The Chic Christmas Jumper Guide

ELLIE HIBBERD GOES IN SEARCH FOR ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS JUMPERS THAT WON’T LEAVE YOU LOOKING LIKE SANTA’S LITTLE HELPER.

The lights are up, the Bublé songs are playing, and the ads are going head to head for best tear-jerker of the year. It’s official – Christmas is here! And just to add a little more cheese to this truly 21st century festive package, Christmas jumpers in all manners of weird and wonderful styles are beginning to emerge from their dusty bottom drawer homes. With their 3D motifs, light-up Rudolph noses, and painfully bad puns, you either love ‘em or you hate ‘em. But while nobody can deny their noble efforts to spread a little festive cheer, let’s just say they’re probably not at the top of Anna Wintour’s winter wishlist. So if you prefer to take your seasonal style cues from Cameron Diaz in The Holidayand avoid the likes of Buddy the Elf, take a look at our top 10 alternative Christmas jumpers to keep you feeling chic while maintaining a dash of that festive feel.

Fair Isle

The very essence of winter epitomised in sartorial form, fair isle knits have an everlasting appeal. As the dark nights draw in, icy weather somehow seems more bearable with the prospect of wrapping up in one of these comforting jumpers with bed socks, a cup of tea and a mince pie (or two).

Sparkle

Nothing screams Christmas more than sequins and glitter. Invest in a jumper saturated with sparkle for a style that will stay in fashion year after year, like Topshop’s irresistibly indulgent Long Sleeve Sequin Polo Neck Top, perfect for parties, or Zara’s slouchy Shiny Cropped Jumper for a more subtle festive shimmer.

Subtle Motifs

For those desperate to keep a definite christmassy vibe, these options from Asos and Marks and Spencer make for a more subdued and chic seasonal statement than your average Christmas jumper. With embellishments and embroidery making their way into thiswinter’s top trends, these are a real winner for 2016.

Chunky Knits

Perfect for those snowy days we all dream about, these thick knits capture the romanticism of crisp, wintery days surrounded by twinkly lights, out ice skating (without falling on your arse) and Christmas shopping (with no tearful breakdowns). Think Mrs Claus in M&S’s Christmas ad for inspiration.