchange at work to the potluck you’re hosting for friends at home.
The Polo Bear Cotton Crewneck Sweater from Ralph Lauren, for instance, spotlights a dapper-looking symbol of the brand over a cream background, alluding to the label’s cult-favorite Polo Bear window displays at its New York City flagship that are put up for the holidays. And if it’s something light-refracting that you’re after, Simkhai’s Monroe Embellished Pullover — with its cutout detail, intricate embellishments, and rich oxblood hue — will turn every head in the room as soon as you walk in, believe us. For those who can’t get over the fisherman-core trend that started dominating social media feeds last year, channel some Fair Isle flair by way of the pricey-yet-worth-it Guy Sweater from Khaite, which will signal to everyone that you’re still keeping up with the most in-demand, fashion set–approved labels in the thick of a season notorious for its push towards comfort versus looks.
Whether you pair these threads with dark-wash straight-leg denim, pleated maxi skirts, or plaid miniskirts and thigh-high suede booties, know that they’ll provide just the dose of prep that your cold-weather ‘fits have been lacking recently (we’re talking from personal experience, here). And don’t overlook the possibility of turning these knitwear purchases into holiday gifts for your Tory Burch–obsessed wife, mom who’s relayed her penchant for bow-bedecked attire one too many times, or sister who typically shops for others while completely ignoring her own wishlist and bypassing all self-care splurges.
What makes a holiday sweater for women different from a regular sweater you can wear long after the presents have been unwrapped and the tree has been disposed of at the curb? The former category is always a tad bit more refined, be it through the jumpers’ Christmas-coded colorways or never-tacky adornments (small sequins, cross-stitched overlays, and the like).
Celebrities serve as great guides for decoding what’s festive when it comes to Christmas sweaters and what’s not fit for the occasion at hand — though perfectly suited for casual, everyday wear during the other 11 months of the year. Kendall Jenner, for example, chose an alpaca-based argyle-print pullover for a recent social media video with sister Khloé Kardashian, looking ready as ever for Yuletide. And not too long before that, Emma Watson was seen walking in an all-white Nili Lotan turtleneck that she dressed up to Santa-vetted levels with the help of an oversized red scarf.
Eager to learn how to style your own holiday sweaters so that they can do their very best work? Follow along with this roundup until the very end, where our style experts will be coming in hot with not one but three distinct suggestions.
The weather outside is truly frightful, but spending the holidays dressed to the nines — with looks powered by luxury Christmas sweaters that take ugliness out of the equation — will prove to be delightful.
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Ralph Lauren Polo Bear Cotton Crewneck Sweater
The beloved Polo Bear’s look in context of this bestselling Ralph Lauren knit “channels the traveler’s spirit of the season,” as the label puts it. Whether you’re jetting off across the country to visit Grandma or staying at an address better known as home sweet home, you’ll find yourself reaching for this sweater multiple times — while getting attached to its relaxed fit; rib-knit cuffs, hem, and neckline; as well as the cotton-cashmere blend’s inherent breathability and softness.
Price upon publish date of this article: $398
Simkhai Monroe Embellished Pullover
You’ve always colored outside the lines, and now it’s time to put doing things on your own terms into how you get dressed for the holidays. Simkhai’s Monroe Embellished Pullover is an objet d’art through and through: what with its cutout at the left shoulder and crystal embellishments that breathe added glamour into the sweater’s oxblood coloring. Crafted from wool and cashmere, it will protect you from the inevitable chill while being ready to layer under all those trenches and puffers in the closet.
Price upon publish date of this article: $545
Khaite Guy Sweater
Not yet on the Khaite bandwagon that stars from Florence Pugh and Olivia Rodrigo to Dakota Johnson and Cynthia Erivo have been riding for quite some time now? Introduce yourself to the luxury fashion house by purchasing its not-for-guys Guy Sweater. Taking a page from vintage Fair Isle prints, it’s ever so slightly oversized, while featuring a color palette that won’t overwhelm the eyes like an overdone front yard before Christmas does.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,880
Tory Burch Wool Sweater
Tory Burch’s sweater selection for this year is nothing if not applause-worthy. Once you gaze at all those sequined vests, bright-blue merino wool pullovers, and straight-from-the-runway, brooch-equipped cardis, settle on this particular find from the fall collection. It calls to mind a layered look, courtesy of that flat, contrasting collar, but is really a one-piece wonder that won’t add extra bulk to your walk. With its alpaca, wool, and cashmere components, you better believe that to feel and to wear the sweater is an absolute indulgence. As for those white and blue threads used throughout? They almost give off their very own shimmer, ready to make your holidays a lumen or two brighter.
Price upon publish date of this article: $990
J.Crew Classic Fair Isle Cardigan in Vintage Wool
And if you’re going for an ensemble that’s evocative of something out of a storybook, look no further than this cozy lambswool piece that every aunt in your family will try to steal. Don’t get it twisted, though: There’s nothing outdated about J.Crew’s Classic Fair Isle Cardigan. Instead, it fits squarely into modernity through that not-too-tight silhouette and classic Fair Isle patterning over a surprising shade of pastel pink (yes, the sweater can be reused for Easter, too).
Price upon publish date of this article: $84.50
Boden Natalie Embroidered Sweater
British clothing brand Boden has won over the likes of Jessica Alba, Sydney Sweeney, and, notably, Kate Middleton — the latter being a fan of its flats, button-ups, and the now-sold-out Broderie Frill Cotton Shirt. Get with the program by shopping the Natalie: a charming and relatively affordable choice that benefits from a startling red colorway (made for matching with your go-to lipstick), timeless crew neck style, and embroidery informed by hand-drawn designs. It’s good enough to put a bow on top of, seal with a kiss, and gift to the most stylish woman you know.
Price upon publish date of this article: $199
Alice + Olivia Doris Pointelle Pullover
For a bit more pomp and formality, say “yes” to Alice + Olivia’s Doris Pointelle Pullover. It’s one of the most unique options in this roundup, due to those puff sleeves, dual velvet bows, and the kind of shrunken fit that will work overtime to flatter your figure. We’re also all eyes for the sweater’s pointelle stitch and merino wool composition (the fabric pays dividends in temperature regulation, moisture-wicking capabilities, and underhand softness).
Price upon publish date of this article: $495
English Factory Embellished Sweater
A stunning women’s holiday sweater for under $65? It’s possible (and it’s not even a Christmas miracle). Meet the on-sale English Factory Embellished Short Sleeve Sweater at Nordstrom, whose short-sleeve design is taken up many notches via those scalloped edges, tasteful sprinkling of crystals, and the kind of length that helps the sweater easily go overtop of denim, corp-core trousers, and no shortage of other bottoms. Don it to the office and you’ll be showered with compliments; take the top out to a family dinner and you just might make your stepsiblings jealous.
Price upon publish date of this article: $63.75
Wayf Pia Feather Trim Mock Neck Sweater
Feathers are a nonnegotiable accessory for every fashionista with impeccable taste — you heard it here first. But, for the sake of not looking like you’ve been rolling around in plumage all day, we recommend picking a holiday sweater with subtle feather touches that won’t overpower its overall appearance. Wayf’s Pia checks all the boxes, seeing as how it only features a feather trim, which is complemented by a mock neck, a semi-stretchy material, dropped shoulders, and wide sleeves. That all-black hue will do wonders alongside metallic heels, statement handbags, and jewel-toned cigarette pants.
Price upon publish date of this article: $66
All in Favor Faux Pearl Embellished Sweater
We saved the most budget-friendly holiday sweater offering for last (as a little bonus for readers who’ve stayed with us for this long!). Another red pick that will bring to mind Santa’s suit and the baubles on your tree, the Faux Pearl Embellished Sweater from All in Favor treats its cable-knit makeup to some extra oomph vis-à-vis faux pearls that will catch the light and make you veritably luminous. It’s a cardigan, which means the Nordstrom favorite lends itself well to undoing the top two buttons and showing off a new pendant necklace, or else taking the reverse approach — Bella Hadid–style — to highlight a gold-buckled leather belt, say.
Price upon publish date of this article: $35.75
3 Ways to Style Winter 2025’s Hottest Holiday Sweaters for Women
The Guest of Honor
Boden Natalie Embroidered Sweater Styled With:
Courtesy Manufacturers
Boss Fatrina Pleated Midi Skirt
Price upon publish date of this article: $399
Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 26
Price upon publish date of this article: $475
Dolce Vita Kamy Heels in Onyx Satin
Price upon publish date of this article: $99.90
The Glam Brownstone-Dweller
Wayf Pia Feather Trim Mock Neck Sweater Styled With:
Courtesy Manufacturers
Tuckernuck Red Bows Rochelle Mini Skirt
Price upon publish date of this article: $148
Marc Jacobs The Mini Icon Charm Necklace
Price upon publish date of this article: $175
Larroudé Milan Flat Boot in Black Leather
Price upon publish date of this article: $288
The Fun-and-Flirty Host
J.Crew Classic Fair Isle Cardigan in Vintage Wool Styled With:
Courtesy Manufacturers
Abercrombie & Fitch Mid Rise 90s Straight Studded Jean
Price upon publish date of this article: $82.50
Aurate Herringbone Bow Earrings
Price upon publish date of this article: $198
Coach Soho Sneaker
Price upon publish date of this article: $89
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