Once exclusive to ancient aunts, elementary school math teachers and Colin Firth’s prideful Mr. Darcy in ‘Bridget Jones’ Diary,’ the holiday sweater — in all of its tacky, appliquéd glory — has gotten a tasteful revamp by designers high and low. Even more, these knit picks are far from ironic, so you don’t have to worry about getting called a hipster if you wear them. So why not try out a new yuletide saying: A festive dress is a yes, but a holiday sweater is better.
Reindeer games
Stand out and sleigh the competition with this rad Rudolph.
Tibi reindeer-intarsia cotton-blend sweater, $285 at net-a-porter.com
Frostbite
We were dreaming of a white Christmas, but now all we want is this jumper.
3.1 Phillip Lim snowflake-intarsia knit sweater, $475 at net-a-porter.com
Mouse rules
Don’t be a Scrooge. Be Santa’s little helper by helping yourself to heart-warming critters.
Christmas mouse acrylic knit sweater, $30 at boohoo.bom
Night light
It’s cozy, chic, and 100 percent shock-proof. What more could you ask for?
Wildfox rayon-blend graphic beach sweater, $109 at farfetch.com
Bow wow
This precious pug-pretty print will make you the most popular person in the room — promise.
Holiday pug sequin-embellished acrylic knit sweater, $64 at asos.com
Sweet deal
Now you can have your holiday cookies without packing on the pounds.
Quilted gingerbread poly-blend sweater, $84 at topshop.com
Want to see it get real ugly? Here’s a slideshow of TV and film’s most iconic Xmas sweaters.