The Ultimate Non-Ugly Christmas Sweater Roundup

Apart from downing a hot toddy (or three), our favorite way to bring the holiday warmth is definitely a festive sweater. The way we see it, you’ve only got two real options this season. The first is to don one of the self-proclaimed, certifiably ugly Christmas sweaters. Don’t pretend you’re unfamiliar with the trend. Basically, those Christmas sweaters boasting a cartoonish Santa or reindeer or more snowflakes than a blizzard. While the second is to search out a bright, jolly — but still incredibly chic — knit. You know one that brings the sartorial holiday cheer in a far more subtle manner. Of course, we’re partial to option two.

Luckily, haute holiday sweaters aren’t at all hard to find. No, really. Anything intarsia, Christmas (or Christmas-like) plaid, sparkle-embellished or, for those with especially pared-back tastes, just plain red or green will do so long as it hangs nicely.

See below for 13 shining and, frankly, stunning examples. Wear yours to open presents, eat dinner, then keep sporting it all winter long. Each is fun but at the same time un-ironic. And each takes personal offense to being called an “ugly” Christmas sweater.