'Tis the seasons for naff knitwear. From the moment you open the first window on your Advent calendar [1], Christmas jumpers become the unofficial uniform of December. While there's a whole host of cheesy designs, from light-up Christmas jumpers to pun slogans, there are also a number of classy Christmas jumpers if you know where to look.
There's no need to totally leave your fashion sense behind for this year's festivities. Classic fairisle prints, sophisticated sparkle, and quirky motifs make for a stylish season. If you want to expand you knitwear in general, look for winter patterns like snowflakes over Christmas-specific shapes like Christmas trees so that you can wear them way past the big day. Plus, they also make the best Christmas presents [2] for friends and family, too.
Some of our favourite high street retailers, including Boden, Oasis, Monki, and many more, can be trusted to add a touch of class to the classic Christmas jumper. And we've found a good helping of small independent brands as well as more luxury labels who are providing our wardrobes with some seasonal Christmas cheer. Use them over the top of the best affordable party dresses [3] for a more casual take or wear with a pair of your reliable jeans.
Get prepared for national Christmas jumper day on 8 Dec., and donate to Save the Children, by scrolling through our pick of this year's classy Christmas jumpers.
Classy Christmas Jumpers: Monki Patterned Holiday Knit Vest
For those who get hot and sweaty, a vest may be the perfect alternative to a Christmas jumper. This Monki Patterned Holiday Knit Vest [4] (£25) is pretty in pink with a contrasting green trim that really makes a statement. Fairisle inspired, the print is certainly Christmassy, yet could be worn year-round, too. Wear the sweater vest over a shirt for a look that will take you from the office straight to a festive pub night.
Classy Christmas Jumpers: Rock on Ruby Merry and Bright Christmas Jumper
Rock on Ruby has a huge range of Christmas jumpers, from funny slogans to more simple designs such as this one. In a pale pink colourway, the Rock on Ruby Merry and Bright Christmas Jumper [5] (£34) is certainly sweet and also comes in white and grey if you're not partial to pink.
Classy Christmas Jumpers: Simply Be Green & Pink Colour Pop Fairisle Jumper
In a Kermit the frog green tone, this Simply Be Green & Pink Colour Pop Fairisle Jumper [6] (£34) definitely stands out from the crowd. The inclusive brand means the jumper is available in sizes 8 to 30. What really caught our attention was the pink and green colour clash that brings two of this year's biggest trends together. It's a slighlty oversize fit, too, so you might want to size down.
Classy Christmas Jumpers: Frankie & Dotties The Pudding Christmas Jumper
Joules regularly spotlights smaller brands, which it calls Joules Friends, and this Frankie & Dotties The Pudding Christmas Jumper [7] (£36) is a great example of the products that are included. Of course, the star of the show is the giant Christmas pudding, and you can also get a matching one for your pooch, which is incredibly cute.
Classy Christmas Jumpers: The Limpet Store Milkyway Glittery Festive Sweatshirt
If you're looking to support a small brand this Christmas, The Limpest Store has a great range of embroidered bits to choose from. And even Louis Theroux is a fan, having been snapped in the iconic "I gotta get Theroux this" shirt from the brand. The Milkyway Glittery Festive Sweatshirt [8] (£39) is one of our favourite festive finds, thanks to it being subtly sophisticated yet with a hint of sparkle. Emily, the store owner, has promised us it will be back in stock very soon so sign up to be notified on the Limpet Store website to avoid disappointment.
Classy Christmas Jumpers: Pour Moi Sequin Off Shoulder Knit Jumper
Sequin lovers, this is your time of year! This Pour Moi Sequin Off Shoulder Knit Jumper [9] (£44.10) is subtly sexy with an off-the-shoulder cut. Whether paired with leather leggings, a tulle skirt, or even a basic pair of jeans, it's sure to liven up any look and can be worn from day to night.
Classy Christmas Jumpers: Joules The Cracking Christmas Jumper
Reindeer jumpers may seem kitsch, but Joules has managed to keep this one on the right side of cheesy. In an acrylic-wool mix, the light-adorned reindeer peeps out from the bottom of the The Cracking Christmas Jumper [10] (£44.95), so as not to overpower the piece. Matching men's and children's styles are also available so you can deck the whole family out with this festive find.
Classy Christmas Jumpers: Freemans Kaleidoscope Reindeer V-Neck Sequin Jumper
Freemans is famous for its Christmas jumper offering, and this year's selection is sure to delight. Again, it features a reindeer, but this time, they're gold sequin reindeers. There's no need to panic about washing it either, the Freemans Kaleidoscope Reindeer V-Neck Sequin Jumper [11] (£45) is also machine washable. It does come up slightly big, so maybe opt for a size smaller than usual.
Classy Christmas Jumpers: Emma Warren Embroidered Christmas Night Sky Sweater
Emma Warren is an independent brand with a tiny team of designers, including family members and Bea, the studio pup. The Emma Warren Embroidered Christmas Night Sky Sweater [12] (£46) is as sweet as it is stylish, with a simple moon and star design brightening up the cream or navy sweatshirt. It can undoubtedly work for the festive season, but is also an ideal Christmas present for any budding astrologers.
Classy Christmas Jumpers: Oasis Embellished Bauble Christmas Jumper
The Oasis Embellished Bauble Christmas Jumper [13] (£47.20, originally £59) is a classy Christmas jumper that adds a little sophistication to the festivities. With sequinned baubles and stars added to the classic black knit, this crew neck jumper with slight puff sleeves is a welcome addition to winter wardrobes everywhere.
Classy Christmas Jumpers: Joanie Clothing Pressie Christmas Gift Jumper
Remind all your friends that you really are a gift with this present bow knit. The Joanie Clothing Pressie Christmas Gift Jumper [14] (£50) is one of the simplest, yet chicest women's Christmas jumpers we could find. The classic cut and navy tone lends means its a versatile choice. It's also a more planet-friendly pick thanks to its responsibly sourced viscose fabric, eco-friendly labels, regularly audited factories, and the fact that it has been transported by sea.
Classy Christmas Jumpers: Crew Clothing Ida Fairisle Christmas Jumper
Sometimes the best Christmas jumpers are the classics, and this Crew Clothing Ida Fairisle Christmas Jumper [15] (£48.30) fits that brief just perfectly. With its Fairisle pattern and neutral cream and orange tones, it's definitely going to warm up your winter wardrobe, but isn't too full-on festive for you not to wear it after December, too.
Classy Christmas Jumpers: Monsoon Fairisle Longline Jumper with Recycled Polyester
Pretty in pink, the Monsoon Fairisle Longline Jumper with Recycled Polyester [16] (£65) is one for those who love to clash colours. With an oversized fit, it will work wonders when layering. And, made from recycled polyester, it's a more eco-friendly find, too.
Classy Christmas Jumpers: Yumi Navy Sequin All Over Applique Bow Knitted Jumper
Wolf & Badger is home to a whole host of independent retailers, but Yumi truly excels when it comes to festive knits. This Navy Sequin All Over Applique Bow Knitted Jumper [17] (£70) is simple in design, yet still packs a punch. Bear in mind that it is hand-wash only to ensure it keeps its shape and so the appliqué bows never lose their shine. A great buy that can be worn well into the new year.
Classy Christmas Jumpers: Karen Millen Sequin Fairisle Funnel Neck Jumper
Take the timeless fairisle pattern up a gear and make it sparkle, it is Christmas, after all! The Karen Millen Sequin Fairisle Funnel Neck Jumper [18] (£87.20) is a slim-fit design so works wonders tucked into a pair of wide-leg trousers. The mock neck is super chic, while the velvet and sequin details add a little texture.
Classy Christmas Jumpers: Made With Love by Tom Daley You Win Christmas Jumper
We're huge fans of Tom Daley and the diver-turned-knitting extraordinaire has a great selection of knits on his online store. But, there is a catch. You have to knit them yourself! With eight balls of yarn, knitting needles, yarn needles, and a great set of instructions included, you'll be sure to have your very own Made With Love by Tom Daley You Win Christmas Jumper [19] (£95) in no time. And you can feel extra smug wearing it knowing you put in all the hard work.
Classy Christmas Jumpers: Boden Festive Fair Isle Christmas Jumper
Sitting in between kitsch and cute, the Boden Festive Fair Isle Christmas Jumper [20] (£95) is a colourful take on the festive season. Snowflakes, trees, reindeer, and stars are just some of the Christmas-themed motifs that made for a real dose of dopamine dressing. As far as classy Chrisitmas jumpers go, it's a quirky one that feels perfect for Boxing Day country walks.
Classy Christmas Jumpers: Holland Cooper Longhope Fairisle Knit
This Holland Cooper Longhope Fairisle Knit [21] (£149) has us dreaming of ski seasons in the snow. Crafted from an alpaca and lambswool blend, it's certainly one to snuggle up in. Gold-tone buttons add to the design, while the fairisle print remains the star of the show.
Classy Christmas Jumpers: Chinti & Parker Green Wool-Cashmere Nutcracker Sweater
Crafted from a wool and cashmere blend, the Chinti & Parker Green Wool-Cashmere Nutcracker Sweater [22] (£250) is one that will you'll turn to year after year. The vibrant green colourway makes it instantly Christmassy while providing the perfect backdrop for this cartoon-style nutcracker. Unsurprisingly, it is hand wash or dry clean only, but it should last you a lifetime when properly looked after.
Classy Christmas Jumpers: Shrimps Kennedy Jumper
A Shrimps jumper is for life, not just for Christmas. Shrimps is famous for its fun prints and patterns, and the Kennedy Jumper [23] (£350) is no exception. Made from a Merino wool blend, it's wonderfully warm, and can easily be worn all throughout winter. With a high neck and puff sleeves, it makes for a modern silhouette while the cherry motif is wonderfully kitsch.