Christmas, in all its tinsel-strewn glory, is not exactly synonymous with great style. For proof of this, we need only look to the abundance of flammable-looking jumpers currently occupying shops, festooned as they are with their oversized looming reindeer, somewhat empty messages of glad tidings and – the most curious trend – random woodland animals on skis. That’s not to throw a “bah, humbug!” in the way of festive cheer, more that while technically buying any new clothes could be considered detrimental to sustainability, some are much worse than others. A novelty knit that you’ll only wear for a few days annually certainly qualifies as worse, so why not instead invest in a gloriously chic winter jumper that you’ll want to – and be able to, without looking odd – wear until spring?
What qualifies as a Christmas-adjacent knit that boasts stylish credentials? Well, this year has already seen Argyle jumpers dominating knitwear trends, jumping from the catwalks of Khaite, Altuzarra and Dior Resort to the wardrobes of everyone from Cynthia Erivo to Anya Taylor-Joy. Argyle is certainly a much subtler take on a festive pattern, while Fair Isle jumpers feel even more Christmassy. Acne applied the latter to knits of oversized proportions for autumn/winter 2025, while Prada’s cashmere blue style has already sold out (its baby blue counterpart by Miu Miu is going the same way).
Worry not, however, as there are plenty of timeless Fair Isle styles from which to choose, including this chic brushed jumper from Isabel Marant’s Étoile line, and WNU’s contemporary twist on the timeless pattern. They are, obviously, perfect with jeans but could also be paired with this season’s sequin skirts for a more interesting sartorial juxtaposition.
If you need your knit to possess slightly more sparkly characteristics, we’ve already reported the advent of the party knit, so named for the fact that it’s offering some stiff competition to the season’s more traditional dress. On the runway, everyone from Fendi to Simkhai offered an embellished sweater for winter; whether it’s a knit scattered with crystals, a feather-trimmed top or an embroidered cardigan, these are jumpers that you can embrace with gusto right now (read: pair with similarly ornate skirts and accessories for Christmas soirées) but continue wearing in the new year, albeit perhaps with more sombre partners like tailored trousers and jeans.
The key identifying factor of any Christmas-ish jumper that you buy should really be this: can you imagine yourself wearing it throughout the winter, only to dig it out next year once more, thanks to its timeless appeal? If the answer is no, back away from your basket. If, however, you’re responding to such a question with a resounding “yes!” then do enjoy the warmth and cheer proffered by your new knit, while remaining safe in the knowledge that there’s not a gigantic reindeer in sight.
Isbael Marant Étoile Natania brushed Fair Isle intarsia-knit sweater
Mint Velvet grey feather trim jumper
Altuzarra Marty Fair Isle cotton sweater
M&S embellished V-neck cardigan with wool
Simone Rocha bow-detail wool and silk cardigan
Bianca Cotton High Neck Jumper-Warm Ivory Fair Isle
Sacai sequin wool sweater
Clemence wool blend Argyle cardigan
Guest In Residence Fair Isle cable-knit wool and cashmere-blend polo jumper
Perfect Moment Star Dust merino wool sweater
Erdem embellished cropped cardigan
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